Shawn Stockman's On That Note
Shawn Stockman's On That Note

Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” | Jemele Hill on Prince, Sade & MJ

7 min
•Jan 5, 20265 months ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Host Shawn Stockman discusses Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature' with guest Jemele Hill, who shares her top five artists of all time including Prince, Michael Jackson, Sade, Mary J. Blige, and Aretha Franklin. The conversation explores these iconic artists' cultural impact and Hill's personal connection to their music.

Insights
  • Sade's mystique and selective public presence contribute to her enduring cultural appeal and fan devotion
  • Prince's visual branding through iconic imagery became ubiquitous in popular culture during his era
  • Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature' remains a culturally significant work worthy of deep artistic discussion
  • Personal connection to music through physical media like posters shapes lasting artistic influence
  • Professional expertise in music performance requires deep knowledge of artistic cues and execution
Trends
Resurgence of interest in classic R&B and soul artists among contemporary audiencesArtist mystique and selective visibility as a branding strategy in musicNostalgia-driven content consumption around iconic 1980s-90s musicCross-genre influence of Prince, Michael Jackson, and Sade on modern artistsPodcast format as platform for deep-dive music criticism and artist appreciation
Topics
Michael Jackson's 'Human Nature' song analysisPrince's cultural impact and visual brandingSade's artistic mystique and career trajectoryMary J. Blige's influence on R&BAretha Franklin's legacyTop artists of all time rankingsMusic nostalgia and 1980s-90s pop cultureArtist poster culture and fan connectionProfessional music performance techniquesBook promotion and author platforms
People
Jemele Hill
Guest discussing her top five artists of all time and sharing personal stories about music influence
Michael Jackson
Discussed as one of the greatest artists of all time; 'Human Nature' is analyzed in detail
Prince
Featured in Hill's top five artists; discussed for cultural impact and iconic visual branding
Sade
Included in Hill's top five artists; praised for mystique and selective public presence
Mary J. Blige
Included in Hill's top five artists of all time
Aretha Franklin
Included in Hill's top five artists of all time
Shawn Stockman
Host of the podcast who engages in discussion about music and artists with guest
Quotes
"She disappears every, she emerges every 20 years, and I love this for her. She's amazing."
Jemele Hill•Early in episode
"That's a true professional right there."
Shawn Stockman•After singing segment
"She's that motherfucking dope."
Shawn Stockman•Closing remarks about guest
Full Transcript
At Betwey Casino, Kelley Brooke is our casino ambassador. For all new customers, stake 20 pounds and get 150 free spins. Download the Betwey Casino app today. He's tuning the guitar. Can we get your top five artists of all time? We got sports and love sports in, but can we get your top? We know what you hate. Okay, top five artists is all time. Mark, you're not gonna be in this. Prince, Michael Jackson, Shade. Shade, yes. Yes, we were talking about mystery, that woman. I don't know, she 28, 38, 48, 6, 8, 7, 8. She's all of that. No one knows. She disappears every, she emerges every 20 years, and I love this for her. She's amazing. Yeah, I agree. Prince, Shade, MJ. Mary J. Blige. MJB. Okay. And a wreath of Franklin. Let's go. All right. Let's go. Beautiful. You know, I was about to mention that, because in your book as well, you said that you had two posters on your wall. This is true. This is true. Being Prince with the flower with the open-prop and shirt. I remember that. I do remember that poster, because it used to be in practically every record store. Yeah, everybody's room. So, and we mentioned Mr. Michael Jackson. You recognize it? Oh, yeah. Human nature. Looking out across the nighttime, the city winks asleep with sight. Here are boys. Shake my window. Sweet, sundu-sensize. Get me out and do the nighttime. For walls won't hold me tonight. Oh, if this town is just in that book, get ready. Then let me take a bite. If they say, why? Hey, tell them that it's human nature. Why? Why? Does it do me that way? If they say, why? Why? So, I can't say that. I can't say that. Why? Has he do me that way? There we go. We got you now singing. This is the world. Give it up, we're doing that. I'm about to get gloriously awosted on it. I wasn't really singing. She said why. The way she did it well. You made it to ask the pro that you are. That's a good guy. You make even the worst of us as you are. Well, you did it right. You knew. I knew the cues. She knew the cue. I knew the point. You see, that's a true professional right there. Please, take. Is that the first time you've had to sing? Ever that I can recall. I'm like another first. I was like, I've never had to do that. I did not join choir. When I grew up in church, none of that. Another first. I knew my testimony. Anywhat next. That's so sure. Hey, make sure you guys, please pick up her book. It's called Uphill. It's an amazing more and more about her story and how she became the amazing woman that we all know and love. Please pick it up and please support her podcast, support her network, support everything she does because she's that motherfucking dope. So one month, give it up for you. Make sure you like, subscribe. You know, all of that good stuff you normally do in podcasts like this. I appreciate you all. Peace and love. We'll see you. Hey y'all. And that was on that note. Hope you guys enjoyed it. And if you did, here's a couple more videos for you to check out. Do not forget to like, comment, and subscribe.