News that Michael Jackson has been buried is characterizing a relatively slow news week in the music industry. Personally, the fact that this story has been stretched out oover the course of two months is really getting to me. I’m all for paying tribute to the man and the legend, but it’s getting to the point where “outlets” such as Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood are seeking to capialize on his death. At least, that’s how it appears to me.

In other, I’d even say more important, news Lady Gaga is in Israel after performing there for the first time yesterday. As a Jew myself (or at least someone who was raised Jewish), this is noteworthy to me. It’s nice to know that Israel gets the time of day every now and then from the music industry. Props to Lady Gaga as it must have been easy to pass over Israel considering the ongoing security issues over there.

Lady Gaga has positively taken the world by storm over the past year, and is also set to appear at the music world’s next major event, the MTV Video Music Awards on September 13. Gaga, one of Akon’s Kon Live Distribution artist, is up for a show-high nine titles, which represents a tie with Beyonce, who’s always a threat when it comes to awards. I think it speaks to Gaga’s talent and success that she’s up against Beyonce. May the best singer win.

I do hope Gag wins, not because I hate Beyonce, but I can appreciate her music more. When it comes down to rhythm and blues or pop, I’d choose pop as the lesser of the two evils. As such, I don’t think I’m necessarily a Lady Gaga fan. I mean, I wouldn’t be caught dead buying The Fame, but that’s admittedly because I’m hung up on keeping appearances as a rock fan (yes, I’m superficial). I will likewise admit that “Poker Face” and “Paparazzi” are pretty decent tracks. If they were simply the MTV Music Awards, I think she’d be a lock to win, but because they award the qwuality of the videos, I think it’s very much up in the air who will come away with most awards. Good luck to Lady Gaga.

Peace out,
M.C.