The Tragedy Of Gary Coleman's Existence

CLEVELAND - For the past 20 years, one of the most well-known cautionary tales of modern pop culture history has been the travails and tragedies of the child actors of TV's Diff'rent Strokes. While it is true that the dark side of Hollywood helped facilitate their downfall, it doesn't compare to what life dealt Gary Coleman long before the world had ever heard of him.

Such a shame.

Coleman, a seminal figure of 1980's pop culture as well as my own childhood died yesterday at the extremely young, yet shockingly old age of 42. Since he was born with a cognitive kidney disease, he always seemed fated to die very young. Many people claimed that they were surprised he lived as long as he did, but in actuality, I'm not so sure that Gary Coleman ever lived at all. By that I mean this: his disease caused him to forever remain very short in stature, as an adult he was just 4' 8." Saddled with that hurdle, he was already at a disadvantage. Add in the fact that after Diff'rent Strokes ended its television run in 1986, his life became one tough break after another.

His earnings from the show had totaled into the multi-millions, yet he was flat broke as a result of reckless spending and irresponsible management by his parents. This destitute status, combined with the very limited roles he could play due to his size made him something of an irrelevant figure in show business. He was seen as the "washed-up" has-been whose claim to fame was his iconic "Whatchoo talkin' bout, Willis?" catchphrase immortalized on Diff'rent Strokes. By the start of the 1990's, Coleman was already becoming a punchline amongst comics and the general public. He began to behave bitterly and almost always appeared angry. As his former co-stars suffered through drug addiction, criminal charges and the fallout from various other poor choices, Coleman's torture continued to be what he was born with; a major health setback that would compromise both his social life as well as his ceiling as an actor. Indeed, he burst onto the scene in the mid-1970's, pint-sized and cherubic and filled with stunning comedic brilliance. He hadn't even reached the age of 10 and he was already doing guest spots on major television sitcoms as well as co-starring in several television movies.

When NBC's Diff'rent Strokes ascended in popularity as the 1980's dawned, the precocious and quick-witted Coleman was the cornerstone of its appeal. Every one of my peers and cousins enjoyed the series and its revolutionary premise of two poor Black kids being adopted by a wealthy White businessman. To myself and my best friend and cousin, Coleman's Arnold Jackson was an icon. From his zingers to his afro with the "driveway part" in it, he was something of a friend and peer that we never could meet. Though Coleman was about a decade older than us, he always seemed to be on our level age wise.  To this day, we talk about Arnold and Willis and the unseen-but-still-ominous bully The Gooch as well as Shavar Ross' Dudley.

Coleman was and will always be indelible.

I also thought about the ironic similarities between Gary Coleman and the great Michael Jackson. Both were devoid of a true childhood because of the demands on their pre-eminence in show business. Both were ultra popular in the early 1980's, then became the butt of an endless array of jokes. Both died at very early ages, then became heavily fawned over in death after nearly two decades of decreasing popularity. Of course, Jackson's popularity went above and beyond anything ever seen in pop culture history (with the possible exception of The Beatles), but the similarities are still stunning.

It's worth mentioning that Coleman was never an iconic actor in the vein of an Al Pacino or Denzel Washington. He simply played an iconic character on a popular television series. Nonetheless, he was still a force and an important figure in entertainment because what he created in Arnold Jackson more than 30 years ago remains memorable and influential today and beyond. It's a shame that his life during his final two decades was essentially in ruins. However, he made an impact and his legacy will endure.

I hope his tortured soul is finally at peace.

'The Marshall Mathers LP' Turned Eminem Into Cultural Icon

CLEVELAND - With bleach blonde hair and pale white skin, Eminem stood in the middle of a New York street attired in a wife beater tank top, baggy sweat pants and a pair of white sneakers. Moments later, he led dozens of similar-in-appearance young men into Radio City Music Hall while rapping into a wireless microphone the lyrics to "The Real Slim Shady," his 2nd studio album's lead single. In that moment, he was the king of both pop music and hip-hop.

We were witnessing a movement, people.

That "movement" took place during the 2000 MTV VMA's in New York City three and a half months after Eminem's second album, The Marshall Mathers LP debuted. Today marks the 10th anniversary of that landmark release which is still regarded as Eminem's finest work to date. From the stunning and controversial lyrics on the album to the litany of protests it created, it was a masterpiece of writing, imagination, brutal honesty and production. Eminem wasn't just at the apex of his popularity, he was masterminding a cultural shift in two separate music genres simultaneously.

Wow.

After Em's major label debut The Slim Shady LP debuted in early 1999, he was hailed as a stupendous wordsmith with a twisted sense of humor. His themes were often dark, but they were delivered in a way that made it seem as though he was just being hyperbolic or jokey. Indeed, that first album was violent but it was cartoonish and seemed too over-the-top to be anything real. But on The Marshall Mathers LP, it's never really clear if Eminem is being silly or if he's telling the brutal truth. He opens the album threatening to rape and kill his mom and later in the album, he actually does murder his daughter's mother. In between, Eminem disparages homosexuals and numerous figures in pop music while also taking the media to task and sneering at his critics.

Not only is the album a classic, it also showcases Eminem at his most skillful and vitriolic. What I most admire about it is the way he comes out shooting with a purpose and with the intent to make a statement. He pulls no punches, bites no tongues and never holds back. He knows he's going to offend many people and he simply doesn't care. He's going to deliver his perspective on things regardless and sees no point in self-censorship. Personally, I don't think he has ever been as ambitious as he was on this album, but that's okay. He still crafted tons of great music since then. But on The Marshall Mathers LP, he gave hardcore rap and hip-hop a brand new face with his re-imagining of the genre and made many would-be naysayers and doubters respect his unfettered brilliance.

And it transformed him from star to cultural icon.

Tracks that really stand out to me; "Stan" is a stunningly ingenious song that features a written correspondence between Eminem and an obsessed fan, who unbeknowst to Em has already committed suicide by the time the fan's letter arrives to his hero. "The Way I Am" is a rant against Eminem's critics and fans alike, both of whom he has little patience for. Every song is brilliant in different ways, but "Kim" is disturbingly brilliant, not because Eminem delivers it in an infuriated, raspy tone and yells for most of it. Rather, he simulates a fiery domestic dispute with his "baby momma" which ends in her murder. In many ways, it's a very resonant song and is a perfect example of what Eminem himself does so well; depict the harsh realities of his real life with stunning detail and honesty.

Among the great accomplishments of this masterpiece album, it earned a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records by selling nearly 2 million copies in the U.S. in its first week alone! It has also been critically acclaimed by countless publications as being one of the best albums in history.

A month from now, Eminem will release Recovery, his sixth professional solo album. From what I can tell, it seems like it will be a return to the searing lyrical dominance that defined his first three classics, but was mostly absent from his last two. Whatever the case, Eminem's eminence will remain untouchable.

Without question.

27 Years Ago Today: Michael Jackson Transcends Pop Culture

CLEVELAND - If there was a single moment that propelled Michael Jackson to the very top of the music industry, American pop culture and showcased his stunning repertoire of talent, style and polish, it was without a doubt the evening that Motown Records broadcast their 25th anniversary special on NBC television.

The night belonged to him, hands down.

It was 27 years ago today that Michael ascended to the highest peak of his stunning brilliance while firing on all cylinders. His historic performance of his new song "Billie Jean" remains a seminal moment in pop culture history and more than anything else illustrated his trademark iconography in perfect detail. The television special, entitled "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever" featured numerous stars from the landmark record label's past. From Smokey Robinson to Diana Ross and the Supremes, it was a who's who of black musical dominance of the 1960's and '70's. The Jackson 5, who had joined the label in 1968 as a group of teens and pre-teens were slated to perform but Michael was initially against it.

At the time of the show's taping in March 1983, Michael Jackson was fast becoming the pre-eminent figure in music by a mile. His four-month old album Thriller was just starting to set shocking sales records and his music video brilliance had only a month prior become a public obsession. In short, Michael was a huge deal times a thousand. Meanwhile, as his luminosity grew in intensity, his brothers seemed more and more irrelevant. Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. pleaded with MJ to join his brothers on stage to celebrate the 25th anniversary and Michael agreed on the condition that he be allowed to perform the aforementioned "Billie Jean."

Of course, Gordy agreed.

Evidence of Michael's leverage at the time was obvious in that Gordy allowed the new song on the show in spite of the fact that it was the only non-Motown song in the show. Michael also requested full control over the camera angles used during his solo because he wanted audiences at home to experience it the way he saw fit.

Very shrewd.

The performance itself was a sight to behold. First off, MJ segued from a Jackson 5 medley with his brothers into the solo by placing a fedora atop his head, brim tilted down over his eyes while holding it there and striking a pose. The "Billie Jean" rhythm filled the arena and Michael began thrusting his hips, kicking his leg and pirouetting while executing precision footwork. He tossed his fedora into the crowd, mimed an ultra-cool hair comb then slyly grabbed the microphone and went into the song's first verse. The entire time, his footwork is mesmerizing as he keeps them moving and sliding while his upper body rocks to the groove.

The entire moment feels like history is being made and that Michael Jackson is completely unassailable in the field of song and dance. His stage presence is so phenomenally jaw-dropping that his breathtaking music videos almost seem like a rip-off by comparison. Michael's fashion sense jumps out at you during his masterful performance as well. He sports Black America's latest fad hairstyle; the Jheri-curl. But Michael's isn't like anyone else's. His curl has a few strands that hang down over his forehead and he has "baby hair" along his sideburns. He's five months from his 25th birthday at the time of filming and he has a handsome, brown skin toned face.

He is attired in a very sparkly, rhinestone adorned black shirt and black sequined jacket. He has basic black pants on that are cropped at the ankles to showcase very sparkly rhinestone socks inside his black penny loafers. One white rhinestone glove is worn on his right hand and the entire costume immediately becomes one of his most indelible, signature looks. It all made him look like a larger-than-life entertainer with such colossal talent that everyone else in the industry was essentially playing for second place.

Which he was.

Of course, this legendary performance was the very first time that Michael unveiled his soon-to-be-trademark dancestep "the moonwalk," which he did twice during the song. It was also the first time his single white glove went public. This performance represented him in all his splendor and rising fast to the peak of his powers. The following day after the show, Michael was praised and fawned over by older entertainers that he grew up idolizing as well as millions of fans who immediately flooded stores to get their MJ gear.

Needless to say, this iconic performance fueled the Thriller album into selling unthinkable numbers of copies. It also signaled the unofficial beginning of "Michaelmania" which lasted for another year and a half. He became a cultural obsession. His music was played repeatedly everywhere while replicas of his jackets, shades and glove became instant sellouts. MJ posters and pins were ubiquitous and endless magazine space was dedicated to him.

Those reasons are exactly why I love 1983 so much and look back on that time with great fondness. The world will never forget Michael Jackson, and "Motown 25" is one of the biggest reasons why.

Without question.

LeBron: Legend In The Faking?

CLEVELAND - Less than two days after the fact, the shock of LeBron James' flame-out continues to puzzle me far more than his top ranked Cleveland Cavaliers losing their series to the rejuvenated Boston Celtics. I'm not even focused on his super-hyped free agency.

His legacy is far more important.

In the stunning Game 5 loss in Cleveland that ignited heavy national debate, LeBron had a lousy game. But as I've mentioned before, it was his lousy effort that was the problem. True, his teammates could have played much better and given him more support. But LeBron is their leader and he sets the tone. It's him that's on the commercials, on talk shows, on the All-NBA 1st Team. It's him that is league MVP for two years running. It's him that has broken records since his rookie season. In other words, his brilliance and status means that he has the responsibility of dominating. Of being excellent even when the shots aren't falling.

Game 6 in Boston seemed promising initially as he came out very aggressive. He still shot poorly but amazingly managed a high triple-double (27 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists). Those numbers tell a huge lie because James still deferred too much to lesser teammates and played listlessly for three quarters. In the 4th, it seemed as if he was going to go on an offensive binge as he rallied the Cavs by nailing back-to-back cocky 3-pointers. Turns out, it was just a tease as the Celtics pushed their lead back into double figures in no time flat.

With a nagging elbow injury suffered weeks ago, LeBron's shooting woes could have had a valid excuse. However, he refused to mention it as a serious impediment to his offensive game. Even if it was a huge hindrance, it doesn't explain his limp body language, detachment and lack of determination. Remember, those final two games were huge in their importance and the biggest legends in history would have emphatically inflicted their will upon the games. LeBron seemed disinterested in the outcome both times which directly contradicts what he's always been as a basketball megastar.

Since Michael Jordan set the standard for what an NBA legend should achieve, how they should perform and how relentless they should be, it's inevitable that comparisons to him would arise. The NBA playoffs are where MJ made his legend. Even when his teammates were lousy and non-existent, Jordan still stamped the most critical games with his influence, aura and mythology. LeBron has been a regular season darling for years and his team has been the best for the past two seasons. But this playoff series against Boston has exposed LeBron as a pretender. No legend quits (or plays at half-speed) the way he obviously did those final two games which makes one wonder just how committed to his own legacy is he?

There's never any shame in losing or even having a bad game. But there is a truckload of shame when the losing was fueled by your leader, your ace and your cornerstone. For a man so phenomenal, LeBron James sure sucks as a potential legend.

For now, at least.

LeBron As Quitter Is Unforgivable

CLEVELAND - I began watching last night's Cavaliers-Celtics game with the assumption that the newly crowned MVP LeBron James would put his fingerprints all over it. You know, by dominating from the opening tip and forcing Boston to beg for mercy by the time it was all over.

How foolish was I?

It wasn't so much that James had a very uncharacteristic 15 points on a putrid 3-of-14 shooting performance from the floor. It wasn't even the stunning numbers which read across the scoreboard at night's end; Celtics 120, Cavs 88. It was far bigger than all of that.

LeBron James was a coward and a quitter. Period.

I absolutely never figured I would see that from him, let alone write those words. But his listless performance, during which he seemed to be totally detached from the massacre that was happening to his team was as jaw dropping as one of his scintillating drives to the basket. His body language sagged and he seemed to avoid getting involved in the offense. Instead, he focused on setting his mis-firing teammates up which is fine on most nights, but is absolutely idiotic in a Game 5 at home with a series tied at 2-2. What's worse is the fact that Boston was clearly on a roll, Ray Allen was dropping 3-point bombs like a raging alcoholic drops shots of free whiskey in a bar. None of that forced LeBron's hand and given his colossal status in the league and larger-than-life basketball brilliance, it did not add up in any way, shape or form.

I understand that even icons have bad games. I was a student of Michael Jordan's career and even he had nightmare games. But Jordan NEVER quit, nor did he ever look disinterested. Put Jordan in the same position as LeBron was in last night, and MJ would've at worst shot the ball 25 or 30 times and even if he was way off on his shot, he would've gotten to the free throw line a good 20 times. LeBron wasn't anywhere near aggressive enough to do that. In fact, he showed zero leadership and let his team and city down.

He quit before he even began.

There has been an incredible amount of speculation as to whether James will stay in Cleveland or bolt to another team in free agency this summer. All I know is, if he does leave the Cavs, the respect that I have had for him all these years will drop precipitously. For a man so phenomenal in the game of basketball, his character would be equally disgusting. This city made him, not the other way around. If he leaves, it couldn't be justified by saying he's frustrated at not winning. It will make him look like a petulant brat who just happens to be an outstanding hoopster.

I hope I'm as wrong about him on this as I was about last night's game.

Remembering Jordan's Historic Cavs Killer

CLEVELAND -  Michael Jordan used a crossover dribble to get open for a most critical inbounds pass, then deftly split two eager defenders as he dribbled urgently to his left. He stopped at the foul circle, jumped and aimed the basketball at the hoop. He hung, double pumped and shot the ball over the valiant, yet futile defense of Craig Ehlo.

Buzzer sounds. All net.

It was a hard-to-believe 21 years ago today that the aforementioned events took place in the space of just a few seconds on a basketball court 30 miles south of Downtown Cleveland. Jordan, a 26-year old basketball juggernaut famously authored what is still succinctly known as "The Shot," and the impact of that game and that moment had been felt for many years afterwards. It changed the fortunes of the two franchises involved; Cleveland's Cavaliers and Chicago's Bulls. For the Bulls, it infused a great surge of confidence and catapulted them to a second round ouster of the New York Knicks and a very courageous stand against the eventual champion Detroit Pistons. Within two years, Chicago evolved into NBA champions themselves and dominated the 1990's with six titles in eight years.

The Cavs, meanwhile were never as imposing or outstanding as they were during the 1988-89 NBA season. Jordan's demoralizing shot seemed to deflate their air of excellence. Cleveland had a couple good seasons in the early part of the '90's, but mostly, they fell apart and became bland and very beatable. Their fortunes seemed to be looking up in 1997 when they acquired all-star Shawn Kemp, but his one good season was followed by more team mediocrity.

It all hit bottom in 2002-03 when the Cavs finished with a horrible 17-65 record. That season's awful showing had a silver lining, though. Highly coveted prep star LeBron James was the top prize in the 2003 NBA draft and the Cavs, through pure luck earned the first pick. Of course, they drafted James and four years later, they advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time ever. They wound up losing to the Spurs in a 4-0 sweep, but they are currently among the favorites to capture the 2010 NBA title.

Even though a generation has passed since MJ's heroics, the after effects still amaze me. It was the first, truly clutch moment of his career, and it can be argued that it set the table for the path to LeBron.

I know that thinking is out of this world, but so was The Shot.

LeBron Captures Second Straight MVP, But...

CLEVELAND - He's the best basketball player on the planet. He also happens to be an increasingly powerful brand with a transcendence that only few have ever possessed. And now, LeBron James is on the fast track to becoming one of the very best hoopsters in NBA history.

And he's only seven years in.

James, 25 earned his second consecutive league MVP award yesterday for yet another stupendous season of statistical and skillful excellence. He led his Cleveland Cavaliers to a 61-21 record and with it, the number one overall seed in the playoffs. The Cavs ousted the Chicago Bulls in Round 1 and went up 1-0 on Saturday in their current series with the Boston Celtics. Game 2 is tonight in Cleveland, which is when Commissioner David Stern will present LeBron with the trophy that represents the intersecting of a great individual talent and awesome team success.

I love LeBron's commitment to excellence. I love his game and his well-understood swagger. I think his career has been one astonishing feat after another. I absolutely agree with his choice as this season's MVP and I arch my brow every time someone says that L.A.'s Kobe Bryant is still the best in the game.

What puzzles and annoys me about LeBron is his game. Brilliant as it is...I can't understand why he doesn't utilize his best offensive gifts more than he does. The way he sometimes plays the game offensively can make a Cavs fan want to jump off a bridge. He is unassailable on his freight-train moves to the basket and he has an endless list of advantages when he operates in the low-post. But time and again, LeBron resorts to very ill-advised shots from 25 to 30 feet away, sometimes falling out of bounds. He also has a tendency to dribble too much when isolated at the top of the key with a defender, almost as if he has to over-dribble just to set up his breakdown move. Problem is, LeBron is awesome and skilled enough to where he doesn't need to go through all of that.

LeBron typically shoots an average of five three-pointers per game. That is an obscene number of shots that comes from his least effective place on the court. Yes, he has made a truckload of those wild, far away shots...but they will always be the weaker choice for a guy who is all but unstoppable in the other areas of the floor. This may sound dumb, but just because those shots go in, doesn't stop them from being bad, poor quality or ill-advised. For a man so prodigiously talented and smart, he should be better with his decision making.

All of this seems trivial and petty when his stats are examined. In spite of his often horrible shot selection, he shot a career best from the floor. That just serves to prove that stats don't always tell the whole story.

In closing, I need to make it clear that I am not condemning LeBron. I am praising the man for being so incredible. I am celebrating his 2nd straight MVP win. But I still wanna know why the best player in the world is still so....flawed.

We should all be as flawed as he is.