During a recent interview, Benzino made some bold claims about his experience with Michael Jackson during his feud with Eminem. According to the 57-year-old, the King of Pop himself reached out to him to express gratitude for speaking out against Eminem’s controversial “Just Lose It” music video. Benzino stated that he had a personal connection with Michael Jackson, having met him through Teddy Riley, and that Jackson personally called him to thank him for his commentary on the situation.In addition to thanking Benzino, Michael Jackson also reportedly vented to him about Tommy Mottola, the former Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Group. Benzino took the opportunity to clarify his stance on the role of white people in Hip-Hop, emphasizing that not all white people are to blame and acknowledging their contribution to the genre. However, he also expressed his frustration with the preferential treatment that Eminem received compared to Black rappers.The feud between Michael Jackson and Eminem stemmed from the release of the music video for “Just Lose It” in 2004, which depicted Eminem parodying MJ’s alleged controversies and personal struggles. The video made references to Jackson’s plastic surgeries, his hair catching on fire during a 1984 Pepsi commercial shoot, and his relationships with young boys. Jackson attempted to have the video banned and succeeded in having it removed from BET.Representatives from Eminem’s camp defended the video as a form of artistic expression and criticized Jackson for infringing on the rapper’s freedom of speech. They argued that the references made in the video were meant to be light-hearted and not intended to harm Jackson’s reputation. Despite the controversy surrounding the video, Eminem continued to rise to fame and success in the music industry.As we navigate through the complexities of race and representation in the music industry, it is important to consider the impact of moments like these on the larger cultural landscape. The interactions between Benzino, Michael Jackson, and Eminem shed light on the power dynamics at play and highlight the ongoing discussions around race, power, and privilege in Hip-Hop. Follow us for more insightful content and updates on the latest in music and entertainment news.