Spike Lee Revives 'Brooklyn Loves MJ' Dance Party in Fort Greene Park
Spike Lee is bringing back the highly anticipated Michael Jackson celebration to his hometown of Brooklyn. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker is reviving the "Brooklyn Loves MJ" dance party at Fort Greene Park on August 29. DJ Spinna, a Brooklyn native, will be in charge of the music for the free daylong event, running from noon to 7 p.m. Lee announced the return of the block party on his social media platforms on August 16, after a three-year hiatus. The last in-person event was held in 2023, with the 2024 edition taking place virtually. Lee hinted at the party's return through social media posts featuring the "Bk Loves MJ" emblem and images of Jackson and himself.
The inaugural "Brooklyn Loves MJ" party was held in August 2009, shortly after Jackson's passing in June of the same year. Lee, who had collaborated with Jackson in the past, originally planned to host the event at Fort Greene Park but had to relocate it to Prospect Park due to the expected large turnout. The first two parties drew tens of thousands of fans to Prospect Park. Over the years, Lee has organized the celebration at various Brooklyn locations, including Restoration Plaza in Bed-Stuy and Stuyvesant Avenue, the setting of his film "Do the Right Thing." The block parties are typically scheduled around Jackson's August 29 birthday.
As a lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, Spike Lee has deep ties to the King of Pop. He directed two short films/music videos for Jackson's 1996 single, "They Don't Care About Us," with the Brazil version surpassing a billion views on YouTube. Lee also helmed the posthumous video for "This Is It," the song accompanying Jackson's concert documentary of the same name. Following Jackson's passing, Lee directed documentaries on Jackson's solo albums, including "Bad 25" in 2012 and "Michael Jackson's Journey From Motown to Off the Wall" in 2016. The resurgence of "Brooklyn Loves MJ" coincides with a renewed interest in Jackson's legacy, highlighted by the success of the biopic "Michael" and the resurgence of his iconic album "Thriller" on the music charts.
In conclusion, Spike Lee's "Brooklyn Loves MJ" dance party is making a comeback to Fort Greene Park, celebrating the legacy of Michael Jackson. The event, set for August 29, will feature DJ Spinna and promises a day of music and festivities for fans of the King of Pop. Lee's deep connection to Jackson and his commitment to honoring the music icon's legacy make this block party a must-attend event for all Jackson enthusiasts.