Today, August 29th 2009, marks what would have been Michael Jackson's 51st birthday. To celebrate the date and the legacy of MJ and the King of Pop's music there are numerous parties planned for this day in various cities, including San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

In LA tonight QuestLove of the mighty Roots (who killed it the one time I saw them play live at Amoeba Hollywood two years ago -- see pics here) is overseeing the Remember the TIme special MJ birthday party tonight with a three hour set along with DJs Vikter Duplaix, Rashida and Loslito at The Church in downtown LA. The party starts at 10pm and goes til 4am. 21+ $20 admission or $15 if you send an RSVP message here by 6pm. The Church is located at 606 E. 6th St. at the corner of Crocker, and one block east of San Pedro.

In San Francisco tonight at Yoshi's A-List Musiq Circle & Mohogany Events are presenting what they have dubbed "The Official Bay Area Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration" with music by Rick & Russ Show. The event is an after party for the sold out Mint Condition show also at Yoshi's.   Those with ticket stubs from that show get a $5 discount on the $10 admission tag. Doors 9:30pm. Party til 2am. Yoshi's is located at 1330 Fillmore Street. Also tonight at 9pm at The Madrone at 500 Divisidero in San Francisco there will be a screening of the new MJ tribute video above by Naplam Clique's Unity and Trevor that was directed and edited by Trevor Parham for Eklectyk Creative Media and includes the MJ eulogy speech by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

The first roommate I had here in LA was completely out of her mind. We’re talking a real nut. I won’t go too far into details, but I will say skydiving without a parachute would have been more pleasurable than living with that woman. Her little sister, on the other hand, who used to frequently visit from NY, was the polar opposite; she was well read, sociable, easy to please, giggled perpetually, she didn’t steal my stuff, and she found enjoyment in sharing things. One thing she shared with me was here love for a local emcee from her hometown, Amanda Diva. I was unaware of her at the time, but completely open to discovering new music. She played this track for me called “40 Emcees,” and my head spun.


Now, nearly three years after my first encounter, I see and hear Amanda Diva almost everywhere, from her show on her YouTube spot, Diva Speak TV, to here guest appearance on Q-tip’s album, to her blog, to The Roots, to Floetry. I tracked Miss Diva down to chat her up about female emcees, the First family, the Internet and her new EP Spandex, Rhymes, & Soul.

What is a diva to you?