Only a select few are able to make the world stop turning. The late Michael Jackson was one of those people. As the world faced his death, millions stopped in their tracks observed days of repeat tributes and music videos.

His recent and unexpected passing stunned us all for at least a moment or two. Even if you weren’t a fan of the King of Pop, the incessant television shows and headlines over the last few days have made us all look at his life and legacy. In spite of some of Jackson’s bizarre behavior, he has left a permanent mark on pop culture that we can’t escape even after his death.

But while we are trapped within this pop culture flashback, we should give credit where it is due.

Whether you liked Jackson’s music or not, millions of other people across the globe did, and it showed with numerous record breaking album sales. Along with his over the top record sales, his multiple Grammy and Billboard awards speak loud enough.

As for video killing the radio star, this was certainly not the case for Michael Jackson and his music videos. He thrived with the visual representations of his music. Videos made by Jackson were embellished beyond belief, with some lasting more than ten minutes, and costing record amounts of money.

His creativity can be compared with a select few due to its high-caliber and distinctive nature. It was like Elvis Presley all over again when his scandalous dance moves melted the dance floor. His style was unlike anything anyone had ever seen or will see again.

I’m hardly Jackson’s number one fan, one must admit that he holds a big place in pop culture, as well as in many memories from our generation.

No one can forget the ‘Thriller’ music video, or that stupid song that he made for the movie ‘Free Willy’. As ludicrous as it sounds, Michael Jackson’s music was an irrevocable part of our youth and with his death comes the loss of an icon.

His ideas about music, dance and style captivated and revolutionized the nation. He broke down racial barriers while inventing the moonwalk. The man deserves credit for his accomplishments, even if they were over shadowed by his questionable conduct in the later years of his life. If viewed solely as an artist, Jackson falls nothing short of genius.

His most recent behavior seemed to be as shocking as his initial launch into the solo career. Flanked by bizarre names for his children and allegations of molestation, much of the public became lost in the paparazzi heyday, and forgot why Jackson had become famous to begin with.

We often forget what it would be like to be constantly under the surveillance and scrutiny of the public eye. I’m not saying Jackson deserves to hide behind the pity card, because he did in fact take part in some questionable behavior. Nevertheless, Jackson’s musical and overall artistic genius should not be forgotten and buried under his paparazzi persona.

Jackson was able to make the world stop, whether it was with his one of a kind voice and dance moves or with his peculiar behavior. And while the world keeps on turning after the late icon’s death, he was able to stop it one more time.