Entertainment
Michael Jackson’s nephew Taj fumes after Harry Styles is hailed ‘new king of pop’: ‘My uncle earned it’-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
Rolling Stone bestowed the moniker on Harry on their latest cover.
Taj (l) was upset after Harry Styles was dubbed the ‘new king of pop’ despite Michael Jackson famously having the nickname (Picture: Getty Images)
Michael Jackson’s nephew Taj Jackson was far from thrilled to find Harry Styles had been dubbed the ‘new king of pop’.
Former One Direction singer Harry appears on the new cover of Rolling Stone magazine, with an accompanying interview proving to be his most revealing yet, as the pop star discusses his sexuality and plans to have children with girlfriend Olivia Wilde.
It also includes quite a magnificent spread of photos showing Harry, 28, posing with feathers, and wearing an array of outfits such as psychedelic tights, glittery shorts and cosy knitwear.
However, it’s the words on the cover which has drawn scrutiny as Harry is seen posing topless in a pair of glitzy pink shorts and the most chic oversize white fur coat (while holding a cake with candles), and the headline: ‘How the new King of Pop set the music world aflame.’
It struck the wrong chord with Taj, whose late uncle Jackson was famously known as the king of pop, due to being one of the biggest-selling artists in history.
Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50.
Harry Styles graces the cover of the latest issue of Rolling Stone UK (Picture: Rolling Stone UK)
Jackson, who died in 2009, was famously known as the king of pop thanks to his historic career (Picture: CBS via Getty Images)
Reacting to the headline, Taj, 49, tweeted: ‘There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice.
‘The title has been retired.
‘No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title.’
Referring to Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley, Taj added: ‘Notice how they never crown someone “The new boss” or “the new king”.’
Many agreed with Taj’s sentiments, with one follower commenting: ‘I’m a huge harry styles fan but no. He is not the new king of pop. There is no new king of pop.’
Taj aired his feelings out in a tweet (Picture: @tajjackson3, Twitter)
Harry is enjoying a stunning run of solo success (Picture: Rex Features)
Another weighed in: ‘Amen to that! i don’t know what obsession everyone has on replacing mike like ?? be creative and give them other titles, it’s not that hard istg.’
One other suggested: ‘People should break Michael Jackson’s Thriller album sales figures first.’
Highlighting Jackson’s achievements in music, another tweeted: ‘Michael Jackson didn’t break records, racial barriers, set the blueprint and standards for a lot of modern music and miss out on his entire childhood for y’all to sit here and call Harry Styles ‘the new king of pop’ :/ and ily Harry but, no sorry lol.’
Others pointed out that Rolling Stone also dubbed Justin Timberlake ‘the new king of pop’ when he graced their cover in 2003.
Harry is currently promoting his most recent chart-topping album, Harry’s House, and his role in upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling, directed by his girlfriend Wilde.
Read Harry Styles’ full interview in Rolling Stone UK.
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