Smokey Robinson on Michael Jackson Dying, MJ's Problems Started when Hair Caught Fire (Part 29)

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In this clip, Vlad started off asking Smokey Robinson if he stayed in contact with Michael Jackson before his death in 2009, and Smokey explained that Michael never kept anyone around who said “no.” Smokey added that Michael even distanced himself from family members who corrected him or told him “no.” Vlad then spoke about Michael’s live-in doctor giving him anything he wanted, and Vlad and Smokey spoke about their experience with Propofol, the drug Michael died from. Smokey then added that Michael and Elvis were a lot alike, and he explained that doctors want to be connected to powerful people. Smokey also spoke about Michael never being the same after his hair caught on fire during the Pepsi commercial fiasco. Smokey then revealed that his wife called him crying about Michael dying, which you can hear more about above.

[ktms]

He's one of the few ppl who can be this honest about the situation

[daniellepreyar]

Mr. Robinson is a very wise man. What Michael went through is very heartbreaking. It's wild how many people's lives were impacted by his death.

[chancebrown]

It’s amazing we even still have Smokey Robinson, much less having him not be a senile old man clearly.

[Dzzy]

Smokey is spot-on about the Pepsi accident changing the trajectory of Michael's life. Having to take the pain killers is what started the prescription pill issues. One thing I'd say, though, is that Michael was being taken advantage of by AEG. They knew he wasn't feeling well, and they didn't care.

[ceaflacca]

Smoke from a generation that genuinely cared about other people.

[raynettescoggins]

I can listen to Smokey Robinson talk all day. He has no reason to lie and the stories are educational, historical and life lessons. He has seen, and experienced a lot and he appears humbled.

[Seriousthing]

Even though Smokey said he and Michael hadn't talked in years before his death you can tell that bond wasn't broken and Smokey loved him forever, he spoke about Michael as if that was his own son that tough love he had for Michael in his voice. We all need a ol school take no mess father/grandfather like him.

[kennardojames]

I truly feel for this man. He has seen so many of his closest peers come and go over the years, some I’m sure he didn’t expect to outlive.

[kravethedream]

Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant's passing I will never get over...

[Akumaten]

What Smokey is saying is true.
MJ definitely didn't like being told "NO". And I've heard this from MULTIPLE people who was around MJ.

BUT, I want people to try and understand from Michaels POV.

And smokey alluded to this,

Since being a young child, Michael NEVER had full control of his life.

Between Motown/Berry Gordy, Hollywood business, and his father Joseph-- Michael was ALWAYS told what to DO, what to SAY, what NOT to do and what NOT to say....since the age of 5. There were plenty of these people telling him No, dont to this and that.
and some of that included normal kid stuff...that they said he couldnt be apart of because he was now a big commodity for alot of these money hungry Hollywood people.


He never had any say in his own life.

So when he was finally able to break free, he wanted full control of his life. He was tired of people telling him what to do and what he couldnt do.

Now I'm not saying he didn't make some bad choices, but imagine being told what to do well into your adult life and not being able to make decisions for yourself??

Unfortunately he made Alot of bad decisions and distanced himself some of those people he NEEDED to hear 'NO' from...but can you blame him...?

MJ being robbed of a normal childhood, in addition to the 'abuse' he suffered as a child really had its effect on him.

Mike was too sensitive and not mentally ready for alot of that stuff he went throught at that early of an age. But he was tough....make no mistake about it.

Any other person woulda 'self deleted' as they say....

Michael was definitely wired different.

[DDELE]

This man has outlived a LOT of the giants in the entertainment industry and lives to tell the tale. What a life!

[blakebarberi]

Greatest respect for Smokey Robinson. He just confirmed what Stephanie Mills said about Michael. She said they dated briefly but she was too dark and opinionated for the Handlers he had. She said she would always be honest with MJ and remind him not to lose who he truly was. He stopped speaking to her because she became a No person just like Smokey hinted at. But she said he was always down to earth with her when they we're younger. They do their laundry together. Just laugh and talk. Wish he had kept her and Smokey around. Good interview.👏👏👏

[silentbutdeadly]

Smokey took care of himself an still here to tell his story . Glad to hear it

[williegibson]

Smokey is definitely a real one, a true friend will always keep it 💯 no matter if you're wrong or right.... Vlad definitely one of your best interviews yet!!! ✊🏾

[kjag]

This has to be the most real take on Michael on the internet. Not burying him just keeping it real. You can see in his eyes that he truly and genuinely cared for Michael and is sad to see what became of Michael.

[sassyone]

Wow…Smokey’s explanation is eye opening.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

You gotta love (and appreciate) Mr. Robinson's keen insight, thoughtful commentary and rare candor. The man "knows!" Do you hear me?

[don]

As bad as Michael's body dysmorphia and panic attacks are and should be highlighted in the fight for mental health, drug addiction is a whole 'nother animal with very serious physical implications. After that Pepsi accident, Michael started looking more for pharmaceutical escapes and that was vicious all the way til the end

[KingLouisDaSaint]

Smokey is sharp for an old man! He spoke the truth. Propofol is a helluva drug

[JG_SmileSOBright]

Words cannot describe how wonderful it is to just watch and listen to Smokey. Men from his era were just so damn manly, cool, and confident. I'm making a pot of red beans and just want to offer him a bowl! Makes me miss my Dad and great uncles who have passed on 🥰