Prince Jackson, Philanthropist and Producer | Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson

Added: Sep 1, 2023

Prince explains that his father, Michael Jackson, always emphasized the importance of giving back and helping those in need. He wanted to teach his children the value of using their privilege and blessings to make a positive impact on the world. Prince grew up visiting less privileged areas with his father, who wanted to show him that their lifestyle was not normal and that they had a responsibility to help others.

The Heal LA foundation aims to address issues such as homelessness, child abuse, and child hunger in the Greater Los Angeles area. They provide support to aged-out foster kids who often find themselves homeless after turning 18 and no longer receiving support from the government. The foundation partners with other organizations to find apartments for these young adults and provides them with furniture, TVs, and other essential items to help them transition into independent living.

Michael Jackson's Influence on Prince's Life

Prince Jackson speaks about his father's influence on his life and the unique experiences he had growing up as the son of the King of Pop. He describes his father as a visionary and a musical genius who had a profound impact on the world. Prince recalls how his father would constantly be working on music, even after late-night rehearsals for his tours. He would come home and continue writing and creating songs, showcasing his dedication and passion for his craft.

Prince also talks about his father's humanitarian efforts and how he used his fame and success to give back to the community. Michael Jackson would visit children's hospitals and orphanages during his tours, spending time with terminally ill children and bringing them joy through his music. Prince mentions that his father's music had a unifying message that transcended language and cultural barriers. People from all over the world, even those who didn't speak English, knew and sang his songs.

The Importance of Giving Back to the Community

Prince Jackson emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and using one's privilege to make a positive impact. He believes that it is not enough to simply do charity work for the sake of appearing good or virtuous. Instead, he emphasizes the need for genuine impact and changing individuals' lives for the better.

Prince discusses the wealth gap and the disparity between the rich and the poor, particularly in Los Angeles. He believes that it is crucial to address this gap and help those in need. He mentions that his foundation, Heal LA, focuses on impact and scale rather than simply servicing a certain number of families. The goal is to change individuals' lives and provide them with the inspiration and life skills necessary to chase their dreams.

The Heal LA Foundation

Prince Jackson provides an overview of the Heal LA foundation and its mission. The foundation was co-founded by Prince and aims to help the youth of Greater Los Angeles. They create impactful programs that encourage young people to pursue their dreams while providing them with essential life skills.

The foundation focuses on issues such as homelessness, child abuse, and child hunger. They work with other organizations to find housing for aged-out foster kids and provide them with necessary items to help them transition into independent living. The foundation also partners with non-profits to provide personal hygiene bags and support to those in need.

Prince Jackson expresses his gratitude for the role models in his life, including his grandmother and cousin, who continued to reinforce the values of giving back and making a positive impact even after his father's passing. He believes that it is his duty to continue his father's legacy and use his privilege to help others.

Biopic on Michael Jackson

Prince reveals that a biopic about his father is in the works and that he is involved in the project. The biopic is being produced by Graham King, who had known the Jackson family since the 1970s. Prince explains that King reached out to his father's estate and expressed his interest in telling the story of Michael Jackson. After meeting with King, Prince realized that the filmmaker's approach to storytelling is focused on authenticity and gathering information from people who knew his father. Prince believes that King has captured the most authentic picture of his father and is excited to share his father's story with the world.

Neverland Ranch

During the conversation, Prince Jackson also discusses Neverland Ranch, the famous property owned by his father. He reveals that after his father's death, the family decided to sell the property due to the challenges of maintaining such a large estate. However, they were fortunate that one of his father's friends bought the property and restored it to its original purpose. The new owner uses the property to bring joy to children and families, just as Michael Jackson intended. Prince shares that he still visits the property and enjoys spending time there.

Michael Jackson's Business Acumen

Prince Jackson highlights his father's business acumen and how he was able to leverage his brand to gain more control over his music and career. He explains that Michael Jackson understood the value of his brand and used it to negotiate higher royalty rates with record labels. By doing so, he was able to secure a higher percentage of the profits from his music. Prince admires his father's ability to stand up to the record labels and ensure that he received what he deserved. He also mentions that his father was proud of his accomplishments in the music industry and how he was able to protect his own interests.

Ownership of The Beatles' Catalog

One of the most interesting aspects of Michael Jackson's business ventures was his ownership of The Beatles' catalog. Prince Jackson confirms that his father did indeed purchase the catalog in the 1980s. He explains that Michael Jackson bought it when others told him it was overvalued and too expensive. However, his father saw the value in owning the rights to such iconic music and believed it was a worthwhile investment. Prince mentions that the catalog was later merged with Sony, giving his father access to Sony's artists and expanding his influence in the music industry. He acknowledges that there were different stories surrounding the purchase, including one involving Paul McCartney, but he cannot confirm the details.

Safety Concerns and Threats

Prince Jackson reveals that his father had concerns about his safety and the safety of his family. He explains that Michael Jackson felt he was pissing off the wrong people and that it was putting a target on his back. Prince recalls his father coming home worried about his career, assets, and personal safety. While he does not provide specific details, he suggests that his father faced threats and had to be cautious about his actions and messages. Prince's comments imply that his father's outspokenness and his desire for unity may have made him a target for certain entities.