Earlier this month, director John Singleton was in New York City for the American Black Film Festival and talked about how he came to direct the video for “Remember the Time” for Michael Jackson from his Dangerous album.
Singleton recalled being awakened by a phone call at about 3 a.m. He says he answered the phone, and a high-pitched voice asked “Is this John?” to which he replied yes. “This is Michael Jackson I want you to do my next video.”
Singleton then called his agent and told him about the call, and his agent set up a meeting with Jackson and his team. Singleton was a bit thrown off in the meeting, because when he referenced the phone conversation the two had, Jackson responded “I didn’t call you.” Still, the meeting continued, and Singleton asked Jackson if he’s seen Boyz N the Hood to which the King of Pop responded, “I don’t like Black violent movies.”
Thankfully for Singleton, when he started to toss ideas out, Jackson was pleased. “I don’t want to put nothing but black people in it,” Singleton said, and Jackson was in agreement. The video stars actor Eddie Murphy, model Iman, and Hall of Fame basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, among others.
Soon thereafter, Singleton mentioned the encounter with Jackson to his friend, actor Lloyd Avery, who John appropriately describes as “the guy who kills Ricky in Boyz N the Hood, and Avery said, “you know I prank called you?”
So Singleton, very proudly says, “so I got “Remember the Time” because my friend prank called me.”
We all could use friends like that in our lives! Rest in peace to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson; and also to Lloyd Avery, who is also deceased.
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