Michael Jackson Dies, the News Almost Brings Down the Internet

While this may not have too much in common with p2p, we cannot overlook either the tragic event itself or its impact on the digital world.

Yes, the ‘King of Pop’ is dead but just turning on the TV or, better yet, checking a while on the Web, even on the p2p networks , one will only see a flame that has long ago surpassed its creator and which is still burning thanks to millions of people who have loved this artist for his music and dancing and will continue to do so from now on as well.

Within hours since the announcement of his death was made, the Internet was so overwhelmed by the massive searching for anything related to Michael Jackson, that first it got very slow as people all over the world rushed to check out news accounts of Michael Jacksons death and ultimately saw lots of websites crash. Even Google admitted that it went down for 14 minutes. BitTorrent networks also saw countless file-sharers downloading Michael Jackson albums.

On the popular micro-blogging website Twitter, phrases like "RIP Michael Jackson" soon climbed to the top of as trend topics due to tributes made by numerous celebrities (here are some of the messages):

Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love , miss & remember your GREATNESS.

Eddie Van Halen: I am really shocked; as I’m sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on ‘Beat It’ back in ‘83 — one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace.

Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!

Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P.

Slash: Really sad news about Michael, he was a talent from on high.

MC Hammer: I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson… RIP…

Ashton Kutcher: Rip Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.

Shanna Moakler: The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the jackson family..

Further on we find out from Torrentfreak that “At the time of writing the three most active torrents in the music section on the largest torrent indexer, Mininova, are all compilations or discographies from the “King of Pop”. On top is a torrent listing 30 Michael Jackson albums, The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, totaling 1.94 GB of music.”

Below you can read the Top Ten on Amazon at 21:45pm on Friday 26th June:

1. Michael Jackson 25th Anniversary of Thriller - Michael Jackson

2. Off the Wall – Michael Jackson

3. Bad - Michael Jackson

4. Michael Jackson: The Ultimate Collection - Michael Jackson

5. Number Ones - Michael Jackson

6. Dangerous - Michael Jackson

7. The Ultimate Collection - Jackson 5

8. The Essential Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson

9. Michael Jackson – Vol. 1-Greatest Hits History - Michael Jackson

10. Invincible - Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was taken to the UCLA Medical Center on Thursday afternoon following a cardiac arrest which it is suspected to have been caused by a Demerol overdose and which ultimately killed him.

This song (because of the lyrics) had many YouTube users wonder if this was either a fatal prediction or a plan. It starts with these lyrics: “He got flat baby/ Kick in the back baby /A Heart Attack Baby…” and in the chorus the word Demerol is repeated several times…