Brandy & Ray J Draws Comparison To Michael & Janet Jackson From Van Lathan
Singers Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson at the The 35th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on February 24, 1993 in Los Angeles, California.
On the recent podcast of the Higher Learning Podcast with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay, they talked about various subjects, including Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.
During the 80s and 90s, the sibling duo of Janet and Michael Jackson contributed so much to the culture through music, commercials, television, and fashion, and it would event land them both in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, since the Jacksons, it would be hard to name a brother and sister duo that has blessed the culture with their talents more than Brandy and Ray J Norwood. They blessed the culture with music, television, fashion, business, and technology.
So, when Lathan compares the two siblings’ duos and what they did for the culture makes a lot of sense.
“Brandy and Ray J are this generation’s Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson. Give me another brother and sister combination that mean as much to the culture,” said Lathan.
Speaking of Brandy she recently went on the record and shared that she would love to be part of the Power Universe.
“You know what? Don’t tempt me,” she said. “I got some skills for Power. I don’t know if you watched Star but I played a whole gangster on there. I’m sure I can work some magic over there with 50 Cent and all those guys.”
As for Janet, recently made a surprising appearance at the Billboard Awards to present Mary J. Blige with the Icon Award.
“Is it the ability to create, explore, and practically pioneer an entire musical genre? Is it the amassing of millions of dedicated fans that breathe your art daily, the same fans to whom you constantly show love?” Said Jackson.
“Is it a multi-decade career full of not only hits, but those songs that make you feel a certain way when you hear them and get a certain look on your face? You know, the look that says, ‘Girl, yes! I understand! Yes!’ The answer is all of the above. The answer is tonight’s recipient of the 2022 Billboard Icon Award, Mary J. Blige.”
She added, “Mary J. Blige represents truth. Her work has always given us comfort because she sings me, she sings you. I reminisce, but I’m not gon’ cry, because even though sometimes it feels like every day it rains, I’ve got no more drama. I’m just fine with my life, my life, my life, my life. In the sunshine, Mary has made a commitment to her fans to always be her authentic self now — that’s real love.” When Blige then walked out to deliver her own speech, she returned the love, telling Jackson: “Speaking of icons, you were always one of our biggest inspirations growing up.”
Jackson will also be headlining the 2022 Cincinnati Music Festival, according to BlackNews.com.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
