I watched Michael Jackson's SMOOTH CRIMINAL for the FIRST TIME EVER, and WTF WAS THAT LEAN?!

[@PatrickJones-e6g]

Although there was a trick with the shoes, he did it live and one of his dancers said you still need incredible core strength to do the lean and not fall flat on your face!

[@tajhanwebster6866]

@@PatrickJones-e6g all core strength!!! Basically your body weight gotta control its still not easy to do

[@Blackbrownie101]

You telling me Michael's skinny body had abs?! Bruh.

[@trdxandy749]

@@Blackbrownie101 yeah he did ong

[@JamesBrendon-h4r]

Of course he did. MJ had incredible strength.

[@lisarichardson210]

@@Blackbrownie101he absolutely did. You don’t have to see a six pack or cuts to have strength in your core. You think after dancing all of his life left him weak. Quite the opposite. I’m a former dancer, and my core wasn’t visible, but docs were amazed at my strength and controlled isolations. I bet you have strength you’re not aware of as well. You’d be surprised. ❤

[@jdigregorio1983]

You're my new favorite person. Watching you discover Michael for the first time is bringing me so much joy 🥹 It's funny that you initially thought this was a western themed video because Michael's initial theme for the video was a western. It's changed to a 30s mob theme kinda last minute. Michael wrote and produced this song, AND co-colhoreographed this video, too. This man is so much more talented than you can understand.

[@JamesBrendon-h4r]

He kept the dancers western though and then it went " gangsta," lol. Cool to infuse the 2 together.

[@Blackbrownie101]

Mike wasn't just the king of pop. He was the king of cool, swag, and everything in between

[@AgOG47]

You're just getting started. When I tell you michael jackson is the real thing, he truly is. I'm very excited to watch your journey. Ed Sullivan show should be next. He was incredible since birth. You will see. I love and miss Michael Jackson.

[@galaxydeathskrill5607]

This. Thank you

[@richardc8795]

MJ at 10 years old. Absolutely gifted performer.

[@Modesty_Blaise]

I agree with you 100% ♥️👑🥰

[@janiemarshall7928]

Michael "invented/patented " a special boot/shoe in order to defy gravity ( while performing that phenomenon, iconic dance move. 🖤🖤🖤

[@marneebragg9839]

@@janiemarshall7928 I came to the comments just to mention this.

[@lenascullard]

I love seeing first time reactions to the lean. The magic is so real. He was revolutionary. MJ forever.

[@jdigregorio1983]

Also, the way Michael is rhythmically singing and enunciation, the word your looking for is "staccato", and Michael is the MASTER of staccato. If you continue listening to his music, you'll see that's a commonality in most of his upbeat songs

[@helenortiz4855]

What you have to understand is his videos were basically mini movies. It was unprecedented and AMAZING!!! I was a kid that grew up with this and loved every minute of it. He was a performer through and through. Listen to all of his music - you will not be disappointed!

[@annamariam1077]

Keep on discovering MJ. He’s truly the greatest of all time, and such a humanitarian. Keep going 😊.

[@ashiaadams1394]

His voice is everything ❤ so versatile i love when he gives that gritty voice like this and on Beat It and Dirty Diana

[@beckystrohl5539]

He designed special shoes for the leaning move. He blew away the charts, song after song, video after video. That's why he was crowned the King of Pop. I dearly miss him.

[@RevengeGhost]

We love seeing Michael Jackson’s reaction !

[@JK_87606]

Michael Jackson legend 🙂

[@jenniferdinapoli8168]

I love watching you discover MJ! He is the greatest entertainer in history for a reason! His songs, short films and life performances were out of this world!! You should see them lean live during the Dangerous World tour, specifically in Bucharest 1992 or Buenos Aires 1993 (I was there btw)! It was INSANE! RIP to the GOAT! ❤

[@rss5769]

That move make him the GOAT in my opinion.

[@commandercook]

If u enjoyed this one I know it’s pretty long one but his “BAD” music video is an incredible production as well. Really been enjoying ur reactions and thanks for listening to the commenters requests 🙏

[@lenascullard]

BAD is so underrated and so easily forgotten these days

[@commandercook]

@ facts

[@Dollywood623]

Loving ur MJ reactions. There is no bad Michael song, they are all fire! I would love to see u react to some of his songs from older decades. Such as “Dancing Machine”(1975), “I’ll Be There”(1970) and “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”(1979)…and hey for Holiday season? How about his version of song “I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus”(1970)❤❤❤

[@onechi]

MJ was simply magical. Wait till you see him do the lean live on stage.

[@BruceJohnson-om5kl]

It’s the video on this song. This would have been another great song on an incredible album. But this is the most synchronized choreography in music video history. You have to watch the video and not be to excited. Incredible performance by MJ.

[@JamesBrendon-h4r]

Yesss!

[@BrownMBA]

You should watch some of his old videos from the early 70s when he was about 11 so you can see how he evolved. Totally different vibe but his high-pitched voice was frigging unbelievable. "I'll Be there" live on the Jim Nabors Show is a great one to check out. He was about 10 years old. Such an incredible talent.

[@Cherizar555]

I keep forgetting that some of you guys weren't even born when MJ made this video. It is so refreshing to see the reaction from you and the appreciation you have for the music we enjoyed back then. Thanks for reminding me of how awesome it was.

[@brandonmitchell5867]

PLEASEE REACT TO THE JACKSON 5 LIVE ED SULLIVAN SHOW 1969 PERFORMANCE NEXT!!! 10 year old Michael was FULL OF TALENT

[@MJTLSfanclub]

The lean has mesmerized everyone that has seen it. Get ready for the spoiler....it is a mechanism in the floor that attaches to the heel of the shoe. They step into it and lock in and then do the lean. You still have to have the strength in your legs and a hard core center to pull it off. MJ has the patent on that mechanism so if anyone else uses it they have to pay MJ. The white boy in the video is Sean Lennon, son of Beatle John Lennon and Yoko Ono. You need to watch Moonwalker because there is more to that whole story in Smooth Cri.inal. It will make sense about the kids and them being kidnapped. Moonwalk will blow your mind.

[@gippywhite]

I remember when Michael Jackson’s videos first came out, their debut on MTV. I used to think that lean was done by wires. But then he did it live in concert, too!!! It turns out… Spoiler alert, if you don’t want to know… But basically there is a slit down the center of the heel of his shoes, and there is a bolt like thing sticking up from the floor. He slides the bolt into the slit of his heels, so he basically attaches his shoes to the floor and then he can lean forward. At first you would think that’s kind of a cheat, but you are right in that it takes a lot of leg and core strength to evenly lean forward that far and then bring yourself back smoothly. I can’t wait for you to see Bad, Beat It, Black Or White (which was the first iteration of morphing technology), and basically every other Michael Jackson music video. I also hope you get to see some of the Jackson 5 material. He was extremely famous with his group of brothers back in the 60s also. He truly was the King of Pop. Enjoy!!!

[@lavelleadams9591]

Yes, lethal

[@VanteKlimt]

He had trick on his shoes but he also actually had whole strong strength to lean like that you know. So he still blow my mind 🤣. MJ always had sick beat, i want to watch your next MJ reaction

[@ikoons7]

bro you should watch live version of smooth criminal in Wembley at bad tour or Munich 1997, is fire too

[@sajanpatel7285]

Great to see this reaction. That was one of the most epic short movies from MJ there are many ore to come. If you like flow please react to dirty diana next. His flow on that is definitely one you will enjoy

[@michellelamar8965]

I believe in the video the "Smooth Criminal Lean" was accomplished via wires, but dude himself engineered special shoes that could lock into the floor during live performances. There would be an actor with a "bomb" and sirens distracting the audience's attention fir a moment while Mike and his backup dancers locked their shoes intlo the floor for the epic lean. Theres a popular live performance if this song from Germany on youtube where you can see that And if you look CAREFULLY enough on that video you can see one of the backup dancers struggle to unlock his shoes, for like 1/4 second. But it still

[@michellelamar8965]

And either way it DID require a LOT of core strength, so still impressive, even if simple physics determines it IS impossible to lean so far past your center of gravity without help.

[@thelotusexperience6683]

The smooth criminal lean was done by using special made shoes that didn't allow his heel to lift but he still needed core strength to go down and come back up straight without bending

[@sajanpatel7285]

Should have kept it a secret to keep the mistery

[@shay_playz]

Actually, the shoes were made in 1992 for the dangerous tour to do it live. In the moonwalker movie (where the smooth criminal video came from) it was strings and really good editing. Still tho, I have the shoes and it requires immense back, toe and calve strength to do.

[@Annie-lh3ll]

'Remember the time' next please

[@godivadark]

My very FAVORITE MJ video.

[@galaxydeathskrill5607]

I really recommend reacting to 'Brace Yourself' (Greatest Hits HIStory vhs) that was the first ever video i saw of MJ man i love how you're enjoying the peak *but* i'd love to see you react to the humble beginnings in the 70s like some songs from his childhood(like the edSuv show the Jackson 5 medley) and from "Off the Wall" album like "She's out of my life" or "Don't stop till you get enough" Iinitially Smooth Criminal was to be a western but later Michael decided it should be a Chicago underground themed fun facts: the heartbeat you hear at the intro is Michael's Smooth Criminal is one of Michael's favorite pieces/shortfilms and *almost* didn't make it on the BAD album

[@johnckelly88]

Mike made great music. Second to none, in my opinion.

[@hannabelesti9646]

Next "beat it" or "remember the time"😍

[@Blondeandblue82]

Remember, Michael made every beat by first beatboxing based on what he wanted it to sound like in his head

[@lisarichardson210]

I’m glad you’re learning about MJ. It’s still hard to believe Anyone doesn’t know him, but at least you’re learning now. I just ask that you don’t stop the videos so much or talk through them as much. You miss a lot when you do. Keep watching and learning. There’s so much more! He’s phenomenal! ❤

[@godivadark]

That lean was ALL anyone could talk about after this aired the first time. Also his videos were so innovative and performances so outstanding that each was announced in advance like a new tv sable or movie with trailers. It was appointment tv. You didn’t miss it. EVER.

[@dawn21stcentury]

I am SOOO happy I've had my childhood in the eighties & nineties. When Michael visited any town, the whole town had to shut down (I'm from the Netherlands). It was absolute complete insanity around this guy. Also: we didn't have KZbin or 1000s of tv channels, just a few. Once a week we had a tv program out here, the TOP40. They showed music clips. When a new Michael Jackson clip was gonna come out, you just had to wait for that TV program to see it, it was the only way, so I, as a kid, could hardly sleep looking forward to that new clip. You would gather with friends or family to watch it together. Those were awesome times (back in those days when people still had, what was that weird thing called again ... uhm .. oh yeah, patience :) By the way: Thanx for your enthusiasm! And my tip for the next video: All of 'm.

[@chantellelandon85]

oh yeah, that lean is legendary!! I absolutely love it!! I remember watching this video when it 1st came out, i was only a couple of years old & already a massive MJ fan & I still am at 39!! MJ was on a whole other level absolutely no one will ever be able to reach ever again. I would really recommend you watching his performance at the 1995 mtv awards, omfg if you think the dancing in smooth criminal is amazing (& it is!!) you haven't see nothing yet. ohh and Ghosts. man you wanna see the dancing to that one. actually, tbh you wanna see the whole movie of the same name MJ did in the mid 90's & also the mmovie this video was from (smooth criminal is from the moonwalker film) I thoroughly enjoy watching your reactions to MJ, it's always a delight to see someone discover him for the 1st time & be just as blown away by him as us older MJ fans. If you appreciate MJ, you're alright with the MJ fam Subscribed!

[@timdoyon1964]

Michaels videos were all like mini movies. He was known as the King of Pop for a reason... He is the greatest entertainer in the history of our species. You have to react to "Remember the Time," it is my favorite... but there are so many. He was a hit making machine, may he rest in peace.

[@zzhadeszz4400]

Wait till you watch micheal jackson music video called (bad) its fire my man.

[@orange222...]

There is a stop action version of this video that will make you lose your mind. It's almost impossible to believe it could be any better. Also check out Alien Ant Farm's version of this song with Michaels permission.

[@nazyhosseini9680]

about this masterpiece MV, all I have to say is that I can not watch it and not being freaking happy :) this is my 1st favorite song and MV of all time❤ Michael Jackson is the forever KING 👑

[@JocelynHarris-dq3vu]

He and his dancers had spurs on their feet instead of shoes. In the timing of the 30s, that's how men dressed when they went out to the club. The lean was done by having nails in the floor and the shoes had nail slots on the bottom of them. That's why they were able to move so freely. He did the same thing in his concerts.

[@MrOdzplat]

😂😂😂please don't explain it 😂😂😂😂let the magic live😂😂😂😂

[@PNWgal66]

Michael was a child star, a star as a teenager and a Mega Superstar as an adult. He was loved by the entire world. ❤

[@tracylee4451]

Annie, are you ok? Is a phrase that's used when you are learning CPR. You have to ask the mannequin if they are ok. I'm 58, so I got to see all of his career in real time. I'm glad his legacy continues and that young people are enjoying his music ❤. I saw Michael with his brothers live in 1977, 1979, 1981, and 1984. Great reaction ❤ The lean was due to shoes that Michael a patten for.

[@joannaperales6275]

I love Mj so much and he is so much talented, you can see how graceful he dance and the steps are amazing. we can never see another talented as much as Michael. I love and missed himforever❤❤❤❤❤

[@lenorawilson2326]

Let me tell you, I was waiting pacifically to watch your reaction, doing that spectacularly, lean that Michael Jackson invented, I couldn't wait to see your reaction. 😂When you got up to try it I was done... 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Aevar_]

for me always the most special music video from mj

[@duggla781]

His reaction is exactly our reaction. Those of us who watch the video when it first aired on MTV or on its World broadcast. We did not know how the hell he did it. This is pure gold

[@hlhappy2793]

The dance move your talking about, they did when i saw him live. They have a hole at the bottom of their shoes, a device comes from up the floor that slots in the hole in shoes which lets them move balance to one side. Still takes alot of leg strength however. Jackson held the patent for the move. xx

[@chedlyntr4667]

React to mtv performance 1995 👥️️ it was insane

[@franciscoxavier7398]

The lean move is simply legendary! I even dreamed about it when I was a kid (there was no net, I had seen it like 1 or 2 times max on TV). The King will never die!!!

[@Anaabella-ey1]

Also you should react to the movie Moonwalker which this song/video are part of! It's good so you understand the concept and the storyline!

[@godivadark]

Mike was such a perfectionist. It was a resume highlight for folks who worked with him.

[@janiemarshall7928]

YAAAAAS nephew 💙

[@gavinwilson7889]

This video makes my eyes water as well. The man was beyond insanely talented and will forever be in a league of his own 🙌🏽

[@khoale4755]

MJ and his dancers trained for YEARS perfecting that lean. As you said, they did weights to strenghten their core, legs etc.

[@jojosviolethaven322]

❤ Smooth Criminal too.. used to play it while gaming lol, & I think MJ uses the Lean in the Dangerous video to great effect.?? Thanks for the great reaction ☮️🎄

[@jrafel1707]

Finally!! A music video!! (Well, besides Thriller). I know KZbin and streaming and the internet changed the way people find their music, but music videos (at least the good ones and MJ never made a bad one, ) might give you some insight into what and how people came to love many of the artists of that time even more. Not seeing his creativity in how he entertained in all forms (including videos that accompanied the music on MTV) is shorting yourself on understanding the full artistic talent. I feel sorry for this current generation that just watches people on stage sing a song and that's all they get.

[@VodkaLemonaid]

When MTV actually showed videos and everyone would be clued to the TV when MJ would premier a new video. Grew up with Michael since J5 till the end.

[@joshuatmanion8010]

Old med school, the CPR dummy was nicknamed Annie, first step is checking on someone before you start CPR is talking to them Annie are you okay is referencing the emt's responding to the girl in question.

[@JamesBrendon-h4r]

Awesome reaction. We had all been sold on MJ for years at that point, but when he " dipped and came back up," we got sold again. Love this video. So much going on and to this day, " we dont know if annie is okay." Lol.

[@deanamcdougall7192]

He was so blessed and talented we were lucky to grow up along with him,he is missed

[@amioosten9346]

Please watch the movie: Moonwalker. This musicvideo is part of the movie. I was glued to the tv when this came on as a small child. My grandmother bought the LP for me and it was on repeat.

[@DonnettaJackson-j5x]

Yep we had the best music videos in the late 80s and 90s and into the early 2000s. It was like watching short movies. Awesome

[@johnevans7226]

Yo...Michael Jackson is the biggest star of all time by far. No one competes. No matter how popular you think your favorite artist is...Michael Jackson crushes them.

[@sandrasmss]

Assista a peforrmance ao vivo da History Tour - Auckland

[@izastolska3244]

Michael had shoes with holes and there were nails on the floor Michael made those shoes himself

[@WILL_aka_TROID]

also the lean still requires a lot of core strength to not fall straight on the ground

[@izastolska3244]

@@WILL_aka_TROID True

[@LadyFlawless77]

It wasn't holes in the shoes there was a notch in the heel that could attach to rods that came up from the stage floor

[@TBK2009-GMD]

@@LadyFlawless77yeah that’s what he said

[@lenellscheeler9355]

Watch Alien Ant Farms version of this song. Wild

[@Snyper1405]

Fun fact: Smooth criminal is the only short film/music video that featured the iconic moonwalk 😁🙆🏽✨️🩷👑

[@nubiannile4606]

One of my favorite MJ videos.

[@lewerwin9283]

That lean was the reason why so many people in their 40s have chipped teeth

[@Anaabella-ey1]

You said this might be your favorite short film, what abou the songs? Do you like Thriller Billie Jean or Smooth Criminal the best?

[@chanilatissera]

Do michael jackson's black and white song

[@maureenohara9027]

Check out his ghost video

[@joshuatmanion8010]

Mike whipped out the Tommy Gun, he means business 😄😄😄

[@deejay5156]

😂😂There was a notch cut out in the heels of their shoes so when they slid their heels into anchors sticking up through the floor, they could lean over (with good core control) then stand back up and slide feet backwards away from the floor anchors 😂

[@Blondeandblue82]

You gotta react to "Moon Walker"! It's a short film for "Smooth Criminal".

[@samgod]

Reactor tips: 1. Never mute what you're reacting to. Either pause or just talk over it. 2. When paused, go skip back a few seconds before resuming. You're missing key chunks. 3. If if it's a music video, don't close your eyes. You're missing key chunks. Keep enjoying.

[@Snyper1405]

You've got a lot to learn about the greatest artist ever!!! 💟🐐👑

[@NivenPillay]

I cant believe anyone can go through to adulthood without every hearing this song

[@animebloodsamples]

NO CELEB OR ARTIST has ever matched MJ media icon. Waiting for his new music video, album drop, magazine covers or anything pop culture related was far more cosmic compared to anything of today. Waiting for the latest biggest Netflix series to drop, waiting for GTA V or EVEN that great experience of lining up outside the cinema about to watch AVENGERS: End Game....... NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO WITNESSING MJ IN HIS PRIME.

[@jaron2507]

You’re just getting started bro, now i want you to go and watch the July 16, 1988 Wemberley concert and react to his Billie Jean routine, you gone be amazed , trust

[@drummerboy1545]

Sugarfoot my favorite player on this!

[@lordbiscuitpowerslam]

Say say say and can you feel it where is Brothers plus many more great songs

[@mizzcarla7191]

This leaning move was done by the tin man in the Wizard of Oz movie

[@AnthonyZarrella-e4h]

Love to re wach these with your reaction I haven't seen them I. Years

[@MsAnP1]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@D.nada_47]

The GOAT

[@Grodimusprime]

I would love to see your reaction to Michael Jackson smooth criminal live on stage

[@csf7773]

Of course you've never seen anyone move like him!!! It's MJ

[@KimmyGibson]

Jung Kook from BTS just paid a bit of homage to MJ and this song.....check out 'Standing Next to You'

[@jameschick1564]

He used Jackson Juice for the lean, makes his feet stick to the floor.

[@cynthianayyar407]

This video was from the Movie... Moon Walker. MJ is the star and he is saving kids from a drug lord.

[@juxtaposebeauty247]

This may be an unpopular opinion. But you should watch the Alien Ann Farm version of the song, they did it a great Justice.

[@CharlesWrice-qw6yg]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@MrOdzplat]

Go look at live performances of this song where they do the lean live😂😂😂😂😂

[@samgod]

They always cut out the first few second of this video where his shadow morphs from a Lamborghini into MJ.

[@PNWgal66]

One of the Greatest Hits and videos ! 🔥Hey!

[@user-twinwyattlover]

I don't want to disrespect Michael but I always hear the alien ant farm version...