They Rocked it!! Ant Farm "Smooth Criminal" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@jaycordner3890]

Exact same words as original. Just a frigging good rock rendition.

[@stephaniegeer1691]

Thank yoy,was wondering if anyone else was gonna tell them its the same lyrics... Lol! This version ROCKS!!🤘

[@Xeroforte]

why the hell would they change the lyrics 😂😂🤣

[@dizastro5437]

A great cover, maybe the best ever

[@chilesuicmez]

theres a couple of verses that dont go in the ''original'' order, def in benefit of this rendition. same words same cadence, im wondering if same vocal octave pitch, sounded similar even there.

[@jrag9435]

The original is actually a rock version…it’s considered more pop since the king of pop did it. Same could be said for beat it…almost any song with an Eddie Van Halen solo is a rock song.

[@ghostlee6434]

Michael Jackson actually loved this tribute to him.there was no words changed in this either.theres all kinds of shout-outs to all of Micheal's music videos in here from the lights on the floor from beat it,the steam,him jumping on top of that car and screaming to the guy at the end of the video with the eyes like thriller. Plus dozens of other Micheal Jackson nods.

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

Lights on the ground are from Billie Jean. Also, the drummer is also wearing a single glitter glove.

[@ProtusMose]

You went 1 for 3 in spelling Michael right.

[@matt.endlesscourage]

4:47 he sits in a MJ glove chair!

[@apctest8359]

I had heard that MJ's only request was to lose the mask on the kid. They re-shot it without the mask and he saw it and said the original was in fact better

[@richardcramer1604]

@@ProtusMose, he's not the only one until I gained a brother-in-law named Michael I was constantly misspelling Michael alternating between "ael" and "eal". I'm actually pretty proud of myself for no longer making that mistake.

[@MicroRhin0]

The bass players uncle worked with MJ. He got MJ to listen to their version of Smooth Criminal. He liked it so much that he let them put the song on their album. And gave them carte blanche to do whatever they wanted to do on the video.

[@zanethind]

Oh wow I didn't know that cool fact

[@stevenmckee6134]

Although he didn't like the mask on the kid

[@E4mafia-_-]

That's fuckin cool

[@1rexrex]

They played this song for years before the album came out. They had their release as The Bash on Ash in Tempe, AZ. My buddie was the promoter and the connection to Dreamworks via Coby Dick (Jacoby Shaddix) of Papa Roach.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

@@1rexrex Yeah, they used to do soundchecks with this song and a Bon Jovi song, if I recall

[@codyedwards8874]

mj said this was one of his most favorite covers of one of his songs. they actually performed this for the jackson family after his death by per request from mj. i absolutely love this cover its epic!!!

[@DR.DisInfect]

I didn't know he passed. RIP

[@youtmeme]

really?!?!?🤔😶

[@Doc903]

@@DR.DisInfect He passed away in 2009, I think, lol.

[@MrMmnngghh]

@@DR.DisInfect now THAT is what I call Dry Humour. Bravo 👏💯

[@steelshotproductions]

When an artist does a cover like that, it's pure respect for the original artist.

[@moose2_the_o756]

Would you consider The Weekend's "DD" the same as MJ's "Dirty Diana"? I love them both

[@zelgkopitar8799]

Michael Jackson was actually a big fan of Weird Al's parody songs of his. And those straight up made fun of him. Alien Ant Farm paid massive tribute to him in this. Fantastic cover.

[@endocry]

Nah that wasn’t a parody, it was a tribute. It rocks.

[@jens2049]

Why the fuck would it be a parody

[@endocry]

@@jens2049 Calm down killer

[@annother3350]

It was tongue in cheek though. They injected some humour in there, thats all they mean by parody

[@endocry]

@@annother3350 It wasn't tongue in cheek either.

[@annother3350]

@@endocry Sure, it was a deadly serious slab of rock?! Dont make yourself look silly.

[@michaeltveten8458]

Yo, these were the exact same lyrics. This wasn’t mocking Michael, it was a tribute to Michael and a very good song…….Alien Ant Farm just wanted to perform it a little “heavier”….Good stuff!!

[@JimmyRichards-GooseCretian]

This needs to be the top comment.

[@SebastianSmith-c5t]

It is the original lyrics and one of the most dedicated tributes while he was still with us. So many Easter Eggs.

[@SnipingIsFun]

If I recall there is a small change because their version sticks with "You've been hit by, you've been struck by a Smooth Criminal" while Michael's version has instances of "You've been hit by, you've been hit by a Smooth Criminal".

[@Meyzen76]

Definitely not a parody. A respectful cover. And well done.

[@knightngail1]

Yeah Michael rarely gave anyone permission to use his music in any way. From what I remember of the story behind this, MICHAEL LOVED THIS! This is how you do a proper tribute when using MJ's stuff!!! P.S. They didn't change any words to this song. 💞🤘

[@DiosoSE]

If you don’t change the lyrics, you don’t need permission. You can cover every song you want, as long as you don’t alter the lyrics. Just sayin.

[@harrisongord2228]

@@DiosoSE that is called copyright infringement.

[@SnipingIsFun]

If I recall there is a small change because their version sticks with "You've been hit by, you've been struck by a Smooth Criminal" while Michael's version has instances of "You've been hit by, you've been hit by a Smooth Criminal".

[@armynurseboy]

@@harrisongord2228 not as long as you give credit and pay royalties.

[@debbiemccain5850]

It is a tribute to Micheal!!🎶 The lyrics are exactly the same. They asked Micheal to listen to it, and not only did he love it, he had input on the references to him and his other videos🎶🎸🎶💜

[@SnipingIsFun]

If I recall there is a small change because their version sticks with "You've been hit by, you've been struck by a Smooth Criminal" while Michael's version has instances of "You've been hit by, you've been hit by a Smooth Criminal".

[@ayaanbretmitchell9830]

Mj was literally so smart. He loved this homage video, so he gave full permission for it as he knew it would give him another audience to access his songs. And it worked. Loads of new fans discovered MJs music. Man MJ is so missed.

[@candilumpkin1196]

Yeah this is a great cover. The words are the same they just changed it to a rock version

[@irienerd8178]

This was a tribute as they used the same words, like a tip of the hat to say "RESPECT" to the King of Pop.

[@philippatek3928]

The drummer just slays this song

[@Lurch685]

Once you really listen and pay attention, hell yes he does.

[@waisakevesi6210]

I keep watching different reactions to see if they'll give props to the drummer

[@andieolson5693]

When you see him play live, it's majestic

[@leftcoaster67]

They all do!

[@CheeseIsOverRated]

Literally has me headbanging so hard at 2am 🔥

[@Kevin-py7hb]

I think this rendition rocks!!! Remember, there will never be another MJ… It’s like the Red Hot Chili Peppers covering Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground… A must do reaction!!! They pumped it up a little more with their rock sound… Both covers are great… Hope you guys are having a kickass day!!!! Keep those reactions coming!!!! 👍🏻…

[@michaelrush3403]

👍 Funny you mentioned higher ground. The guy at the end is Flea the incredible bassist from the Red Hot Chile Peppers.

[@tonyf6335]

@@michaelrush3403 it's not flea but looks like his though

[@frankhubbardiv8711]

Faith No More also does a great cover of "Easy"

[@CLynns]

LOVE THIS! He is singing the exact words they just upt the tempo! It's freakin' awesome!!

[@lisemzarate4029]

This is a straight up homage to Michael, they showed just how many different types of people loved him and will have life long memories of him, I'm 50, he's been in my life sound track at every age.

[@Nepthu]

Not the 50s though...😁

[@Budini67]

Best MJ homage video I've ever seen. Doesn't matter how many times I see this video, the little man in the yellow tee shirt and face mask dancing! That boy can *MOVE!*

[@playeroneirl1886]

Alien Ant Farm is an awesome band. Their song "Movies" is super amazin'! Brings me back to my high school days, love it!

[@amyhuggins9920]

Movies is my favorite song from them.

[@hollow1585]

AAF did a superb job with this tribute/cover. The way it bridges both genres and mingles them together is something that will always be special to me. This is how you make a cover your own while putting every bit of respect and love for the original into it.

[@10SecondZ06]

It’s exactly all the same lyrics and beat but in rock form! This performance is a masterpiece. The only time I’ve ever liked a cover more than the original. MJ loved this cover.

[@yasmineyoth9196]

This is one of the greatest covers ever! The younger generation that didnt grow up with mj s music will never appreciate the greatness in this tribute .

[@visiblepixels4632]

FYI It's the same words. And so many MJ references! The "glove" chair, the light up sidewalk from "Billie Jean," The Elizabeth Taylor tattoo on the guy at the end (who has the "Thriller" eyes) and many more. Such a great video and song!

[@ernestmueller8651]

“The guy” is Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

[@adamwilbanks2681]

He’s absolutely 💯 singing the exact words from the real song.

[@CheeseIsOverRated]

Facts!

[@SnipingIsFun]

If I recall there is a small change because their version sticks with "You've been hit by, you've been struck by a Smooth Criminal" while Michael's version has instances of "You've been hit by, you've been hit by a Smooth Criminal".

[@Martini3inc]

MJ loved AAF’s version of smooth criminal. FACTS

[@tlb139]

you can watch this video several times and find new MJ tributes each time...great video!!

[@SigmaSeriesFan]

They threw so many things from all of his videos. The smooth criminal bend, as I call it. where they paid homage to Michael. One thing I missed for so long was the drummer was wearing a white gloves. Even the hand movement near the end that was out of one of his videos. The girl jumping in the pool with the wolf mask, and jacket was from thriller. The Asian girls with the sign jumping up and down, Michael was big in the Asians countries. AS you saw with the crate and smoke. The light up squares from Billie jean, the editing of the squares also from another video, I think Billie Jean. The old men had to do with I think Family guy but they all got up and grabbed their crotches. The guy at the end had Elizabeth Taylor on his back, Michael and Elizabeth were best friends. And his eyes were Michael's eyes from Thriller at the ENd. right down to the crooked left eye. Besides the monkey he was sitting on a white glove chair. The kid with the mask.. I guess that Michael didn't want the kid in the mask when they showed it to him, then he saw the video, and said no to leave it in. Michale did have last say on it. And he loved it. I think there were a few other minor things but forgot ..

[@terryconnelly484]

Michael gave a lot of permission to weird Al Yankovic he loved that.. Fond of this tribute also

[@Eric_Von_Yesselstyn]

No words changed in their version...

[@lip7636]

They were not mocking or doing a parody, this is a straight tribute and ive always loved it!. The video is FULL of references to many of Michaels early 80s videos and micheal in general. My subtle favorite is when the lead singer is steping on the sidewalk lights (Billie Jean) and starts holding his pants up higher like Michael's highwater pants. Also love when they split the screens from Billie Jean and the Thriller mohawk guy at the end with Liz Taylor on his back. This video is jam packed with MJ easter eggs and can only be fully appreciated by those kids and young adults of the 80s that watched MJs videos on repeat on MTV, which is who im sure these guys are.

[@fabiovera7956]

This band is Great they did the parody a serious thing back in the early 2000 they sound Great even today this was the way of them to honor their hero Michel jackson

[@MyargonautsJason]

another great rock version of a famous MJ song is Billie Jean by Chris Cornell of Soundgarden. Great cover song!

[@LongReachOne]

This is how to do a Tribute: don't take it too seriously, but don't mock it. The did this perfectly. You don't want to outshine the original artist, and you don't want to copy them exactly, but you also don't want to veer into making fun of the piece. Everything they show in this video isn't making fun of Michael, it's enjoying stepping into his shoes, but not trying to be him.

[@braddemerest5056]

And I love how BJ is more hype than Asia. It's usually flipped. Y'all are my favorite. 🤘🏻❤️🔥🔥❤️❤️

[@Snakebyte70]

at 1:29 ...the kid is wearing a mask like people are now, but the video came out in 2001 🤣🤣🤣

[@RoadHammer1972]

Those are Michael Jackson’s lyrics guys. Same exact song just covered by a rock band. Also Michael always had rock elements in his music anyway. Eddie Van Halen did the guitar solo on BillieJean

[@Dingbotz]

You mean ‘Beat It’

[@RoadHammer1972]

@@Dingbotz that too lol

[@kevinm3428]

He's singing the exact same lyrics as the original. There are dozens of references to MJ throughout the video.

[@amyhuggins9920]

I love AAF’s cover. I usually like what Asia and BJ have to say, but I was floored when Asia asked about the lyrics being the same, and BJ said, “No”. I grew up on MJ. I had all of his records. I can’t understand how in the world they don’t know this song word for word. This is the only reaction from them I disliked. They were WAY off. I still love them-everyone makes mistakes, but at least look it up if you don’t know. Saying they are not the same lyrics discredits AAF’s work on the song.

[@quantumman555]

MJ actually loved this.

[@vodkarage8227]

They had fun with it, and didn't take themselves serious, which is what makes this video and song so much fun.

[@joesmith8725]

Nu metal version here. I used to play this song on my guitar many moons ago lol Homage to Michael Jackson! Same lyrics BTW. MJ's version was R&B/pop rock. Also, MJ was a fan of this as well. lol

[@brookehornback1896]

The rock version of this song just works.. RIP the king of pop!

[@Arcdaemus]

This cover was actually my introduction to Smooth Criminal. I knew Michael's music, but apparently completely missed SC. So, when this first dropped, I thought it was an original song. Didn't learn about the actual original until around 2 years later.

[@imalwayslast3170]

I met them when they first hit the scene at Warped Tour. I talked to them for a while. I asked the lead singer why he had a reverse mohawk. He just replied "Split personalities." The bassist told me he made all of his own instruments. I still have my ticket that they autographed lol.

[@jefferyvonlindt]

Everything in this video represents a different MJ song. This is a cover, too.

[@jefferyvonlindt]

Rather, different MJ videos...you youngin's weren't born yet.. Hahaha!

[@bryansproles2879]

SO many MJ shoutouts in here: leaning like in Smooth Criminal, Girl in bikini with werewolf mask (Thriller), Jumping on car and windows exploding (Black or White video), He's sitting in a chair that looks like MJ's sequin glove (with Bubbles), ground lighting up and freeze frame bits from Billie Jean video, and the guy at the end with the werewolf eyes is Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[@jonathanbsmith5178]

Yes they did get permission for Michael Jackson and he actually loved it but he also passed away in the same year. Everybody loves their rendition there's a few things that are there that no one noticed like King of the Hill when they're all sitting at the chairs I do with the mohawk and it's a great rendition that's why everyone loves it. They also did this past doing covid they did a song from George Michael which I know that you love him. They were really great at their peak and they had a very very nasty bus crash which left one of them paralyzed but they came back there's a whole story on them. Thanks for doing maybe the George Michael one down the road it's cool to you keep rocking it.

[@kenpumphrey8384]

This song came out in 2001, 8 years before MJ died.

[@jonathanbsmith5178]

Re-release

[@yankeerepairs]

It was uploaded to KZbin in 2009 - but the song was released in 2001 - & MJ loved it ! Alien Ant Farm was invited by the Jackson family to perform this at MJs memorial / public service

[@moodfm5673]

@@jonathanbsmith5178 lol no

[@jonathanbsmith5178]

Let me apologize if I was way wrong.so much info is passed around that's wrong.,✌️🤘

[@Thatgirl1973]

I have always and forever will love MJ...and this song. It doesn't surprise me MJ approved, because they really did him proud. Definitely on the best covers list, because while they made it theirs they still stayed true to the song! That's the mark of a great cover, and it's rare.

[@breyannacenoz1343]

Definitely not mockery, they actually became really good friends with MJ . MJ loved it so much, and they really loved him. My second favorite song is by Alien Ant Farm and it’s called movies. They are so underrated

[@bigtiny1478]

You are not paying attention! It is the same words!

[@williamweiss6128]

They properly killed it. They love MJ.

[@KJLoyH33]

Я одного не могу понять, в последнее время вижу уже не первую реакцию на этот кавер! Но лично я кайфовал от него ещё 20 лет назад. Респект из России!

[@Mr_Top_Hat_Jones]

Yes, same exact words. It’s crazy how different it sounds from the original.

[@tommyc6066]

The drummer wearing the white glove 😆

[@lkesha82]

Great song, great cover, big hit back then...

[@rodgerbroadway2195]

This isn't meant to be a parody but a tribute. If you want some awesome MJ parodies...check out Al Yankovic parodies of his songs.

[@rottinsoldier9215]

I’ve heard that song so many times never noticed how many tributes they made to his music in this one video. IE at the end with the werewolf eyes from Thriller, Billy Jean, Smooth Criminal

[@pfcampos7041]

The best cover of any MJ song ever!

[@indus3270]

AAF always intended this song and video as a tribute to MJ and they obviously requested Jacko's permission to remake the song. Michael was very impressed with the demo and gave them "carte blanche" to go ahead and fµçk sh!t up as they saw fit. I actually prefer this song over the original myself...

[@gkevenson2368]

This cover came out my senior year in college when we go out and get wild, but the MJ OG version was bomb when I was little b4 that on the MTV

[@oggyreidmore]

I saw these guys perform this live at Warped Tour in Atlanta in 2001. They autographed my CD!

[@RodneyEnt]

I think homage was the word you were looking for, for there was no mockery. And yes, they indeed had promission from MJ both for cover and for video. The drummers of AAF and MJ's band were friends.

[@kevingutteron8431]

The first time I saw the break where he blew out the car windows, I fell off the couch!

[@papacarl2002]

Awesome reaction. Y’all gotta check out MJ’s original *OG!* drummer Jonathan “Sugarfoot” Moffett playing live in the DrummeO studio. Absolutely killer musician & performer. 🤘🏼🎧🤟🏼

[@Kimikikat]

Alíen Ant Farm was one of the best 90’s bands to grace us with their talents! I still listen to this song when I’m driving 🚗 or cleaning 🧹💃🏽✌🏽

[@seandobson6221]

This is one of the best covers of all time! All of the MJ Easter eggs are awesome.

[@KDeCesare]

Same exact lyrics. It's a fantastic cover song, especially with the video and them paying homage to Michael like they do.

[@KDeCesare]

Not a parody, and it's not sampled... it's a straight cover song, with a TRIBUTE video.

[@yalaagee8902]

The little boy dancing is the coolest

[@violentmuse]

This Music video is a game of Spot the Reference! There are so many homages to Michael in it. According to interviews, A.A.F. made two versions, this one and a never released toned down version and THIS was the one Michael himself chose. Also, apparently that wasn't just any chimp, but actually Bubbles

[@peteseegiii3201]

It's called a TRIBUTE.

[@gdawg4ever119]

Couldn’t ask for a better job on this cover 👍🏻

[@johnsmathers190]

She said the lyrics was different that threw me off cuz I think that they were the same lyrics. They also played this song on Jay Leno.

[@arquid6317]

This song is to everyone! Doesn't matter who sings it. Love all!

[@TanyaQueen182]

best tribute song ever (it's too good to call a cover) I didn't want to like this song cuz I'm a huge MJ fan, but it's too good, and MJ loved it too!

[@coreyrogers8700]

I remember reading that Michael loved this version. It's a tribute to him. Same lyrics and everything

[@firefighterchick]

MJ gave permission and his seal approval of their cover and he LOVED the video. They sent to him before releasing it.

[@ArksCovenant]

Came back here after just watching y'alls reaction to American Pie 2 😉. This plays during the scene when Jim accidentally crazy glues himself.

[@brucecosgrove3524]

The drummer and the bass player used this song to warm up then the others joined in. Mike the drummer loved MJ's music when he was young and had to have the red jacket like MJ had.

[@safromnc8616]

This was essentially a homage to MJ....by AAF There are references through out to MJ's videos

[@Mr.PeabodyTheSkeptic]

Say what you will about MJ's personal issues(RIP)...the man was a brilliant performer, talent and genius. This rendition is a wonderful tribute.

[@Tommyboy6426]

One of the best tributes to Michael Jackson! So many MJ easter eggs and a cover to a great song!

[@joeunis318]

Absolutely a awesome Tribute to a legend!

[@ralphmammah6220]

Not a parody. Not a mockery. It is a loving tribute to Michael’s contribution to pop culture. Well done AAF.

[@Just-Me-Living]

THANK GOD THAT YOU SAID BUBBLES! I have seen several reactions to this vid, and you two were the first ones to get it. Love you two!

[@omgenji]

MJ seemed really cool about stuff like this if they had real love for the songs and the art of music. Weird Al did like 2 or 3 MJ parody songs and I think I remember hearing that MJ absolutely loved him and the parody songs. It just had to come from a place of genuine love, admiration, and respect.

[@SashaBush-gy9lb]

I'm 38 now and I tell you what this was the best I've heard ever commemorate Michael and I believe they did this before they even got permission but didn't release yet, on another note I'm always humming your intro at work❤

[@kengregory6026]

In the UK , West Ham Utd are an English Premier League football(soccer) team who's theme song is ' I'm forever blowing bubbles'.....takes on a slightly different meaning when considering Michael Jackson :)

[@BabyVapor]

There is video footage of them playing at MJ Funeral/memorial. He loved them.

[@cozenw3236]

It was a love note/tribute to MJ because they loved the man and his music.

[@Doctor-Stoppage]

Y'all should review their song "these days" where the played on the roof across from the BET Awards. That was honestly one of the craziest music videos ever made. Some people at the awards show loved it and others hated it. I thought it was genius.

[@kathyyore309]

Michael was very generous in sharing his music. Check out all the Weird Al versions of his songs! He was so excited by them.

[@Mymloch]

I mean... the whole video is obviously a tribute to MJ (masks, glowing sidewalks, a chimp, leaning into gravity, bashing up a car, the Thriller dance, etc) It's great! But if you are curious about AAF, then I recommend "Movies", by them.

[@michaelterry3885]

They were paying tribute.., paying their respects, to Michael Jackson. Not mocking or parodying him... They were tipping their hat so to speak, at all the things that made him an American Icon ...

[@daveruble5150]

He puts the emPHASis on different sylLABles. I saw an interview where the band discussed the genesis. They said the song 'wants to rock.'

[@deannawalker7022]

There was so many references in this video of other MJ's videos. There was Billy Jean, Thriller, Dirty Diana and Just Leave Me Alone to name a few. He was sitting in the silver glove holding "Bubbles". The guys standing around in the yard holding bears references the TV series King of The Hill. Michael Jackson loved this video and how they did it.

[@runpoint13]

Yes, MJ does not let a lot of music to be covered. The way I heard the story is, the guitarist is friends with MJ's long time drummer. The drummer approached MJ and said "there is this group that wants to pay homage to you and do the song right." That's how they got permission. They also got MJ's thoughts and approval on the video. And for all the stuff you missed. Here is a great reaction. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHfJoIiHptaLl8k Really like your reactions.

[@SANITIZEDINC]

As a 56 year old white dude who bought this album way back in 2021, I find watching black people react to crossover tracks like this one fascinating. It reminds me how when Areosmith released the remix of Walk This Way (with Run DMC) it made so many white folks think differently, more positively, about rap music. Songs like this brings people together.

[@amyhuggins9920]

He is absolutely singing the exact same words. How do you not know MJ by heart?

[@magamexican6302]

The band is from Riverside, CA. Shoutout to the IE!!! 909/951!!!