would you prefer a second thread entitled "i don't care about MJ" or something? it's a comment board first and foremost. you might think it's out of place, but there's no cemetaries, tuxes, or black dresses on this board. it's informal for a reason.
his influence - or, rather, his producer's influence - on pop and several other lesser genres is definitely pronounced. his best stuff was when he was younger, imo, but he's still a big name that's passed on in a month of people with big names dying. weird month.
i have to admit i didn't realize he was 50, though.