Ron Artest's Tribute to Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson will be laid to rest following a star-studded affair at the Staples Center on Tuesday, featuring noted performers such as Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Although I doubt he'll be invited to perform, Ron Artest, who will soon call the Staples Center home once he officially signs with the Lakers on Wednesday, penned a surprisingly catchy tribute song of his own. If you're at work, be wary of the explicit lyrics, and keep reading after the jump to see how else Ron-Ron plans to honor MJ.



As if laying down a track wasn't enough (you can download the mp3 here -- you know you want it), Artest plans to continue honoring Jackson with his new uniform number. The Lakers Nation transcribed a recent radio interview:

Artest: I was trying to figure out a number, I was talking to my wife and kids. I was on my twitter, MySpace, and Facebook and asking everybody to help me pick a number. On my MySpace, somebody named Trish T he Dish came up with the #37 and said that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was 37 weeks at number one of all time. 23 I was going to choose, it was available, it's a great number but, I thought (with) that 37 and "Thriller", I can make that a new great number. I think more kids should start getting the #37 for a great human being, since Michael loved all people. I think I'm representing greatness in wearing #37.