The Wiz (film) certain we didn't use anything from it. They made a brilliant movie, and even though our concept is different – they're Kansas, we're New York; they're white, we're black, and the score and the books are totally different – we wanted to make sure that we never overlapped in any area." Michael Jackson, a former Motown star and close friend of Diana Ross was cast as the Scarecrow. By the start of development on "The Wiz" in 1977, he and his brothers The Jacksons, had left Motown for Epic Records, though Jackson had yet to make a solo album since
IZ the Wiz Wars revisited", he commented that he would give up all his past fame for full health. In August 2003 he self-curated a solo gallery exhibition in New York City showcasing his legal artwork. IZ also had his art appear in video games such as " and The Warriors." His tag is also seen in the 1979 cult movie The Warriors. Martin died of a heart attack on June 17, 2009 in Spring Hill, Florida. IZ the Wiz Michael "Iz the Wiz" Martin (November 8, 1958 – June 17, 2009) was one of the most prominent graffiti writers of the New