Was It The Intricate/Subtle/Nuanced Things.....

[Snowbunny Sorcerer]

....that made MJ great, or just the fact that he was a obviously supremely talented artist/performer?

 

[Ms. BlueGangsta]

Both.

 

[Doo Doo Head]

Yes, both. They compliment each other. Both are great qualities, but only the best can have both. Even if you're a talented performer, it's not enough if you don't also have depth to your artistry. I'm not directly comparing either one to MJ, so don't take this the wrong way, but Bruno Mars and The Weeknd, two of the most prominent contenders for the "modern MJ" title, are a good example of this. Bruno has the better talent with his singing ability and dancing skills, but his music is ultimately too tame and lacks meaning or depth. The Weeknd, on the other hand, doesn't have as good a voice or the dance moves, but he has something to say with his art and plenty of style and nuance. If you could combine these two sets of skills, you'd have a pretty formidable entertainer at your hands. But still nowhere near MJ's level, of course.