Michael Jackson's 'Bad' Short Film Hits 100 Million views on Vevo
Another one of Michael Jackson's iconic short films titled Bad has been certified by Vevo for reaching 100 million views since October 2009 when the Estate of Michael Jackson listed the video. The short film is 18 minutes long but this version that Vevo shows is only about 5 minutes long, the longer version can be found on dvd's such as Michael Jackson's Vision. Next in line to receive 100 million views is the King of Pop's iconic 'The Way You Make Me Feel' video that was released to promote the Bad album in 1987 and the new music video 'Love Never Felt So Good' that was released in 2014.
Spike Lee Starts Recording for Michael Jackson Off the Wall Documentary
Spike Lee has already directed and released the overwhelming documentary Bad 25 in 2012, but this time the famous director is going back further in time to do a documentary on Michael Jackson's first solo album on Michael's then new record label Epic Records. Off the Wall was released in 1979 becoming a major hit for the King of Pop, sadly Michael was disappointed in the album sales although they exceeded 20 million copies worldwide. Spike Lee has been busy interviewing everyone involved with the album. So far Spike Lee has shown us on his Instagram that he has interviewed Stevie Wonder and Motown Record's founder Berry Gordy. Lee's caption for the picture posted with this article states, "Chairman,Owner,Songwriter,Producer And Visionary Mr. Berry Gordy. Motown-The Sound Of Young America. Mr.Gordy Blessed Us With An Interview For My Doc On Michael Jackson's OFF THE WALL Album." Spike Lee created high standards for himself when he released Bad 25, hopefully this documentary will just as good, or better. There is no release date for the documentary at this time.
February 17, 2015
February 17, 2015
Will Michael Jackson Perform at the Super Bowl with Katy Perry?
As we gear up for the Super Bowl every year, we can’t help but remember the amazing performance Michael Jackson did there in 1993. His part of the show set a new bar for what should be expected at halftime and a host of high profile entertainers have followed his footsteps, from Madonna to Sir Paul McCartney to Beyonce and even his sister Janet.
This year Katy Perry is taking to the stage and rumours are swirling around that Michael Jackson may make an appearance too, 22 years after his groundbreaking performance.
Last year Perry and Michael shared the same stage (though at different times) during the Billboard Awards, where a breathtaking hologram of Michael was shown. As the light show, which closely represented the King of Pop, dazzled us with a dance routine to ‘Slave To The Rhythm’, you couldn’t help but think you were watching the future. With all this money spent on making this hologram, surely they’d want to use it again?
Roll the clock forward six months and it’s announced that Katy Perry will be performing at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015. In her video commercial, which you can see below, at 1:07 she casually states:
“I got my time machine, bringing in my very special guest”
Whilst the video was a tongue in cheek promotion, we can’t help but wonder if that element could be true and if indeed we’re going to be getting a glimpse of the Michael Jackson hologram again!
If we do, the performance will no doubt generate a mass hysteria around Michael again. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched TV specials every year, pulling in way more viewers than the Billboard Awards, so the exposure would be huge! We can only keep our fingers crossed!!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2015/01/29/will-michael-jackson-perform-with-katy-perry-at-the-super-bowl/
January 28, 2015
This year Katy Perry is taking to the stage and rumours are swirling around that Michael Jackson may make an appearance too, 22 years after his groundbreaking performance.
Last year Perry and Michael shared the same stage (though at different times) during the Billboard Awards, where a breathtaking hologram of Michael was shown. As the light show, which closely represented the King of Pop, dazzled us with a dance routine to ‘Slave To The Rhythm’, you couldn’t help but think you were watching the future. With all this money spent on making this hologram, surely they’d want to use it again?
Roll the clock forward six months and it’s announced that Katy Perry will be performing at the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show in 2015. In her video commercial, which you can see below, at 1:07 she casually states:
“I got my time machine, bringing in my very special guest”
Whilst the video was a tongue in cheek promotion, we can’t help but wonder if that element could be true and if indeed we’re going to be getting a glimpse of the Michael Jackson hologram again!
If we do, the performance will no doubt generate a mass hysteria around Michael again. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched TV specials every year, pulling in way more viewers than the Billboard Awards, so the exposure would be huge! We can only keep our fingers crossed!!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2015/01/29/will-michael-jackson-perform-with-katy-perry-at-the-super-bowl/
January 28, 2015
New Documentary Available Now - Michael Jackson: The Journey
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Five years after his death, Michael Jackson continues to make headlines with posthumous album debuts and a 3D version of the Thriller music documentary in the works for a 2015 release. Michael Jackson fans everywhere can also look forward to a new music documentary from MarVista Digital Entertainment (MVDE)—Michael Jackson: The Journey--which will be available on January 1, 2015, across multiple digital platforms and on demand, including Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Vimeo, VUDU, AT&T, Charter, DirecTV, iNDEMAND and Vubiquity.
Michael Jackson: The Journey traces Jackson's modest childhood beginnings and transformation from boyhood sensation to the King of Pop. Jackson was born August 29th, 1958, in Gary, Indiana into a Jehovah's Witness family of a steel mill working father and stay-at-home mother, with nine brothers and sisters. Standing out amongst his siblings, Michael rose to international fame and fortune with the release of the best-selling album of all time, Thriller in 1984. With an estimated 750 million records sold worldwide, 13 number one singles and 13 GRAMMY's, Michael received the moniker, "King of Pop." In 1989, "Entertainment Tonight" presented Michael with the award for "Most Important Entertainer of the Decade." His impact on popular culture, social history, music and performance leaves a rich legacy.
Contributors to Michael Jackson: The Journey include Joseph Vogel, author of the critically acclaimed book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson; and showbiz reporters and leading authorities on pop culture, music and entertainment, Kevin Hughes and Dan Wootton.
January 1, 2015
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/king-of-pop-music-documentary-michael-jackson-the-journey-premieres-january-1-2015-from-marvista-digital-entertainment-on-digital-and-on-demand-300014496.html
Michael Jackson: The Journey traces Jackson's modest childhood beginnings and transformation from boyhood sensation to the King of Pop. Jackson was born August 29th, 1958, in Gary, Indiana into a Jehovah's Witness family of a steel mill working father and stay-at-home mother, with nine brothers and sisters. Standing out amongst his siblings, Michael rose to international fame and fortune with the release of the best-selling album of all time, Thriller in 1984. With an estimated 750 million records sold worldwide, 13 number one singles and 13 GRAMMY's, Michael received the moniker, "King of Pop." In 1989, "Entertainment Tonight" presented Michael with the award for "Most Important Entertainer of the Decade." His impact on popular culture, social history, music and performance leaves a rich legacy.
Contributors to Michael Jackson: The Journey include Joseph Vogel, author of the critically acclaimed book, Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of Michael Jackson; and showbiz reporters and leading authorities on pop culture, music and entertainment, Kevin Hughes and Dan Wootton.
January 1, 2015
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/king-of-pop-music-documentary-michael-jackson-the-journey-premieres-january-1-2015-from-marvista-digital-entertainment-on-digital-and-on-demand-300014496.html
Mercury discusses Michael Jackson in New "Queen Forever" Trailer
Queen have unveiled the trailer for their forthcoming new album.
The promo for Queen Forever features live footage of the band as well as former frontman Freddie Mercury speaking about collaborating with Michael Jackson.
The record will include three previously unheard Queen tracks that feature vocals from Mercury.
Queen's Jackson collaboration 'There Must Be More to Life Than This' will feature on the album. Queen Forever will be released on November 10 through Virgin Records. Watch the "Queen Forever" trailer at the web-site below.
Source: http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a602584/watch-freddie-mercury-discuss-michael-jackson-in-queen-forever-trailer.html#~oSpPV6JLD4vIXi
October 10, 2014
The promo for Queen Forever features live footage of the band as well as former frontman Freddie Mercury speaking about collaborating with Michael Jackson.
The record will include three previously unheard Queen tracks that feature vocals from Mercury.
Queen's Jackson collaboration 'There Must Be More to Life Than This' will feature on the album. Queen Forever will be released on November 10 through Virgin Records. Watch the "Queen Forever" trailer at the web-site below.
Source: http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a602584/watch-freddie-mercury-discuss-michael-jackson-in-queen-forever-trailer.html#~oSpPV6JLD4vIXi
October 10, 2014
Michael Jackson to Remain an Unnamed Defendant in New Molestation Case
A judge today denied a motion by attorneys for the estate of Michael Jackson to dismiss the King of Pop as an unnamed defendant in a lawsuit filed by a choreographer who alleges the late singer sexually abused him as a child.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said Jackson can remain in Wade Robson’s civil case for now and continued to be identified as “Doe 1.”
However, Beckloff said lawyers for Robson will have to shore up the civil complaint in general for it to move forward. The judge said the case appears to be implying negligence, but that no such specific allegation is made in the complaint.
“I think there needs to be more facts or else it’s uncertain,” Beckloff said.
Robson attorney Maryann Marzano told Beckloff she will file an amended complaint.
“One can always improve upon work that’s been done in the past,” she said.
Beckloff said attorneys on both sides have filed court papers with a solid level of support for their arguments that he does not always see from other lawyers.
Robson, who has worked with such luminaries as Britney Spears and Usher, has filed both civil and probate court actions. The civil suit was filed in June 2013 and names two Jackson companies as well as “Doe 1” as defendants.
In their court papers, lawyers for the estate say it is clear that “Doe 1” is Jackson himself and that a judge does not have jurisdiction over a deceased person or the ability to enter a judgment against him.
But in an email to Jackson estate attorney Jonathan Steinsapir, a copy of which is attached to the estate’s court papers, Marzano states that Jackson is being left as Doe 1 in the civil case for tactical reasons.
“We are well aware that any claims against Michael Jackson need to be made against the estate,” Marzano wrote. “Having said that, we are reluctant to dismiss the Doe 1 defendant given the possible adverse effect a dismissal may have on our pleadings in discovery.”
Robson, 32, still needs a judge’s permission to file the probate court claim because it was brought in May 2013, nearly four years after the entertainer’s overdose death at age 50 on June 25, 2009.
Robson alleges Jackson molested him between 1990-97, though he testified in the singer’s 2005 child molestation trial that the pop star did not sexually molest him. Jackson was acquitted on all charges in his 2005 trial. He settled out of court in 1994 another claim in which he was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.
Source: http://westsidetoday.com/2014/10/01/michael-jackson-remain-unnamed-defendant-molestation-case/
October 1, 2014
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said Jackson can remain in Wade Robson’s civil case for now and continued to be identified as “Doe 1.”
However, Beckloff said lawyers for Robson will have to shore up the civil complaint in general for it to move forward. The judge said the case appears to be implying negligence, but that no such specific allegation is made in the complaint.
“I think there needs to be more facts or else it’s uncertain,” Beckloff said.
Robson attorney Maryann Marzano told Beckloff she will file an amended complaint.
“One can always improve upon work that’s been done in the past,” she said.
Beckloff said attorneys on both sides have filed court papers with a solid level of support for their arguments that he does not always see from other lawyers.
Robson, who has worked with such luminaries as Britney Spears and Usher, has filed both civil and probate court actions. The civil suit was filed in June 2013 and names two Jackson companies as well as “Doe 1” as defendants.
In their court papers, lawyers for the estate say it is clear that “Doe 1” is Jackson himself and that a judge does not have jurisdiction over a deceased person or the ability to enter a judgment against him.
But in an email to Jackson estate attorney Jonathan Steinsapir, a copy of which is attached to the estate’s court papers, Marzano states that Jackson is being left as Doe 1 in the civil case for tactical reasons.
“We are well aware that any claims against Michael Jackson need to be made against the estate,” Marzano wrote. “Having said that, we are reluctant to dismiss the Doe 1 defendant given the possible adverse effect a dismissal may have on our pleadings in discovery.”
Robson, 32, still needs a judge’s permission to file the probate court claim because it was brought in May 2013, nearly four years after the entertainer’s overdose death at age 50 on June 25, 2009.
Robson alleges Jackson molested him between 1990-97, though he testified in the singer’s 2005 child molestation trial that the pop star did not sexually molest him. Jackson was acquitted on all charges in his 2005 trial. He settled out of court in 1994 another claim in which he was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.
Source: http://westsidetoday.com/2014/10/01/michael-jackson-remain-unnamed-defendant-molestation-case/
October 1, 2014
Michael Jackson Tribute Coming to Strand-Capitol in New York
"Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson" is coming to the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, 50 N. George St., York, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22. Tickets are on sale now to members, and will be available to the public on Oct. 15.
The multi-media music and dance production will feature Jackson's greatest hits including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal." Two performers will portray the King of Pop at different stages in his career.
Tickets are $25, $40 and $45 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 717-846-1111 or online at www.mystrandcapitol.org.
Source: http://www.flipsidepa.com/concerts/ci_26639573/michael-jackson-tribute-coming-strand-capitol-nov-22
October 1, 2014
The multi-media music and dance production will feature Jackson's greatest hits including "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal." Two performers will portray the King of Pop at different stages in his career.
Tickets are $25, $40 and $45 and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 717-846-1111 or online at www.mystrandcapitol.org.
Source: http://www.flipsidepa.com/concerts/ci_26639573/michael-jackson-tribute-coming-strand-capitol-nov-22
October 1, 2014
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" Short-Film Re-Released in 3D in 2015
Michael Jackson will soon be scaring fans from beyond the grave with the release of his iconic 14-minute 1983 film “Thriller” — in 3-D!
The video’s original director, John Landis, is helming the project now that a dispute with the singer’s estate has been put to rest.
The revamped short film/music video is expected out next year. There’s even discussion of its running in theaters, as well as on Blu-ray and promotional outlets yet to be decided.
“That lawsuit went on for so many years, (but) we settled and they paid me finally,” Landis said of the legal dispute. “And so, actually there is something happening with ‘Thriller.’ ”
Landis tells us: “It is going to reappear in a highly polished and three-dimensional way that is very exciting on the big screen.”
Pressed on what fans can expect to see, Landis showed his scary side.
“I cannot tell you any more,” he joked. “I might have to kill you.”
A source close to the Jackson family confirms that “John has been secretly working away on this for several months now.
“The iconic video has never been released on Blu-ray or seen in cinemas and 3-D, and that was always a vision Michael had. In fact, his ‘This Is It’ London show was meant to feature a segment which included a 3-D performance.”
We’re told there’s no end to where the “Thriller” concept can go from here.
“The estate has been looking at gaming ideas, too, and ‘Thriller’ fits into the genre,” says our insider. “It could a be a dance experience or a zombie-style,shoot-’ em-up-style movie. There are so many possibilities with this creative masterpiece.”
Official paperwork from the Jackson estate — run by lawyers John Branca and John McClain — revealed that they’re working on ventures including “multiple albums,” “Internet games” and “film, documentary and a Broadway play about Michael.”
The reported $500,000 budget for “Thriller” was more than 10 times the cost of the average video in 1983. Producers were able to justify Jackson’s risky vanity project thanks to the success of the “Thriller” album’s hit songs, which also included ““Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
In 2009, the “Thriller” video was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library Of Congress — the first music video to receive the honor, which recognizes works that are “culturally, historically or esthetically” significant.
Landis was honored last week at the Eyegore Awards at Universal Hollywood Theme Park in L.A. His horror movie résumé also includes “An American Werewolf in London” and “Twilight Zone: The Movie.”
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/michael-jackson-thriller-video-3-d-2015-article-1.1956242
September 29, 2014
The video’s original director, John Landis, is helming the project now that a dispute with the singer’s estate has been put to rest.
The revamped short film/music video is expected out next year. There’s even discussion of its running in theaters, as well as on Blu-ray and promotional outlets yet to be decided.
“That lawsuit went on for so many years, (but) we settled and they paid me finally,” Landis said of the legal dispute. “And so, actually there is something happening with ‘Thriller.’ ”
Landis tells us: “It is going to reappear in a highly polished and three-dimensional way that is very exciting on the big screen.”
Pressed on what fans can expect to see, Landis showed his scary side.
“I cannot tell you any more,” he joked. “I might have to kill you.”
A source close to the Jackson family confirms that “John has been secretly working away on this for several months now.
“The iconic video has never been released on Blu-ray or seen in cinemas and 3-D, and that was always a vision Michael had. In fact, his ‘This Is It’ London show was meant to feature a segment which included a 3-D performance.”
We’re told there’s no end to where the “Thriller” concept can go from here.
“The estate has been looking at gaming ideas, too, and ‘Thriller’ fits into the genre,” says our insider. “It could a be a dance experience or a zombie-style,shoot-’ em-up-style movie. There are so many possibilities with this creative masterpiece.”
Official paperwork from the Jackson estate — run by lawyers John Branca and John McClain — revealed that they’re working on ventures including “multiple albums,” “Internet games” and “film, documentary and a Broadway play about Michael.”
The reported $500,000 budget for “Thriller” was more than 10 times the cost of the average video in 1983. Producers were able to justify Jackson’s risky vanity project thanks to the success of the “Thriller” album’s hit songs, which also included ““Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”
In 2009, the “Thriller” video was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library Of Congress — the first music video to receive the honor, which recognizes works that are “culturally, historically or esthetically” significant.
Landis was honored last week at the Eyegore Awards at Universal Hollywood Theme Park in L.A. His horror movie résumé also includes “An American Werewolf in London” and “Twilight Zone: The Movie.”
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/michael-jackson-thriller-video-3-d-2015-article-1.1956242
September 29, 2014
Unreleased Mix of "She Was Loving Me" (Chicago) Surfaces Online
Two versions of this track – the original demo as Jackson recorded it in 1999 and a ‘contemporised’ version remixed by Timbaland in 2013 – have already been released as part of the ‘XSCAPE’ album under the title “Chicago”.
This never-before-heard version of “She Was Lovin’ Me” – produced by the King of Pop’s nephew, Taryll Jackson – takes more of a “rock” approach than previously-released versions of the track, featuring powerful drums, electric guitar, finger clicks and the echoey use of Jackson’s warm-up vocals to create a more mysterious mood throughout.
Listen to the song below!
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/she-was-lovin-me-taryll-jackson-mix/
This never-before-heard version of “She Was Lovin’ Me” – produced by the King of Pop’s nephew, Taryll Jackson – takes more of a “rock” approach than previously-released versions of the track, featuring powerful drums, electric guitar, finger clicks and the echoey use of Jackson’s warm-up vocals to create a more mysterious mood throughout.
Listen to the song below!
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/she-was-lovin-me-taryll-jackson-mix/
Musician sues of New Michael Jackson Song "Chicago"
Sidney Earl Swanson claims the track Chicago, from Jackson's recent Xscape album, is a rip off of his own 2002 tune, Come Home On the Move.
According to the complaint, filed in Los Angeles federal court this week (ends26Sep14), Swanson's lawyer writes, "Defendants copied and incorporated substantial, original portions of the infringed composition in (Chicago)."
He is suing for damages from Timbaland, songwriter Cory Rooney, and bosses at Jackson's firm MJJ PRoductions and its parent company Sony Music Holdings, and is seeking an injunction to halt the continued sale of the track.
Xscape, which features eight previously unheard tunes recorded before the King of Pop's death in 2009, was released on May 13th. The songs were updated by a range of top producers including Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins.
Source: http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/515482/Musician-sues-over-Timbaland-produced-Michael-Jackson-song
September 26, 2014
According to the complaint, filed in Los Angeles federal court this week (ends26Sep14), Swanson's lawyer writes, "Defendants copied and incorporated substantial, original portions of the infringed composition in (Chicago)."
He is suing for damages from Timbaland, songwriter Cory Rooney, and bosses at Jackson's firm MJJ PRoductions and its parent company Sony Music Holdings, and is seeking an injunction to halt the continued sale of the track.
Xscape, which features eight previously unheard tunes recorded before the King of Pop's death in 2009, was released on May 13th. The songs were updated by a range of top producers including Timbaland and Rodney Jerkins.
Source: http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/515482/Musician-sues-over-Timbaland-produced-Michael-Jackson-song
September 26, 2014
Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson duet on new "Queen Forever" album
A long-lost duet from Michael Jackson and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury will be released this fall, more than 30 years after the song was written.
The band said in a statement Friday that "There Must Be More to Life Than This" would be released in its new "Queen Forever" album due out Nov. 10.
The song combines a backing track from Queen and separate recordings from Jackson (who died in 2009), and Mercury (who died in 1991). It was produced and remixed by William Orbit.
"When I first played it in my studio, I opened a trove of delights provided by the greatest of musicians," Orbit said in the band's statement. "Hearing Michael Jackson's vocals was stirring. So vivid, so cool, and poignant, it was like he was in the studio singing live. With Freddie's vocal solo on the mixing desk, my appreciation for his gift was taken to an even higher level."
The song was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 Friday. Mercury wrote "There Must Be More to Life Than This" as Queen was recording its 1981 album, "Hot Space."
A backing track was recorded, and Mercury recorded Jackson singing the song at his home studio in Los Angeles, but the song wasn't completed.
Queen revived the track while recording its 1984 album, "The Works," but the song still didn't come together. Mercury sang the song on his 1985 debut solo album, "Mr. Bad Guy."
The album also includes two other previously-unreleased tracks featuring Mercury, "Let Me In Your Heart Again," and a ballad version of "Love Kills," his first solo hit.
September 20, 2014
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jackson-freddie-mercury-duet-on-new-queen-forever-album/
The band said in a statement Friday that "There Must Be More to Life Than This" would be released in its new "Queen Forever" album due out Nov. 10.
The song combines a backing track from Queen and separate recordings from Jackson (who died in 2009), and Mercury (who died in 1991). It was produced and remixed by William Orbit.
"When I first played it in my studio, I opened a trove of delights provided by the greatest of musicians," Orbit said in the band's statement. "Hearing Michael Jackson's vocals was stirring. So vivid, so cool, and poignant, it was like he was in the studio singing live. With Freddie's vocal solo on the mixing desk, my appreciation for his gift was taken to an even higher level."
The song was broadcast on BBC Radio 2 Friday. Mercury wrote "There Must Be More to Life Than This" as Queen was recording its 1981 album, "Hot Space."
A backing track was recorded, and Mercury recorded Jackson singing the song at his home studio in Los Angeles, but the song wasn't completed.
Queen revived the track while recording its 1984 album, "The Works," but the song still didn't come together. Mercury sang the song on his 1985 debut solo album, "Mr. Bad Guy."
The album also includes two other previously-unreleased tracks featuring Mercury, "Let Me In Your Heart Again," and a ballad version of "Love Kills," his first solo hit.
September 20, 2014
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jackson-freddie-mercury-duet-on-new-queen-forever-album/
Michael Jackson Hologram Lawsuit: Judge Dismisses Case
The fighting over who owns rights to resurrect deceased artists like Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe through holographic-like projection technology is far from over, but billionaire Alki David scored a legal success on Wednesday when he convinced a California federal judge to reject a false advertising claim that pertained to what the FIlmOn founder said during a CNN interview.
David has bought Hologram USA and staked himself to the future of the technology, and around the time that the Billboard Music Awards featured a re-creation of Michael Jackson, he went on both a legal and publicity campaign. In court, David attacked those who had created the spectacle for allegedly infringing his patents rights. And through the media, he hyped the various applications for the projection technology. A day after the May 18 Billboard Music Awards, David gave an interview with CNN that aired with the caption, "Michael Jackson Hologram: How'd They Do It?"
ulse Entertainment then brought a $10 million lawsuit against him. According to the complaint, David "falsely claimed credit for creating and developing the visual effects spectacle in a nationally-televised interview on CNN."
U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson notes that the allegation of misrepresentation is grounded in fraud and means that Pulse has the burden of specifying the statements it claims were false.
During the interview, David made various colorful statements including:
The closest that happened is when his CNN interviewer asserted the "MJ likeness used at the Billboard Music Awards was created by Hologram USA.”
Judge Wilson sees a difference.
"Most of the obviously false and deceptive statements were made by CNN (or its interviewer) rather than by Defendants," writes the judge. "Even though Defendants participated in the interview, Pulse fails to plead sufficient facts to show that Defendants either knew of the false caption and interviewer’s statement before the broadcast aired or otherwise participated in their creation. The only specific statements attributed to Defendant were not materially deceptive. These statements related only to the methods used to create the Michael Jackson Animation, descriptions of the Animation, and statements relating to the potential uses for the technology used to create the Animation."
CNN removed the interview from its website, but David republished the segment on websites and through his Twitter account. The judge says Pulse's false advertising claim fails as to the original broadcast, but raises the prospect of some liability through the reposting.
"To the extent that Pulse’s false advertising claim relies on Defendants’ republication of the interview segment, it comes closer to meeting the mark," writes the judge. "By reposting the segment with the interviewer’s statement and caption, Defendants arguably adopted these false statements."
But Pulse hasn't offered up enough details about exactly when and how the CNN interview got reposted, so for now, the false advertising claim fails there too. The lawsuit is dismissed with leave to amend, however, meaning that Pulse can try again.
Also in the ruling, Judge Wilson rejects a reverse passing off claim and doesn't think that Pulse's claims belonged as counterclaims in the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit.
September 19, 2014
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6258775/michael-jackson-hologram-lawsuit-judge-dismisses-false-advertising-claim
David has bought Hologram USA and staked himself to the future of the technology, and around the time that the Billboard Music Awards featured a re-creation of Michael Jackson, he went on both a legal and publicity campaign. In court, David attacked those who had created the spectacle for allegedly infringing his patents rights. And through the media, he hyped the various applications for the projection technology. A day after the May 18 Billboard Music Awards, David gave an interview with CNN that aired with the caption, "Michael Jackson Hologram: How'd They Do It?"
ulse Entertainment then brought a $10 million lawsuit against him. According to the complaint, David "falsely claimed credit for creating and developing the visual effects spectacle in a nationally-televised interview on CNN."
U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson notes that the allegation of misrepresentation is grounded in fraud and means that Pulse has the burden of specifying the statements it claims were false.
During the interview, David made various colorful statements including:
- "What you saw at the Billboard, you saw a digital head connected to an actor. We capture the body and the head in real time. And we have the sync marks and we can attach the two together"
- "What you saw at the Billboard was ‘Super Michael.’ You saw Michael beyond the controversy, beyond the problems that he faced in his real life."
- "There is no end to how you can apply this. All we really need to do is apply our imagination"
The closest that happened is when his CNN interviewer asserted the "MJ likeness used at the Billboard Music Awards was created by Hologram USA.”
Judge Wilson sees a difference.
"Most of the obviously false and deceptive statements were made by CNN (or its interviewer) rather than by Defendants," writes the judge. "Even though Defendants participated in the interview, Pulse fails to plead sufficient facts to show that Defendants either knew of the false caption and interviewer’s statement before the broadcast aired or otherwise participated in their creation. The only specific statements attributed to Defendant were not materially deceptive. These statements related only to the methods used to create the Michael Jackson Animation, descriptions of the Animation, and statements relating to the potential uses for the technology used to create the Animation."
CNN removed the interview from its website, but David republished the segment on websites and through his Twitter account. The judge says Pulse's false advertising claim fails as to the original broadcast, but raises the prospect of some liability through the reposting.
"To the extent that Pulse’s false advertising claim relies on Defendants’ republication of the interview segment, it comes closer to meeting the mark," writes the judge. "By reposting the segment with the interviewer’s statement and caption, Defendants arguably adopted these false statements."
But Pulse hasn't offered up enough details about exactly when and how the CNN interview got reposted, so for now, the false advertising claim fails there too. The lawsuit is dismissed with leave to amend, however, meaning that Pulse can try again.
Also in the ruling, Judge Wilson rejects a reverse passing off claim and doesn't think that Pulse's claims belonged as counterclaims in the ongoing patent infringement lawsuit.
September 19, 2014
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6258775/michael-jackson-hologram-lawsuit-judge-dismisses-false-advertising-claim
Epic Records and The Estate of Michael Jackson, announced today that “A Place With No Name,” the next single from this year’s critically acclaimed, chart-topping Michael Jackson album XSCAPE [MJJ Music/Epic Records], will make history when it premieres on Twitter (twitter.com). At 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 13, 2014 the short film will be tweeted through @MichaelJackson allowing the Twitter universe to be able to view the video within a tweet. And for those fans in New York City, “A Place With No Name” will be shown on the massive Sony screen in Times Square at the very same moment.
Throughout his entire career, Michael has always stood on the cutting edge of groundbreaking technological advancements. With “A Place With No Name” launching exclusively through Twitter, he continues to set the pace of pop culture and music yet again. Follow @MichaelJackson to watch the historical moment from the “King of Pop” unfold.
Increasing anticipation, a preview of the video is set to make its network television debut on the special Michael Jackson themed episode of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance broadcast that same evening beginning at 8PM ET. The show will open with a Top Eight group performance featuring “A Place With No Name” choreographed by the Emmy award-winning Travis Payne, who worked as both back-up dancer and choreographer for Michael Jackson. During the program, all of the Top Eight remaining contestants will compete with new all-star partners and each performance will feature a different Michael Jackson song, including songs from XSCAPE.
Michael re-envisioned America’s 1972 classic “A Horse With No Name” to convey a narrative following a man whose car breaks down and is led by a mysterious woman to a utopian place where “no one is in fear” and “no people have pain”. It was a collaboration with Elliott Straite [Dr. Freeze] done in 1998 at Record Plant Recording Studio.
The beautifully shot short film, directed by iconic award-winning director Samuel Bayer, whose credits include seminal videos from Nirvana and The Rolling Stones, has been created by following Michael’s overall vision for short films which tell the song’s story, in this case, of a man enticed into a magical “place” by a mysterious woman. The short film also includes outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage of Michael shot during the production for “In The Closet” short film, which have been kept in the vault since 1992.
Upon its May release, XSCAPE reached #1 in 52 countries and went Top 5 in 87 more territories. Stateside, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200, simultaneously landing at #1 on Amazon and Spotify. The album’s first single, “Love Never Felt So Good,” a duet by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake soared to the Top in the U.S. and achieved 17 #1 and 67 Top 5 positions around the world. The single also made for Michael’s highest Billboard chart debut since 1995 and fourth highest ever at #20 as his 49th smash hit. The album also generated his 50th top 10 Billboard chart with “Slave To The Rhythm” making Michael the first artist to ever have a Top Ten hit in each of six consecutive decades.
ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON:
Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional. To date Jackson has sold 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the classic "Thriller," which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. In his short films “Black or White”, “They Don’t Care About Us”, “Bad and “Smooth Criminal” and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows: Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour is one of the top grossing tours of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which is breaking box office records and receiving critical raves. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.
Source: http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/michael-jacksons-place-no-name-music-video-premiere-worldwide-exclusively-twitter-michaeljackso
August 11, 2014
Throughout his entire career, Michael has always stood on the cutting edge of groundbreaking technological advancements. With “A Place With No Name” launching exclusively through Twitter, he continues to set the pace of pop culture and music yet again. Follow @MichaelJackson to watch the historical moment from the “King of Pop” unfold.
Increasing anticipation, a preview of the video is set to make its network television debut on the special Michael Jackson themed episode of FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance broadcast that same evening beginning at 8PM ET. The show will open with a Top Eight group performance featuring “A Place With No Name” choreographed by the Emmy award-winning Travis Payne, who worked as both back-up dancer and choreographer for Michael Jackson. During the program, all of the Top Eight remaining contestants will compete with new all-star partners and each performance will feature a different Michael Jackson song, including songs from XSCAPE.
Michael re-envisioned America’s 1972 classic “A Horse With No Name” to convey a narrative following a man whose car breaks down and is led by a mysterious woman to a utopian place where “no one is in fear” and “no people have pain”. It was a collaboration with Elliott Straite [Dr. Freeze] done in 1998 at Record Plant Recording Studio.
The beautifully shot short film, directed by iconic award-winning director Samuel Bayer, whose credits include seminal videos from Nirvana and The Rolling Stones, has been created by following Michael’s overall vision for short films which tell the song’s story, in this case, of a man enticed into a magical “place” by a mysterious woman. The short film also includes outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage of Michael shot during the production for “In The Closet” short film, which have been kept in the vault since 1992.
Upon its May release, XSCAPE reached #1 in 52 countries and went Top 5 in 87 more territories. Stateside, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200, simultaneously landing at #1 on Amazon and Spotify. The album’s first single, “Love Never Felt So Good,” a duet by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake soared to the Top in the U.S. and achieved 17 #1 and 67 Top 5 positions around the world. The single also made for Michael’s highest Billboard chart debut since 1995 and fourth highest ever at #20 as his 49th smash hit. The album also generated his 50th top 10 Billboard chart with “Slave To The Rhythm” making Michael the first artist to ever have a Top Ten hit in each of six consecutive decades.
ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON:
Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional. To date Jackson has sold 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the classic "Thriller," which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. In his short films “Black or White”, “They Don’t Care About Us”, “Bad and “Smooth Criminal” and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows: Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour is one of the top grossing tours of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which is breaking box office records and receiving critical raves. Jackson’s sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today’s performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.
Source: http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/michael-jacksons-place-no-name-music-video-premiere-worldwide-exclusively-twitter-michaeljackso
August 11, 2014
'So You Think You Can Dance' Announces Michael Jackson Theme
To help celebrate the release of the second ‘XSCAPE’ single, ‘A Place With No Name,’ ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ will be dedicating their entire programme to the King of Pop.
It airs live on Wednesday, August 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). On a special Michael Jackson themed-episode, each performance will be choreographed to one of Michael’s songs, either one of his classics or one from his current album, ‘XSCAPE.’
Michael’s new single, ‘A Place With No Name,’ from ‘XSCAPE,’ will be featured in the Top Eight group performance.
Let’s hope that the second single is as successful as the first single from the album, ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ which was launched on May 1 and quickly shot to the top of the charts around the world.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/08/10/so-you-think-you-can-dance-mj-theme/
It airs live on Wednesday, August 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). On a special Michael Jackson themed-episode, each performance will be choreographed to one of Michael’s songs, either one of his classics or one from his current album, ‘XSCAPE.’
Michael’s new single, ‘A Place With No Name,’ from ‘XSCAPE,’ will be featured in the Top Eight group performance.
Let’s hope that the second single is as successful as the first single from the album, ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ which was launched on May 1 and quickly shot to the top of the charts around the world.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/08/10/so-you-think-you-can-dance-mj-theme/
Michael Jackson's "Off the Wall" Turns 35 Aug. 10
There comes a time in every young man’s life when he must put on a snug tuxedo and gleaming white socks and go his own way. For Michael Jackson, that time was 35 years ago, on August 10, 1979. It was then, weeks shy of his 21st birthday, that Jackson released Off the Wall, the album that established him as a grown-up solo superstar and set the stage for his coronation as King of Pop.
Off the Wall didn’t sell as well as MJ’s follow-up, 1982’s world-devouring chart beast Thriller, but song for song, it’s arguably the stronger album. Produced by Quincy Jones, who Jackson had befriended on the set of the 1978 Wizard of Oz reboot The Wiz, Off the Wall introduces the Michael many fans would prefer to remember most.
Those aggressive grunts and hiccups hadn’t yet come to dominate his singing. He’s not playing a monster or a gangster or dressing like a Klingon general. Lyrically, he doesn’t take hyper-defensive stances against gossipy critics or those who would abuse the trust of elephants.
Despite all the sadness he’d already experienced, Jackson puts on a brave face. During what he later described as “one of the most difficult periods” of his life, he manages to look and sound like a fresh-faced kid with boundless talent and energy. And that comes across from the opening seconds.
“You know, I was … I was wondering, you know, if you could keep on,” he half-stammers at the start of the leadoff track, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” It’s like he’s addressing not just some girl, but a whole planet of girls -- and guys and housewives and truck drivers and grandmas -- he’s about to seduce with music and charisma he barely understands. “Because the force,” he says, “it’s got a lot of power.”
Indeed, the force was strong in MJ. On these 10 disco-funk burners and cottony pop tunes, he’s boyish yet confident, sexy yet naïve -- the Luke Skywalker of pop. The first two singles, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You,” were nightlife anthems, and both topped the Billboard Hot 100. While the album peaked at No. 3, it would be the last time this notorious perfectionist would settle for anything less than No. 1. From here on out, Jackson owned the pop charts.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”: Here’s where little Mikey becomes a man. “Touch me,” he urges, singing self-penned lyrics over music he’s written himself. “And I feel on fire.” Interestingly, Jackson delivers this come-on in a falsetto that’s far from masculine. It’s not exactly feminine, either. As rival Prince would say of himself years later, MJ is neither your woman nor your man; he’s “something that you’ll never understand.” One thing everyone can understand: This song’s irresistible disco-ball shimmer and rhythmic snap. You’ve heard it a million times, and you never get enough.
“Rock With You”: As with the previous track, the meaning is ambiguous. It’s possible he’s singing about sex, but this is Michael Jackson. If he’s sweating until dawn, he’s probably dancing. As far as grooving goes, this one’s slower and funkier than “Don’t Stop.” Jackson lets his voice go gravelly when he digs into the line, “Just take it slow / ‘cause we got so far to go.” He’s settling into this party he’s throwing, pacing himself to go the distance.
“Working Day and Night”: The second of three tunes written solely by Jackson, “Working Day and Night” would have been a smash single on any other album. On Off the Wall, it gets relegated to album-cut/ B-side status. Outfitted with bass pops and rattling percussion, which come in toward the end, this one’s a rhythmic monster -- certainly not a typical disco-funk track. When Talking Heads cut “Remain In Light” the following year, they may well have had this record in mind. Justin Timberlake has certainly spun it a few times.
“Get on the Floor”: It’s no surprise that bassist Louis Jordan co-wrote this one. LJ doesn’t quite upstage MJ and his fluttery lover-man vocals, but his poppin’ bassline makes Jackson’s “dance with me” plea rather redundant. This song would make crippled robots dance, and Jackson knows it. He throws in some James Brown-lite grunts just for the funk of it: “Get up, won’t you g’on down!”
“Off the Wall”: Rod Temperton, the man behind “Rock With You,” penned this, the album’s third of four Top 10 pop hits. It shimmies ahead a bit like “Thriller,” which Temperton would write a few years later, and Jackson gives one of the disc’s most assured vocals. Amid his gasps, he even offers up a proto-“He-hee,” previewing one of his signature vocal ticks of the ‘80s and beyond. Still, this is safe, good-natured, friendly Michael. His message: Life is short; go nuts. You can’t say he didn’t take it to heart.
“Girlfriend”: Even though Paul McCartney included this tune on the 1978 Wings album London Town, he penned it with Michael in mind. It’s Macca at his doofiest and most tuneful, and the innocence of the lyrics -- all about a guy who’s actually going to tell another fellow he’s having a fling with his lady -- is perfect for Jackson. It’s supermarket rock with sax and synth sounds that have aged about as well as 1979 milk, but those “do-doot-do” vocals still bring a smile.
“She’s Out of My Life”: As the story goes, Michael cried at the end of each take, and he certainly sounds like a man on the verge of tears. As on all of his finest ballads, MJ lets his voice quiver at some bizarre frequency he turned into during those years of touring, recording, and trying to cope with the loneliness of being a child star. As he wrote in his 1988 memoir Moonwalk, he wept at the realization he was “so rich in some experiences while being poor in moments of true joy,” and that’s how he turns a relatively unremarkable love song into a showstopper. Everyone knows there’s no “she,” and that’s what makes it so devastating.
“I Can’t Help It”: Yet another sign Off the Wall is a masterpiece: The tune Stevie Wonder co-wrote is among the ones people talk about the least. True, it’s a pastel-colored twinkle-fest of the sort that would earn Stevie a bad name in the ‘80s, but MJ’s sincerity and effortless vocals shine through. Perhaps because his love songs were never going to be super believable -- at least not when taken at face value -- he turns pap to pop.
“It’s the Falling In Love”: Here’s the perfect love song for Michael. It’s all about how the idea of romance, the mystery of thinking about what might be, is better than the real thing. Again, it’s lightly funky and infused with those horns give this record so much of its flavor, and the sing-songy chorus is the sort of thing for which Michael’s voice was made.
“Burn This Disco Out”: Temperton once again works his magic, and “Off the Wall” ends just as it began, with Michael vowing to keep the party going all night. In a few playful moments, he affects a low bellow and sings, “Keep the boogie alright.”
August 8, 2014
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/album-review/6214222/michael-jacksons-off-the-wall-at-35-classic-track-by-track
Off the Wall didn’t sell as well as MJ’s follow-up, 1982’s world-devouring chart beast Thriller, but song for song, it’s arguably the stronger album. Produced by Quincy Jones, who Jackson had befriended on the set of the 1978 Wizard of Oz reboot The Wiz, Off the Wall introduces the Michael many fans would prefer to remember most.
Those aggressive grunts and hiccups hadn’t yet come to dominate his singing. He’s not playing a monster or a gangster or dressing like a Klingon general. Lyrically, he doesn’t take hyper-defensive stances against gossipy critics or those who would abuse the trust of elephants.
Despite all the sadness he’d already experienced, Jackson puts on a brave face. During what he later described as “one of the most difficult periods” of his life, he manages to look and sound like a fresh-faced kid with boundless talent and energy. And that comes across from the opening seconds.
“You know, I was … I was wondering, you know, if you could keep on,” he half-stammers at the start of the leadoff track, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” It’s like he’s addressing not just some girl, but a whole planet of girls -- and guys and housewives and truck drivers and grandmas -- he’s about to seduce with music and charisma he barely understands. “Because the force,” he says, “it’s got a lot of power.”
Indeed, the force was strong in MJ. On these 10 disco-funk burners and cottony pop tunes, he’s boyish yet confident, sexy yet naïve -- the Luke Skywalker of pop. The first two singles, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You,” were nightlife anthems, and both topped the Billboard Hot 100. While the album peaked at No. 3, it would be the last time this notorious perfectionist would settle for anything less than No. 1. From here on out, Jackson owned the pop charts.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”: Here’s where little Mikey becomes a man. “Touch me,” he urges, singing self-penned lyrics over music he’s written himself. “And I feel on fire.” Interestingly, Jackson delivers this come-on in a falsetto that’s far from masculine. It’s not exactly feminine, either. As rival Prince would say of himself years later, MJ is neither your woman nor your man; he’s “something that you’ll never understand.” One thing everyone can understand: This song’s irresistible disco-ball shimmer and rhythmic snap. You’ve heard it a million times, and you never get enough.
“Rock With You”: As with the previous track, the meaning is ambiguous. It’s possible he’s singing about sex, but this is Michael Jackson. If he’s sweating until dawn, he’s probably dancing. As far as grooving goes, this one’s slower and funkier than “Don’t Stop.” Jackson lets his voice go gravelly when he digs into the line, “Just take it slow / ‘cause we got so far to go.” He’s settling into this party he’s throwing, pacing himself to go the distance.
“Working Day and Night”: The second of three tunes written solely by Jackson, “Working Day and Night” would have been a smash single on any other album. On Off the Wall, it gets relegated to album-cut/ B-side status. Outfitted with bass pops and rattling percussion, which come in toward the end, this one’s a rhythmic monster -- certainly not a typical disco-funk track. When Talking Heads cut “Remain In Light” the following year, they may well have had this record in mind. Justin Timberlake has certainly spun it a few times.
“Get on the Floor”: It’s no surprise that bassist Louis Jordan co-wrote this one. LJ doesn’t quite upstage MJ and his fluttery lover-man vocals, but his poppin’ bassline makes Jackson’s “dance with me” plea rather redundant. This song would make crippled robots dance, and Jackson knows it. He throws in some James Brown-lite grunts just for the funk of it: “Get up, won’t you g’on down!”
“Off the Wall”: Rod Temperton, the man behind “Rock With You,” penned this, the album’s third of four Top 10 pop hits. It shimmies ahead a bit like “Thriller,” which Temperton would write a few years later, and Jackson gives one of the disc’s most assured vocals. Amid his gasps, he even offers up a proto-“He-hee,” previewing one of his signature vocal ticks of the ‘80s and beyond. Still, this is safe, good-natured, friendly Michael. His message: Life is short; go nuts. You can’t say he didn’t take it to heart.
“Girlfriend”: Even though Paul McCartney included this tune on the 1978 Wings album London Town, he penned it with Michael in mind. It’s Macca at his doofiest and most tuneful, and the innocence of the lyrics -- all about a guy who’s actually going to tell another fellow he’s having a fling with his lady -- is perfect for Jackson. It’s supermarket rock with sax and synth sounds that have aged about as well as 1979 milk, but those “do-doot-do” vocals still bring a smile.
“She’s Out of My Life”: As the story goes, Michael cried at the end of each take, and he certainly sounds like a man on the verge of tears. As on all of his finest ballads, MJ lets his voice quiver at some bizarre frequency he turned into during those years of touring, recording, and trying to cope with the loneliness of being a child star. As he wrote in his 1988 memoir Moonwalk, he wept at the realization he was “so rich in some experiences while being poor in moments of true joy,” and that’s how he turns a relatively unremarkable love song into a showstopper. Everyone knows there’s no “she,” and that’s what makes it so devastating.
“I Can’t Help It”: Yet another sign Off the Wall is a masterpiece: The tune Stevie Wonder co-wrote is among the ones people talk about the least. True, it’s a pastel-colored twinkle-fest of the sort that would earn Stevie a bad name in the ‘80s, but MJ’s sincerity and effortless vocals shine through. Perhaps because his love songs were never going to be super believable -- at least not when taken at face value -- he turns pap to pop.
“It’s the Falling In Love”: Here’s the perfect love song for Michael. It’s all about how the idea of romance, the mystery of thinking about what might be, is better than the real thing. Again, it’s lightly funky and infused with those horns give this record so much of its flavor, and the sing-songy chorus is the sort of thing for which Michael’s voice was made.
“Burn This Disco Out”: Temperton once again works his magic, and “Off the Wall” ends just as it began, with Michael vowing to keep the party going all night. In a few playful moments, he affects a low bellow and sings, “Keep the boogie alright.”
August 8, 2014
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/album-review/6214222/michael-jacksons-off-the-wall-at-35-classic-track-by-track
"A Place With No Name" Single Artwork
“A Place With No Name” will officially released as a single the week commencing August 11. The track will be released digitally and will be serviced to radio stations worldwide.
A release date for the music video is yet to be confirmed. Rumors suggest the MTV VMAs on August 24 might play a role in the premiere. Sony Music sources were contacted for comment but would not confirm or deny the suggestion.
The new single will have a short film to be release also this month in late August. Two music videos will be made, one by Sony and the Michael Jackson Estate and another music video by Michael Jackson's Cirque du Soleil show.
August 6, 2014
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/place-single-artwork/
A release date for the music video is yet to be confirmed. Rumors suggest the MTV VMAs on August 24 might play a role in the premiere. Sony Music sources were contacted for comment but would not confirm or deny the suggestion.
The new single will have a short film to be release also this month in late August. Two music videos will be made, one by Sony and the Michael Jackson Estate and another music video by Michael Jackson's Cirque du Soleil show.
August 6, 2014
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/place-single-artwork/
Michael Jackson's Neverland Is About to be Sold
Though Michael Jackson moved out of Neverland years before his untimely passing, the 2,700-acre property remains indelibly associated with the King of Pop to this day. Soon, however, the connection will be only in thought, not deed: Neverland is set to be sold.
According to sources familiar with the matter, billionaire Tom Barrack’s Colony Capital is preparing to put the Los Olivos, Calif. property on the market. The firm became Neverland’s managing partner after Barrack struck a deal with Jackson in late 2007 to take over the $23 million note held by private equity fund Fortress.
“We are frustrated, bitterly disappointed and saddened that it has come to this,” said a representative for Jackson’s estate in an electronic message to FORBES. “Sadly, Michael lost control of Neverland during his life as a result of advice from a former manager.”
Representatives for Colony Capital could not immediately be reached for comment.
As reported in Michael Jackson, Inc: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of a Billion-Dollar Empire Empire, the agreement between Jackson and Colony was a complex one. Barrack himself said he only took on the note as a favor to Jackson (in an interview for the book, he recalled his words to the singer: “Don’t have me do this … unless you’re really interested in building a program going forward to create some revenue for yourself.”)
The agreement, which took effect in early 2008, called for Colony to manage Neverland as a sort of joint venture with Jackson. For every dollar the company invested in the property, its equity would increase. This meant that while Jackson—and, later, his estate—retained a stake in the property, it decreased on paper as time went on.
Over the past six years, Colony has continued to fund the upkeep of Neverland. That cost, if it’s anything like it was in Jackson’s day, is likely in the neighborhood of $5 million per year. Add in the $23 million note, and back-of-the-envelope math suggests the firm may have invested more than $50 million in the property to date. It also retains the right to sell the property at will.
Still, many options were explored over the years. Toward the end of his life, Jackson himself is said to have been intrigued by the idea of turning Neverland into a school for the performing arts; after his death, many have suggested that the property be turned into an attraction like Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
But as anyone who’s been to Neverland (this writer included) can tell you, Los Olivos isn’t exactly Memphis. The area is nowhere near an interstate, and its narrow mountain roads aren’t conducive to accommodating hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
“The Estate explored numerous options, including a purchase,” continued the aforementioned representative’s statement. “But financial, land use and zoning restrictions have made all of the proposed options prohibitive given our duty as Executors to be fiscally responsible in protecting and growing the assets of the Estate for Michael’s children.”
Indeed, Jackson’s estate has pulled in more than three quarters of a billion dollars in a little over five years since his death. But that’s before taxes and expenses, not to mention the specter of a $702 million IRS bill that the estate is currently appealing.
Buying back Colony’s share of Neverland—not to mention footing a multimillion-dollar annual upkeep bill for a property that does not generate income—would seem to be an imprudent financial choice.
And so, Neverland may soon have a new owner on paper. But any buyer will have to understand the property will always be the King of Pop’s realm in the minds of millions.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/07/31/michael-jacksons-neverland-is-about-to-be-sold/
July 31, 2014
According to sources familiar with the matter, billionaire Tom Barrack’s Colony Capital is preparing to put the Los Olivos, Calif. property on the market. The firm became Neverland’s managing partner after Barrack struck a deal with Jackson in late 2007 to take over the $23 million note held by private equity fund Fortress.
“We are frustrated, bitterly disappointed and saddened that it has come to this,” said a representative for Jackson’s estate in an electronic message to FORBES. “Sadly, Michael lost control of Neverland during his life as a result of advice from a former manager.”
Representatives for Colony Capital could not immediately be reached for comment.
As reported in Michael Jackson, Inc: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of a Billion-Dollar Empire Empire, the agreement between Jackson and Colony was a complex one. Barrack himself said he only took on the note as a favor to Jackson (in an interview for the book, he recalled his words to the singer: “Don’t have me do this … unless you’re really interested in building a program going forward to create some revenue for yourself.”)
The agreement, which took effect in early 2008, called for Colony to manage Neverland as a sort of joint venture with Jackson. For every dollar the company invested in the property, its equity would increase. This meant that while Jackson—and, later, his estate—retained a stake in the property, it decreased on paper as time went on.
Over the past six years, Colony has continued to fund the upkeep of Neverland. That cost, if it’s anything like it was in Jackson’s day, is likely in the neighborhood of $5 million per year. Add in the $23 million note, and back-of-the-envelope math suggests the firm may have invested more than $50 million in the property to date. It also retains the right to sell the property at will.
Still, many options were explored over the years. Toward the end of his life, Jackson himself is said to have been intrigued by the idea of turning Neverland into a school for the performing arts; after his death, many have suggested that the property be turned into an attraction like Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
But as anyone who’s been to Neverland (this writer included) can tell you, Los Olivos isn’t exactly Memphis. The area is nowhere near an interstate, and its narrow mountain roads aren’t conducive to accommodating hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
“The Estate explored numerous options, including a purchase,” continued the aforementioned representative’s statement. “But financial, land use and zoning restrictions have made all of the proposed options prohibitive given our duty as Executors to be fiscally responsible in protecting and growing the assets of the Estate for Michael’s children.”
Indeed, Jackson’s estate has pulled in more than three quarters of a billion dollars in a little over five years since his death. But that’s before taxes and expenses, not to mention the specter of a $702 million IRS bill that the estate is currently appealing.
Buying back Colony’s share of Neverland—not to mention footing a multimillion-dollar annual upkeep bill for a property that does not generate income—would seem to be an imprudent financial choice.
And so, Neverland may soon have a new owner on paper. But any buyer will have to understand the property will always be the King of Pop’s realm in the minds of millions.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/07/31/michael-jacksons-neverland-is-about-to-be-sold/
July 31, 2014
Rare Michael Jackson Photo's to be Auctioned Off
For all those Michael Jackson collectors out there looking to get your hands on rare images of the King of Pop, now is your chance!
Premiere Props will be auctioning off a collection of 200 never before seen or published photos of Michael Jackson and his brothers with the negatives and all reproduction rights over the June 21 weekend. The photos span several decades – from The Jackson 5, through Thriller and the Victory Tour (1984).
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/06/04/rare-photos-go-on-auction/
June 6, 2014
Premiere Props will be auctioning off a collection of 200 never before seen or published photos of Michael Jackson and his brothers with the negatives and all reproduction rights over the June 21 weekend. The photos span several decades – from The Jackson 5, through Thriller and the Victory Tour (1984).
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/06/04/rare-photos-go-on-auction/
June 6, 2014
Michael Jackson and Black Keys Fight for #1 on Billboard 200
There's a race for No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as both Michael Jackson's "Xscape" and the Black Keys' "Turn Blue" have their sights set on the top slot.
Industry sources suggest both albums -- which were released on Tuesday, May 13 -- could sell between 150,000 and 155,000 copies in the week ending Sunday, May 18.
The Billboard 200's new top 10 will be revealed on Wednesday, May 21.
Two days ago, on May 14, forecasters had pegged "Xscape" to bow with around 140,000, while "Turn Blue" was aiming for 150,000. Jackson's album has seen its projected sales grow a bit in the past few days, while the Black Keys' number has also grown -- but by slightly less.
If the Black Keys start at No. 1, it will mark the rock duo's first chart-topper. Their last studio release, 2011's "El Camino", debuted and peaked at No. 2 off a 206,000 start (according to Nielsen SoundScan) and is their best seller, with 1.4 million sold.
As for Jackson, "Xscape" would mark the seventh No. 1 for the King of Pop, who died in 2009. The new set is his second posthumous album of previously unreleased material, following "Michael" in 2011. "Michael" debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 228,000 in the week ending Dec. 19. It has sold 541,000 to date.
"Xscape's" first-week sales might be amplified by a special event celebrating Jackson during the Billboard Music Awards (May 18) -- which occurs on the final day of the sales tracking week. There are no details on what the experience will include, but it has been described by Larry Klein, the show's executive producer, as "one of the most amazing things I've ever seen."
On SoundScan's Building chart, "Xscape" is No. 1, followed by "Turn Blue" at No. 2. The Building tally is a precursor to the final Billboard 200 ranking -- reflecting the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week as reported by six major merchants.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/6091989/michael-jackson-black-keys-vie-for-no-1-billboard-200
May 16, 2014
Industry sources suggest both albums -- which were released on Tuesday, May 13 -- could sell between 150,000 and 155,000 copies in the week ending Sunday, May 18.
The Billboard 200's new top 10 will be revealed on Wednesday, May 21.
Two days ago, on May 14, forecasters had pegged "Xscape" to bow with around 140,000, while "Turn Blue" was aiming for 150,000. Jackson's album has seen its projected sales grow a bit in the past few days, while the Black Keys' number has also grown -- but by slightly less.
If the Black Keys start at No. 1, it will mark the rock duo's first chart-topper. Their last studio release, 2011's "El Camino", debuted and peaked at No. 2 off a 206,000 start (according to Nielsen SoundScan) and is their best seller, with 1.4 million sold.
As for Jackson, "Xscape" would mark the seventh No. 1 for the King of Pop, who died in 2009. The new set is his second posthumous album of previously unreleased material, following "Michael" in 2011. "Michael" debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 228,000 in the week ending Dec. 19. It has sold 541,000 to date.
"Xscape's" first-week sales might be amplified by a special event celebrating Jackson during the Billboard Music Awards (May 18) -- which occurs on the final day of the sales tracking week. There are no details on what the experience will include, but it has been described by Larry Klein, the show's executive producer, as "one of the most amazing things I've ever seen."
On SoundScan's Building chart, "Xscape" is No. 1, followed by "Turn Blue" at No. 2. The Building tally is a precursor to the final Billboard 200 ranking -- reflecting the first four days (Monday through Thursday) of SoundScan's tracking week as reported by six major merchants.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/6091989/michael-jackson-black-keys-vie-for-no-1-billboard-200
May 16, 2014
U.S. Federal Judge Rules Billboard can use Michael Jackson Hologram
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A federal judge ruled Friday that the Billboard Music Awards can use a hologram of deceased pop icon Michael Jackson at this weekend's show, rejecting efforts from tech companies seeking to block the digital performance.
Judge Kent Dawson said there wasn't enough evidence to show the planned 3-D image would violate patents held by Hologram USA Inc. and Musion Das Hologram Ltd.
The companies own rights to technology known for digitally resurrecting deceased rapper Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella music festival.
"The court's decision is not surprising," attorney Howard Weitzman, who represented Jackson's estate and dick clark productions, wrote in an email. "The request to stop this extraordinary Michael Jackson event was ludicrous."
Plans to use the hologram during the show Sunday emerged with the lawsuit, but they weren't confirmed until the hearing Friday afternoon. Show producers had been promoting only a "history-making performance" at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena that would promote the singer's latest posthumous album, "Xscape."
Hologram USA and Musion said in their emergency lawsuit Thursday that one of their products was being used without authorization by a competitor to create a segment that depicts Jackson performing a new song, "Slave to the Rhythm."
Dawson noted that the lawsuit didn't provide evidence that the company's patents were being used to create the Jackson hologram, and attorneys for the defendants said the techniques being used were in the public domain. Technology and visual tricks that can create holographic-type images have existed for decades, although the Shakur performance sparked more interest in creating realistic performances of dead celebrities.
Attorney Michael Feder, representing the show and Jackson estate, filed a response Friday, saying the holographic performance had been planned for months and was discussed with Alki David, who owns the rights to the technology that creates and projects lifelike images to appear alongside live performers through Hologram USA and Musion.
Plaintiff's attorney Ryan G. Baker said his clients were disappointed with the ruling, but the lawsuit will continue.
"It's only the very beginning of a case that will continue to be prosecuted by my clients, and ultimately they are confident that they will prevail and will recover all available damages for the defendants' infringing conduct," Baker said.
Hologram USA obtained the rights to the patents after the bankruptcy of Florida effects house Digital Domain, which created the Shakur image to wide acclaim two years ago.
The lawsuit also named John C. Textor, the chairman of Florida-based Pulse Entertainment Corp. who was the former head of Digital Domain. Pulse is accused of using the hologram techniques without a proper license. Textor said he could not comment publicly on the case.
The lawsuit names Atlanta-based Pulse Entertainment Inc. as a defendant. Spokesman Ken S. Johnson said the company was listed incorrectly because it had no connection the Billboard Music Awards.
In March, Hologram USA sued Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International over its show, "Michael Jackson ONE" at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The show features a performance by a digital rendition of Jackson, which the company also contends is an unlicensed use of its technology.
The case is being handled in a Los Angeles federal court. Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts have been granted an extension until May 23 to respond to the lawsuit.
Source: http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2014/05/16/billboard-awards-defend-michael-jackson-hologram
May 16, 2014
Judge Kent Dawson said there wasn't enough evidence to show the planned 3-D image would violate patents held by Hologram USA Inc. and Musion Das Hologram Ltd.
The companies own rights to technology known for digitally resurrecting deceased rapper Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella music festival.
"The court's decision is not surprising," attorney Howard Weitzman, who represented Jackson's estate and dick clark productions, wrote in an email. "The request to stop this extraordinary Michael Jackson event was ludicrous."
Plans to use the hologram during the show Sunday emerged with the lawsuit, but they weren't confirmed until the hearing Friday afternoon. Show producers had been promoting only a "history-making performance" at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena that would promote the singer's latest posthumous album, "Xscape."
Hologram USA and Musion said in their emergency lawsuit Thursday that one of their products was being used without authorization by a competitor to create a segment that depicts Jackson performing a new song, "Slave to the Rhythm."
Dawson noted that the lawsuit didn't provide evidence that the company's patents were being used to create the Jackson hologram, and attorneys for the defendants said the techniques being used were in the public domain. Technology and visual tricks that can create holographic-type images have existed for decades, although the Shakur performance sparked more interest in creating realistic performances of dead celebrities.
Attorney Michael Feder, representing the show and Jackson estate, filed a response Friday, saying the holographic performance had been planned for months and was discussed with Alki David, who owns the rights to the technology that creates and projects lifelike images to appear alongside live performers through Hologram USA and Musion.
Plaintiff's attorney Ryan G. Baker said his clients were disappointed with the ruling, but the lawsuit will continue.
"It's only the very beginning of a case that will continue to be prosecuted by my clients, and ultimately they are confident that they will prevail and will recover all available damages for the defendants' infringing conduct," Baker said.
Hologram USA obtained the rights to the patents after the bankruptcy of Florida effects house Digital Domain, which created the Shakur image to wide acclaim two years ago.
The lawsuit also named John C. Textor, the chairman of Florida-based Pulse Entertainment Corp. who was the former head of Digital Domain. Pulse is accused of using the hologram techniques without a proper license. Textor said he could not comment publicly on the case.
The lawsuit names Atlanta-based Pulse Entertainment Inc. as a defendant. Spokesman Ken S. Johnson said the company was listed incorrectly because it had no connection the Billboard Music Awards.
In March, Hologram USA sued Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International over its show, "Michael Jackson ONE" at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The show features a performance by a digital rendition of Jackson, which the company also contends is an unlicensed use of its technology.
The case is being handled in a Los Angeles federal court. Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts have been granted an extension until May 23 to respond to the lawsuit.
Source: http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2014/05/16/billboard-awards-defend-michael-jackson-hologram
May 16, 2014
L.A. Reid "Special Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber Collaboration is Likely Coming"
Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid says a collaboration with Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson is likely coming.
And he should know, as the man behind Michael Jackson’s new ‘Xscape’ album and who signed Bieber to Island Records in 2009.
Fans will recall the track “Slave 2 The Rhythm” that was leaked last year with vocals by both Jackson and Bieber. Sony Music Entertainment was quick to remove the track from the web and now it appears sans-Bieber on Jackson’s ‘Xscape’.
Speaking with Shaun Robinson on Access Hollywood, Reid explained this.
He said, “I signed Justin, so I feel a loyalty. I feel like I should protect him. That’s my relationship with him. But ‘Slave 2 The Rhythm’ didn’t include him per my direction … If it hadn’t been leaked, it would have been featured but it sort of took the wrong turn. But you know what? We’re gonna revisit that.”
He added, “We’re going to revisit it and do something really special with Justin Bieber and Michael.”
Robinson prompted for clarification, asking, “So Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson may be singing together on a future release of Michael’s?”
And Reid responded, “I’m pretty sure.”
With the help of a duet with Justin Timberlake on single “Love Never Felt So Good” — which debuted last week at No. 20 on the Hot 100 and No. 6 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs — Jackson’s ‘Xscape’ is eying a No. 1 position on the Billboard 200.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6084969/la-reid-justin-bieber-michael-jackson-collaboration-coming
May 14, 2014
And he should know, as the man behind Michael Jackson’s new ‘Xscape’ album and who signed Bieber to Island Records in 2009.
Fans will recall the track “Slave 2 The Rhythm” that was leaked last year with vocals by both Jackson and Bieber. Sony Music Entertainment was quick to remove the track from the web and now it appears sans-Bieber on Jackson’s ‘Xscape’.
Speaking with Shaun Robinson on Access Hollywood, Reid explained this.
He said, “I signed Justin, so I feel a loyalty. I feel like I should protect him. That’s my relationship with him. But ‘Slave 2 The Rhythm’ didn’t include him per my direction … If it hadn’t been leaked, it would have been featured but it sort of took the wrong turn. But you know what? We’re gonna revisit that.”
He added, “We’re going to revisit it and do something really special with Justin Bieber and Michael.”
Robinson prompted for clarification, asking, “So Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson may be singing together on a future release of Michael’s?”
And Reid responded, “I’m pretty sure.”
With the help of a duet with Justin Timberlake on single “Love Never Felt So Good” — which debuted last week at No. 20 on the Hot 100 and No. 6 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs — Jackson’s ‘Xscape’ is eying a No. 1 position on the Billboard 200.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6084969/la-reid-justin-bieber-michael-jackson-collaboration-coming
May 14, 2014
Michael Jackson's New Short Film to 'Love Never Felt So Good' ft. Justin Timberlake
The deluxe edition of Michael Jackson’s posthumous new album, XSCAPE, features three separate versions of the track “Love Never Felt So Good”. One of those tacks on a guest spot from another pop superstar in Justin Timberlake.
Now, the posthumous collaboration between MJ and JT has been given a music video. Here, Timberlake and a gaggle of back-up dancers lip sync and Moonwalk their way across several backdrops plucked from iconic Jackson videos (“Thriller”, “Bad”, “Billie Jean”). It’s the kind of feel-good “everybody dance their cares away” piece that Jackson would have made if he were still alive today.
“Love Never Felt So Good” is one of eight tracks featured on XSCAPE, out now via Epic Records. Collecting material from the same recording sessions as 2001’s Invincible, the album was given a “fresh, contemporary” sound thanks to all-star producers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon, and John McClain. It’s currently streaming in full via Spotify.
In related news, Timberlake previously revealed that he and Jackson actually planned a collaboration in the early 2000s. In an interview on Oprah’s Master Class, explained that ‘NSync’s 2001 single “Gone” was originally written with Jackson in mind.
“[He] said that he wanted to cut the record, but he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I. And I said, ‘It’s already out. We’ve already cut this song as an ‘NSync record.’
“I’m on the phone, I’m literally punching myself in the face, because I said, ‘I can’t do that. Could we do an ‘NSync featuring Michael Jackson? Or Michael Jackson featuring ‘NSync?’ And he was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I.”
Fortunately, the duo did end up hitting the stage together at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Source: http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/05/watch-michael-jackson-and-justin-timberlakes-video-for-love-never-felt-so-good/
May 14, 2014
Now, the posthumous collaboration between MJ and JT has been given a music video. Here, Timberlake and a gaggle of back-up dancers lip sync and Moonwalk their way across several backdrops plucked from iconic Jackson videos (“Thriller”, “Bad”, “Billie Jean”). It’s the kind of feel-good “everybody dance their cares away” piece that Jackson would have made if he were still alive today.
“Love Never Felt So Good” is one of eight tracks featured on XSCAPE, out now via Epic Records. Collecting material from the same recording sessions as 2001’s Invincible, the album was given a “fresh, contemporary” sound thanks to all-star producers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon, and John McClain. It’s currently streaming in full via Spotify.
In related news, Timberlake previously revealed that he and Jackson actually planned a collaboration in the early 2000s. In an interview on Oprah’s Master Class, explained that ‘NSync’s 2001 single “Gone” was originally written with Jackson in mind.
“[He] said that he wanted to cut the record, but he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I. And I said, ‘It’s already out. We’ve already cut this song as an ‘NSync record.’
“I’m on the phone, I’m literally punching myself in the face, because I said, ‘I can’t do that. Could we do an ‘NSync featuring Michael Jackson? Or Michael Jackson featuring ‘NSync?’ And he was very absolute about the fact that he wanted it to be a duet between himself and I.”
Fortunately, the duo did end up hitting the stage together at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
Source: http://consequenceofsound.net/2014/05/watch-michael-jackson-and-justin-timberlakes-video-for-love-never-felt-so-good/
May 14, 2014
Michael Jackson to perform "Slave to the Rhythm" at Billboard Music Awards Sunday
Thanks to the wonders of technology, Michael Jackson will reportedly be among the performers at this Sunday night’s Billboard Music Awards.The website Showbiz411 previously reported that the late King of Pop will appear as a hologram on the telecast, which will air on ABC live from Las Vegas. Now, the site has more details about this performance. Allegedly, the projection of MJ will appear to be singing “Slave to the Rhythm,” a track from Michael’s posthumous album XSCAPE, in stores now.
According to the website, the hologram will be created using the same technology that allowed the late rap legend Tupac Shakur to “appear” at the Coachella Music Festival in 2012.
To see if this turns out to be a cool effect, or simply a ghoulish attempt to resurrect the King of Pop, tune into the 2014 Billboard Music Awards this Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: http://www.classichitsandoldies.com/v2/2014/05/13/report-michael-jackson-hologram-to-perform-slave-to-the-rhythm-at-billboard-music-awards/
May 14, 2013
According to the website, the hologram will be created using the same technology that allowed the late rap legend Tupac Shakur to “appear” at the Coachella Music Festival in 2012.
To see if this turns out to be a cool effect, or simply a ghoulish attempt to resurrect the King of Pop, tune into the 2014 Billboard Music Awards this Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: http://www.classichitsandoldies.com/v2/2014/05/13/report-michael-jackson-hologram-to-perform-slave-to-the-rhythm-at-billboard-music-awards/
May 14, 2013
Michael Jackson to Unleash World Premiere Experience
Michael Jackson will create another slice of history at this year’s Billboard Music Awards.
On what already promises to be one of the year’s stand-out music events, the 2014 BBMAs raise the bar even higher with a world premiere experience featuring the late King of Pop.
The Estate of Michael Jackson created the spot, which will present the superstar “like you’ve never seen him before.”
It’s sure to be a thriller, but the finer details remains under lock-and-key.
This year's ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18 in Las Vegas. ABC will broadcast the show live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Yahoo will be streaming the red carpet show.
Performers on the night include Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, 5 Seconds of Summer, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Derulo, Imagine Dragons, Luke Bryan, John Legend, OneRepublic, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. Presenters for the event include Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland, Pete Wentz and Wiz Khalifa, among others.
The BBMAs provide a high-profile launch pad for MJ’s posthumous album “Xscape,” which comes out May 13.
“Xscape” is eight tracks of Jackson vocals set to new music from Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain, J-Roc and Timbaland who is executive producer of the album. The originals they worked with were recorded from 1983 to 1999.
The first single from the album, “Love Never Felt So Good,” produced by MJ, John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort and Paul Anka, was released last week. A duet version of “Love Never Felt So Good,” with Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, produced by Timberlake, Timbaland and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, appeared soon after.
A second track, “Chicago,” hit the web earlier this week. “Chicago” is one of five tracks Timbaland oversaw on the album with his collaborator J-Roc.
For additional information on the 2014 Billboard Music Awards visit us at billboardmusicawards.com or the Billboard hub at billboard.com/bbma.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2014/6077688/michael-jackson-to-unleash-world-premiere-experience-at-billboard
May 8, 2014
On what already promises to be one of the year’s stand-out music events, the 2014 BBMAs raise the bar even higher with a world premiere experience featuring the late King of Pop.
The Estate of Michael Jackson created the spot, which will present the superstar “like you’ve never seen him before.”
It’s sure to be a thriller, but the finer details remains under lock-and-key.
This year's ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18 in Las Vegas. ABC will broadcast the show live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Yahoo will be streaming the red carpet show.
Performers on the night include Miley Cyrus, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, 5 Seconds of Summer, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Derulo, Imagine Dragons, Luke Bryan, John Legend, OneRepublic, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. Presenters for the event include Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland, Pete Wentz and Wiz Khalifa, among others.
The BBMAs provide a high-profile launch pad for MJ’s posthumous album “Xscape,” which comes out May 13.
“Xscape” is eight tracks of Jackson vocals set to new music from Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain, J-Roc and Timbaland who is executive producer of the album. The originals they worked with were recorded from 1983 to 1999.
The first single from the album, “Love Never Felt So Good,” produced by MJ, John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort and Paul Anka, was released last week. A duet version of “Love Never Felt So Good,” with Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, produced by Timberlake, Timbaland and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, appeared soon after.
A second track, “Chicago,” hit the web earlier this week. “Chicago” is one of five tracks Timbaland oversaw on the album with his collaborator J-Roc.
For additional information on the 2014 Billboard Music Awards visit us at billboardmusicawards.com or the Billboard hub at billboard.com/bbma.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/events/bbma-2014/6077688/michael-jackson-to-unleash-world-premiere-experience-at-billboard
May 8, 2014
New Michael Jackson Song Appears on Jeep Commercial
Today Epic Records and Jeep launched a global brand campaign for the car company’s Altitude Edition in which Michael Jackson’s new single “Love Never Felt So Good” is featured in four 30-second TV commercials. The campaign will air from today (May 8) and run through summer.
The track is from Jackson's second posthumous release “Xscape” (out May 13, Epic) and was co-written in 1983 by Michael Jackson in a session with Paul Anka (who played piano on the track) and Kathy Wakefield. Two new versions of the song were recorded: the one in the ad was produced by John McClain, co-executor of the Jackson estate with John Branca; and another helmed by the trio of Timbaland, J-Roc and Justin Timberlake in which JT duets with Michael debuted this week at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The campaign's origin came in late-March when Epic chairman and CEO Antonio “LA” Reid played the album for Chrysler CMO Olivier Francois. “I played him almost every song,” Reid says. “When we played 'Love Never Felt So Good' he made the connection and went ‘Bingo! This was what I was looking for!'" Francois, for his part, says that when he first heard the track he got up off the couch in the Epic offices and started dancing and hopes the ad will have the same impact on consumers.
Nearly five years since Michael Jackson's unexpected passing, his brand shows little sign of flagging. Since his death on June 25, 2009, Jackson's albums have sold 12.8 million in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. His “This Is It” concert film grossed $261 million worldwide while "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour," a partnership between the Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil, last year became the ninth-top-grossing tour of all time with earnings of $325.1 million from 407 shows drawing nearly 3 million concertgoers. A second Cirque du Soleil show, "One," began a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last year.
Music from "Xscape," according to Reid, will also be featured in ads by Xperia, a line smartphones and tablets by Sony, Epic’s parent company. The label chair said the ads will air outside of the U.S. He also confirmed that Pepsi, which has had a long-standing relationship with Jackson, has no immediate plans for a tie-in with this album. A video currently being filmed for the Timberlake version of “Love,” however, will feature one rather large product placement: a Jeep Altitude.
http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/6077671/new-michael-jackson-jeep-summer-tv-campaign-love-never-felt-so-good
The track is from Jackson's second posthumous release “Xscape” (out May 13, Epic) and was co-written in 1983 by Michael Jackson in a session with Paul Anka (who played piano on the track) and Kathy Wakefield. Two new versions of the song were recorded: the one in the ad was produced by John McClain, co-executor of the Jackson estate with John Branca; and another helmed by the trio of Timbaland, J-Roc and Justin Timberlake in which JT duets with Michael debuted this week at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The campaign's origin came in late-March when Epic chairman and CEO Antonio “LA” Reid played the album for Chrysler CMO Olivier Francois. “I played him almost every song,” Reid says. “When we played 'Love Never Felt So Good' he made the connection and went ‘Bingo! This was what I was looking for!'" Francois, for his part, says that when he first heard the track he got up off the couch in the Epic offices and started dancing and hopes the ad will have the same impact on consumers.
Nearly five years since Michael Jackson's unexpected passing, his brand shows little sign of flagging. Since his death on June 25, 2009, Jackson's albums have sold 12.8 million in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. His “This Is It” concert film grossed $261 million worldwide while "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour," a partnership between the Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil, last year became the ninth-top-grossing tour of all time with earnings of $325.1 million from 407 shows drawing nearly 3 million concertgoers. A second Cirque du Soleil show, "One," began a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last year.
Music from "Xscape," according to Reid, will also be featured in ads by Xperia, a line smartphones and tablets by Sony, Epic’s parent company. The label chair said the ads will air outside of the U.S. He also confirmed that Pepsi, which has had a long-standing relationship with Jackson, has no immediate plans for a tie-in with this album. A video currently being filmed for the Timberlake version of “Love,” however, will feature one rather large product placement: a Jeep Altitude.
http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/6077671/new-michael-jackson-jeep-summer-tv-campaign-love-never-felt-so-good
Michael Jackson's New Song 'Blue Gangsta'
In advance of Tuesday’s release of Xscape, another song off Michael Jackson’s posthumous album has hit the net via MTV. “Blue Gangsta,” which was recorded in 1998 and leaked in 2010, features slick vocals from MJ and a funky string arrangement courtesy of Timbaland.
“What you gonna do? / You ain’t a friend of mine / Look what you’ve put me through / Now that I’m the blue gangsta,” sings the King of Pop.
Xscape features eight other previously unreleased songs produced by Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon, and John McClain.
The album is already off to a strong start. The first single, “Love Never Felt So Good” featuring Justin Timberlake, debuts at No. 20 this week, selling 80,000 downloads after only three days on sale.
Source: http://www.rap-up.com/2014/05/08/new-music-michael-jackson-blue-gangsta/ <------ Click to listen to 'Blue Gangsta'
May 8, 2014
“What you gonna do? / You ain’t a friend of mine / Look what you’ve put me through / Now that I’m the blue gangsta,” sings the King of Pop.
Xscape features eight other previously unreleased songs produced by Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon, and John McClain.
The album is already off to a strong start. The first single, “Love Never Felt So Good” featuring Justin Timberlake, debuts at No. 20 this week, selling 80,000 downloads after only three days on sale.
Source: http://www.rap-up.com/2014/05/08/new-music-michael-jackson-blue-gangsta/ <------ Click to listen to 'Blue Gangsta'
May 8, 2014
Michael Jackson's New Song 'Loving you'
Sony promised fans they would get a taste of Michael Jackson’s posthumous album XSCAPE (out May 13) all this week, and today they get to hear the new track “Loving You.”
The track– a sweet bass-heavy song about unrequited love–was recorded during the 1987 Bad sessions at Red Wing Studio in the San Fernando Valley and later completed the song at Hayvenhurst.
Yesterday, fans got to hear “Chicago,” a Timbaland-produced track that was originally known as “She Was Lovin’ Me,” and was slated for the 2001 full-length, Invincible, but didn’t make the cut. Last week, they debuted two versions of the track, “Love Never Felt So Good,” one which features Justin Timberlake.
Tomorrow (May 7), fans will be able to hear the track “A Place With No Name.” On Thursday (May 8) “Slave To The Rhythm,” a track that surfaced last year with vocals from Justin Bieber and was teased by Timbaland last month, will be released. The week closes out with “Do You Know Where Your Children Are,” a track that was originally leaked back in 2012 and was reportedly about child abuse.
Source: http://radio.com/2014/05/06/michael-jackson-loving-you-xscape/
May 6, 2014
The track– a sweet bass-heavy song about unrequited love–was recorded during the 1987 Bad sessions at Red Wing Studio in the San Fernando Valley and later completed the song at Hayvenhurst.
Yesterday, fans got to hear “Chicago,” a Timbaland-produced track that was originally known as “She Was Lovin’ Me,” and was slated for the 2001 full-length, Invincible, but didn’t make the cut. Last week, they debuted two versions of the track, “Love Never Felt So Good,” one which features Justin Timberlake.
Tomorrow (May 7), fans will be able to hear the track “A Place With No Name.” On Thursday (May 8) “Slave To The Rhythm,” a track that surfaced last year with vocals from Justin Bieber and was teased by Timbaland last month, will be released. The week closes out with “Do You Know Where Your Children Are,” a track that was originally leaked back in 2012 and was reportedly about child abuse.
Source: http://radio.com/2014/05/06/michael-jackson-loving-you-xscape/
May 6, 2014
'Xscape' Kept Michael Jackson's Voice "Pure"
Even five years after his death, there is no escaping Michael Jackson. The latest evidence, Xscape, arrives May 13 with eight "contemporized" castoffs the pop superstar recorded from 1983 to 1999.
The project, completed at warp speed compared with the glacial pace Jackson kept during his career, was hatched in September when Epic Records chief Antonio "L.A." Reid met with Jackson estate co-executor John Branca.
Reid, who was eager to take on a meaty challenge after two seasons on The X Factor, proposed a vault search for material that could be modernized without violating Jackson's artistic identity. He didn't want scraps.
"My guiding principle was simple," says Reid, who curated the project. "If Michael sang a song from top to bottom, it was an indication that he loved it. If he sang it multiple times, that was a strong indication that he wanted the world to hear it."
The estate combed Jackson's archives and found 24 suitable tracks. Reid settled on 20, then pared that to 14. Most were reworked, but only eight made the cut.
Reid wasn't convinced of Xscape's viability until he heard Love Never Felt So Good, a piano-driven tune written and recorded by Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983. "That was the seed that gave birth to this project," he says.
That update, produced by estate co-executor John McClain, was released last week with a companion version featuring Justin Timberlake. (The duet and Jackson's original recordings appear only on Xscape's deluxe edition.)
Reid initially approached Timbaland, "my favorite producer on Earth, period," who chose five songs to reconstruct, including Slave to the Rhythm, the tune Reid and Babyface wrote for Jackson during the Dangerous sessions in 1991.
"We were so intimidated," Reid recalls. "We were on a crazy roll making so many hits, but we couldn't nail it for Michael. We tried too hard. Michael came by the studio and heard Slave to the Rhythm, just the drums and bass, and he loved it. He sang it 24 times top to bottom, without a break. It was a beautiful moment."
Rodney Jerkins signed on to overhaul the title track 15 years after he played a demo for Jackson over the phone. They worked on the song for nearly three years. Stargate, a Norwegian duo Jackson admired, produced A Place With No Name, a reimagining of America's A Horse With No Name.
Reid's sole dictate: Leave Jackson's vocals intact. "I wanted Michael's voice pure and raw, not cut into bits and pieces."
Announced in March, Xscape initially met with cynicism, then rising enthusiasm as early listeners spread news of the album's virtues.
"Michael would be proud," says Reid, who overcame his own misgivings by tapping into his musical GPS and Timbaland's instincts. "I wanted to be really respectful of Michael's legacy. Going into it, I had to get my arms around not being able to measure up to Thriller or Off the Wall. No matter how good we make this music, Michael's not here."
Jackson has sold 12.8 million albums since he died in 2009, according to Nielsen SoundScan, but two-thirds were sold by the end of that year, and momentum has flagged since. Xscape's buzz points to a possible uptick.
Regardless of its reception, Reid won't be making an encore.
"I'm done," he says.
Michael Jackson hasn't taken his last bow.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/05/06/xscape-aimed-to-keep-michael-jackson-voice-pure-and-raw/8753645/
May 6, 2014
The project, completed at warp speed compared with the glacial pace Jackson kept during his career, was hatched in September when Epic Records chief Antonio "L.A." Reid met with Jackson estate co-executor John Branca.
Reid, who was eager to take on a meaty challenge after two seasons on The X Factor, proposed a vault search for material that could be modernized without violating Jackson's artistic identity. He didn't want scraps.
"My guiding principle was simple," says Reid, who curated the project. "If Michael sang a song from top to bottom, it was an indication that he loved it. If he sang it multiple times, that was a strong indication that he wanted the world to hear it."
The estate combed Jackson's archives and found 24 suitable tracks. Reid settled on 20, then pared that to 14. Most were reworked, but only eight made the cut.
Reid wasn't convinced of Xscape's viability until he heard Love Never Felt So Good, a piano-driven tune written and recorded by Jackson and Paul Anka in 1983. "That was the seed that gave birth to this project," he says.
That update, produced by estate co-executor John McClain, was released last week with a companion version featuring Justin Timberlake. (The duet and Jackson's original recordings appear only on Xscape's deluxe edition.)
Reid initially approached Timbaland, "my favorite producer on Earth, period," who chose five songs to reconstruct, including Slave to the Rhythm, the tune Reid and Babyface wrote for Jackson during the Dangerous sessions in 1991.
"We were so intimidated," Reid recalls. "We were on a crazy roll making so many hits, but we couldn't nail it for Michael. We tried too hard. Michael came by the studio and heard Slave to the Rhythm, just the drums and bass, and he loved it. He sang it 24 times top to bottom, without a break. It was a beautiful moment."
Rodney Jerkins signed on to overhaul the title track 15 years after he played a demo for Jackson over the phone. They worked on the song for nearly three years. Stargate, a Norwegian duo Jackson admired, produced A Place With No Name, a reimagining of America's A Horse With No Name.
Reid's sole dictate: Leave Jackson's vocals intact. "I wanted Michael's voice pure and raw, not cut into bits and pieces."
Announced in March, Xscape initially met with cynicism, then rising enthusiasm as early listeners spread news of the album's virtues.
"Michael would be proud," says Reid, who overcame his own misgivings by tapping into his musical GPS and Timbaland's instincts. "I wanted to be really respectful of Michael's legacy. Going into it, I had to get my arms around not being able to measure up to Thriller or Off the Wall. No matter how good we make this music, Michael's not here."
Jackson has sold 12.8 million albums since he died in 2009, according to Nielsen SoundScan, but two-thirds were sold by the end of that year, and momentum has flagged since. Xscape's buzz points to a possible uptick.
Regardless of its reception, Reid won't be making an encore.
"I'm done," he says.
Michael Jackson hasn't taken his last bow.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/05/06/xscape-aimed-to-keep-michael-jackson-voice-pure-and-raw/8753645/
May 6, 2014
Justin Timberlake Wrote 'Gone' for Michael Jackson
*NSYNC fans should be interested to learn that one of the boy band's biggest hit songs was actually intended for the King of Pop.
Calling into "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" on Tuesday, May 6, Justin Timberlake chatted about his new song with Michael Jackson, "Love Never Felt So Good," and revealed that he wrote *NSYNC's "Gone" for the late pop icon.
“Interestingly enough, there were songs on the last *NSYNC album ... one song in particular, 'Gone,' originally I wrote that song for Michael. I’ve always been a big fan of him and I think back to ... it made me reminisce to the times he performed at the VMAs with *NSYNC, where we performed at Madison Square Garden with him, and the numerous meetings I had had with him in the past just about music," Timberlake told Seacrest, adding that it was just by chance that *NSYNC ended up with the song, which peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"At an A&R meeting I said, 'Well I wrote this song and it's kind of sitting around. Everybody heard it and we just decided to cut it. I've been lucky enough to work with a lot of great people in the music industry, and some of the greats have always said, 'A good song is a good song.'"
It's not the first time that Timberlake ended up with a song that was intended for Jackson either. According to Billboard, The Neptunes first offered "Rock Your Body" to Jackson for his 2001 album, "Invincible," but he passed. The song, which appeared on Timberlake's debut solo album, "Justified," would go on to peak at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/06/justin-timberlake-gone-michael-jackson_n_5274585.html
May 6, 2014
Calling into "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" on Tuesday, May 6, Justin Timberlake chatted about his new song with Michael Jackson, "Love Never Felt So Good," and revealed that he wrote *NSYNC's "Gone" for the late pop icon.
“Interestingly enough, there were songs on the last *NSYNC album ... one song in particular, 'Gone,' originally I wrote that song for Michael. I’ve always been a big fan of him and I think back to ... it made me reminisce to the times he performed at the VMAs with *NSYNC, where we performed at Madison Square Garden with him, and the numerous meetings I had had with him in the past just about music," Timberlake told Seacrest, adding that it was just by chance that *NSYNC ended up with the song, which peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"At an A&R meeting I said, 'Well I wrote this song and it's kind of sitting around. Everybody heard it and we just decided to cut it. I've been lucky enough to work with a lot of great people in the music industry, and some of the greats have always said, 'A good song is a good song.'"
It's not the first time that Timberlake ended up with a song that was intended for Jackson either. According to Billboard, The Neptunes first offered "Rock Your Body" to Jackson for his 2001 album, "Invincible," but he passed. The song, which appeared on Timberlake's debut solo album, "Justified," would go on to peak at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/06/justin-timberlake-gone-michael-jackson_n_5274585.html
May 6, 2014
'Love Never Felt So Good' on Billboards Hot 100
Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake's sleek new duet, "Love Never Felt So Good," will enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week following its first few days of availability.
The song appears on "Xscape," an album of eight tracks of Jackson's vocals set to new music from Timbaland and J-Roc, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain (a former A&M Records executive and co-executor of the Jackson estate). The set arrives May 13.
"Good" premiered on the iHeartRadio Music Awards, broadcast on NBC on May 1, and was then made available for digital purchase. (Instead of Timberlake, Usher danced to the song on the broadcast.)
Fueling its Hot 100 start? Solid initial sales and airplay, which should send the song, available as a solo Jackson recording and in a duet version with Timberlake, onto this week's Hot 100 in the list's lower half. Streaming activity since its premiere will also contribute to its debut rank. While "Good" is not yet available across on-demand subscription services, it's has racked 960,000 views on YouTube so far, split between its official audio clip on Vevo (which was released May 1) and user-generated YouTube clips.
Highlights of the Hot 100 will post on Billboard.com on Wednesday (May 7), while the chart will post in its entirety the following day.
"Good" will mark Jackson's 49th Hot 100 entry and second since his 2009 death. "Hold My Hand," with Akon, reached No. 39 in January 2011. That collaboration was released from the posthumous "Michael " album, which debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 3 and has sold 540,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Jackson boasts 13 Hot 100 No. 1s, the most among solo males in the chart's 55-year history. Only the Beatles (20) and Mariah Carey (18) have totaled more No. 1s, with Rihanna also having notched 13 leaders.
STRONG SALES
Industry forecasters suggest that "Good" may have sold more than 60,000 downloads in the week ending Sunday, May 4. That sum would've been generated from only three full days of sales, as the song reached retailers late on Thursday (May 1), after its premiere earlier that evening.
Certainly, "Good" is buoyed by the availability of the duet version with Timberlake, which accounts for the bulk of the song's overall sales. (Both the Jackson solo version and the duet are combined for sales tracking and charting purposes.)
If "Good" debuts with more than 60,000 downloads sold, that would outpace the opening of "Hold My Hand." That song sold 19,000 in a similar opening time frame, and served as the first radio-promoted single from "Michael." It was released on a Friday (Nov. 19, 2010), so it had less than three full days of sales in its first week (ending Nov. 21). "Hold" then sold 44,000 in its first full week of availability (the frame ending Nov. 28).
RADIO ROLLOUT
Meanwhile, "Good" has also garnered a strong response at radio and appears on track for a debut on the 50-position Radio Songs chart. As of this posting, the cut has drawn 31 million all-format radio audience impressions since its first plays on Friday. On this week's airplay charts (highlights of which will post later today, while the full charts, along with all others, will update on Thursday), it makes multiple debuts, starting on Adult R&B Songs (No. 19), Adult Contemporary (No. 23), R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (No. 28) and Adult Pop Songs (No. 40).
As part of Clear Channel's promotional synergy after the premiere of the song on the iHeartRadio Music Awards, "Good" received hourly plays the following day on a multitude of the company's pop, adult and R&B/hip-hop stations, greatly contributing to its airplay so far.
Still, the station that has played "Good" the most is CBS Radio-owned adult contemporary KYXY San Diego (and, thus, did not contribute to Clear Channel's concentrated play). The station has given the duet 37 plays (though Sunday). "We loved the song the instant we previewed it," says KYXY program director Charlie Quinn. "It felt familiar and right in line with audience expectations for a Michael song."
As for its long-term fortunes, Quinn is optimistic. "Timberlake and the production value definitely elevate it beyond a novelty."
"Two icons coming together for a great groove," is how Alex Tear, Clear Channel vp of programming/Miami, top 40 national brand coordinator and PD of Pop Songs reporter WHYI, describes the track. The station has played "Good" 13 times through May 4. "Hearing and watching the debut [of 'Good' during the iHeartRadio Music Awards] certainly played a role in inspiring listeners' passion and for them to request it. News traveled fast across the generations, lighting up social media and text requests all weekend."
Tear concurs that the song could sustain widespread interest following its splashy start.
"It's smooth and will certainly have a pop-culture impact. It's a great way to begin rolling into summer."
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6077508/michael-jackson-justin-timberlake-hot-100-love-never-felt-so-good
May 5, 2014
The song appears on "Xscape," an album of eight tracks of Jackson's vocals set to new music from Timbaland and J-Roc, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain (a former A&M Records executive and co-executor of the Jackson estate). The set arrives May 13.
"Good" premiered on the iHeartRadio Music Awards, broadcast on NBC on May 1, and was then made available for digital purchase. (Instead of Timberlake, Usher danced to the song on the broadcast.)
Fueling its Hot 100 start? Solid initial sales and airplay, which should send the song, available as a solo Jackson recording and in a duet version with Timberlake, onto this week's Hot 100 in the list's lower half. Streaming activity since its premiere will also contribute to its debut rank. While "Good" is not yet available across on-demand subscription services, it's has racked 960,000 views on YouTube so far, split between its official audio clip on Vevo (which was released May 1) and user-generated YouTube clips.
Highlights of the Hot 100 will post on Billboard.com on Wednesday (May 7), while the chart will post in its entirety the following day.
"Good" will mark Jackson's 49th Hot 100 entry and second since his 2009 death. "Hold My Hand," with Akon, reached No. 39 in January 2011. That collaboration was released from the posthumous "Michael " album, which debuted on the Billboard 200 at No. 3 and has sold 540,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Jackson boasts 13 Hot 100 No. 1s, the most among solo males in the chart's 55-year history. Only the Beatles (20) and Mariah Carey (18) have totaled more No. 1s, with Rihanna also having notched 13 leaders.
STRONG SALES
Industry forecasters suggest that "Good" may have sold more than 60,000 downloads in the week ending Sunday, May 4. That sum would've been generated from only three full days of sales, as the song reached retailers late on Thursday (May 1), after its premiere earlier that evening.
Certainly, "Good" is buoyed by the availability of the duet version with Timberlake, which accounts for the bulk of the song's overall sales. (Both the Jackson solo version and the duet are combined for sales tracking and charting purposes.)
If "Good" debuts with more than 60,000 downloads sold, that would outpace the opening of "Hold My Hand." That song sold 19,000 in a similar opening time frame, and served as the first radio-promoted single from "Michael." It was released on a Friday (Nov. 19, 2010), so it had less than three full days of sales in its first week (ending Nov. 21). "Hold" then sold 44,000 in its first full week of availability (the frame ending Nov. 28).
RADIO ROLLOUT
Meanwhile, "Good" has also garnered a strong response at radio and appears on track for a debut on the 50-position Radio Songs chart. As of this posting, the cut has drawn 31 million all-format radio audience impressions since its first plays on Friday. On this week's airplay charts (highlights of which will post later today, while the full charts, along with all others, will update on Thursday), it makes multiple debuts, starting on Adult R&B Songs (No. 19), Adult Contemporary (No. 23), R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (No. 28) and Adult Pop Songs (No. 40).
As part of Clear Channel's promotional synergy after the premiere of the song on the iHeartRadio Music Awards, "Good" received hourly plays the following day on a multitude of the company's pop, adult and R&B/hip-hop stations, greatly contributing to its airplay so far.
Still, the station that has played "Good" the most is CBS Radio-owned adult contemporary KYXY San Diego (and, thus, did not contribute to Clear Channel's concentrated play). The station has given the duet 37 plays (though Sunday). "We loved the song the instant we previewed it," says KYXY program director Charlie Quinn. "It felt familiar and right in line with audience expectations for a Michael song."
As for its long-term fortunes, Quinn is optimistic. "Timberlake and the production value definitely elevate it beyond a novelty."
"Two icons coming together for a great groove," is how Alex Tear, Clear Channel vp of programming/Miami, top 40 national brand coordinator and PD of Pop Songs reporter WHYI, describes the track. The station has played "Good" 13 times through May 4. "Hearing and watching the debut [of 'Good' during the iHeartRadio Music Awards] certainly played a role in inspiring listeners' passion and for them to request it. News traveled fast across the generations, lighting up social media and text requests all weekend."
Tear concurs that the song could sustain widespread interest following its splashy start.
"It's smooth and will certainly have a pop-culture impact. It's a great way to begin rolling into summer."
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6077508/michael-jackson-justin-timberlake-hot-100-love-never-felt-so-good
May 5, 2014
Bringing Michael Jackson Back: Inside Story of Xscape
A little less than a year ago, L.A. Reid met John Branca for dinner at Cecconi's in West Hollywood. Reid had been the chairman and CEO of Epic Records ("the house that Thriller built," as Reid calls it) since July 2011, and he'd inherited a cold label that so far hadn't gotten much hotter. Branca had resumed his role as Michael Jackson's adviser and lawyer shortly before Jackson's death in 2009, and during his time as co-executor of the Jackson estate had erased the estate's $500 million debt, thanks to the This Is It concert film (which grossed $261 million worldwide), and lucrative Jackson performance properties with Cirque du Soleil.
One of the items on the table that night was Reid's idea for a Jackson biopic covering his life between the age of 19 — when he filmed The Wiz, and first worked with Quincy Jones — and 24, when he and Jones reshaped the world with Thriller.
Branca had simple answer for Reid: No.
"John said to me, 'That's wonderful. Why? Why should we allow you to do that?' " Reid, 57, remembers today. Branca complained that during his time at Epic, Reid had done nothing for Jackson. Reid's first two years at the label had coincided with his tenure as a judge on The X Factor on Fox (a decision he now calls "horrible"), and Branca seized on this too. "He said, 'You don't talk about Michael when you're on TV,' " says Reid. "He starts to berate me. I walked right into it."
But Reid saw a chance to prove himself, and so asked for something else, something bigger: to go into the vaults and hear the recordings that Jackson — who was known to work on as many as 70 songs for each album — had left behind. "Let me hear everything," he said to Branca. "And then let me go out and put my team together and make an album on Michael."
"I was just being a lying-ass record man," says Reid. "Because I had no idea what was in the vaults." But he says this now with a smile, and the confidence that comes with pursuing an unorthodox strategy and creating something no one believed possible — an album that deserves to be discussed in the context of the remarkable music that Jackson made from Off the Wall in 1979 to Invincible in 2001.
"Xscape," which comes out May 13, is eight tracks of Jackson vocals set to new music from Timbaland and J-Roc, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain, the former A&M Records executive who is co-executor of the Jackson estate with Branca. The originals they worked with were recorded from 1983 to 1999, the period just after Thriller to just before Invincible.
The finished songs are not remixes. Reid chose a riskier path, charging each of his producers to create what are essentially new songs based only on Jackson's vocal tracks. Timbaland — the project's executive producer, who oversaw five tracks with his collaborator J-Roc — talks about it almost like a ghost story, Jackson's disembodied voice urging him on, dissuading him from sounds that weren't innovative enough, and giving his blessing when they were.
This is the second full album in a deal between the Jackson estate and Sony Music to put out previously unreleased material, reportedly worth $250 million. The first, 2010's Michael, focused on the most recent material Jackson was recording in the years leading up to his death. It was completed by a half dozen producers, many from the original sessions, who tried to carry out his intentions as best they could. The results fell well short of Jackson's studio perfectionism. Branca calls the process "somewhat chaotic" and notes it lacked an overall guiding vision.
In the time since its release, Michael has posted sales of 540,000 — by no means overwhelming. Still, Jackson remains, five years after his death, big business. Last year, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, a partnership between the Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil, became the ninth-top-grossing tour of all time, passing The Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge tour in 1994 and 1995 with earnings of $325.1 million from 407 shows that drew almost 3 million concertgoers. Immortal is back on tour in North America, and a second Cirque du Soleil show, One, began a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in May 2013.
Jackson's albums have sold 12.8 million in the United States since his death, according to Nielsen SoundScan — 8 million of those in the months immediately following his June 25, 2009 death, making him the best-selling artist of that year. Since then, Jackson's sales have slowed. Last year, his albums moved 584,000, less than Elvis Presley (1.1 million) and Johnny Cash (969,000), but more than Whitney Houston (310,000) and Jimi Hendrix (539,000). "Xscape" will provide a lift, though how much of one is unclear.
As welcome as a hit record would be, Reid and all involved also see a higher purpose: To reanimate Jackson's presence in today's pop universe. There is no question his influence lives on. Listen to the songs on the Billboard Hot 100 most weeks and you'll hear tracks by Jackson disciples — right now it's Pharrell Williams, who has long chased what he calls Jackson's "stutter pop" sound, at No. 1 with "Happy" and Justin Timberlake at No. 9 with "Not a Bad Thing" — co-produced by part of the "Xscape" team, Timbaland and J-Roc. In working on the album, Timbaland says he asked himself, "How would I hear this on the radio against Katy Perry? Would it sound old, would it sound new? [I] had to make sure that it can compete with everything that is going on today in the pop world."
In April, Reid gathered with the producers who worked on "Xscape," save McClain, to talk with Billboard about the making of the album, and to shoot a documentary. They met at Henson Studios in Hollywood, the former A&M Studios on La Brea, built in 1966 on the site of Charlie Chaplin's studio. Jones and Jackson recorded "We Are the World" here in Studio A, and Jackson — who obsessively screened footage of Chaplin as a form of study — was known to rehearse on the soundstage.
Some of these men had known and worked with Jackson — Jerkins, 36, a hitmaker for Brandy and Destiny's Child, first met Jackson at 16, and began work with him at 19. "He asked me for a year," says Jerkins of Jackson. It turned out to be more like three, from 1999 to 2001. Reid himself produced one of the source tracks on "Xscape," "Slave to the Rhythm," with his partner Kenneth "Babyface" Edmunds in 1989 (and almost signed Jackson in 2005 when he was chairman/CEO of Island Def Jam). It has been refashioned for "Xscape" by Timbaland. "He asked [Rodney] to work with him for a year," jokes Reid. "This shows you where I'm at as a producer — he asked me for two weeks."
Jackson had wanted to work with the Norwegian production duo Stargate — Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen, both 41 — known for their hits with Rihanna and Perry. The singer was a fan of their songs for Ne-Yo, and he met with them at the Midtown Manhattan Chinese restaurant Mr. K's to discuss future projects. "Just the two of us, and managers, and Blanket was there as well," says Eriksen. "Down in the basement."
"Did he eat?" asks Reid.
"He ate — he brought his own chopsticks," says Hermansen.
As for Timbaland, 42, Reid felt his consistent innovation was in tune with Jackson's desire to always carve out a unique sound. As Jackson did, Timbaland acts out the sounds in his head, beatboxing and vocalizing in the studio. And like Jackson, he's relentless in his search for new approaches. "I always felt like I was ahead of the times and nobody understood my method of music. I feel like everything around us is music. That's why I use crickets in songs and birds and spoons and door knobs or a car motor, and I just make it a rhythm."
Timbaland was Reid's first call. "I said, 'I want to come into the studio. I don't want to talk over the telephone,' " remembers Reid. The two met at Jungle Studios on West 27th Street in Manhattan, built and owned by Alicia Keys. "Like normal, the studio control room was full of people — musicians, sound engineers, assistants, friends, songwriters — a lot of people in the room," says Reid. "I didn't want to talk about it in a group setting. So I said, 'Tim, can we talk?' We walked out and I'm whispering into his ear, like it's this big special project. I said, 'Listen to this: "Michael Jackson produced by Timbaland." ' "
"I felt like he was giving me a task," says Timbaland. "Like, 'Let me see how good you really are. How about Michael Jackson?'"
For Reid himself, the project is also a chance to show how good he really is. "When I came to Epic Records I didn't know exactly why," he says. Since he co-founded LaFace Records with Edmunds 25 years ago, Reid has ascended to the top spots at both Arista and Island Def Jam, overseeing breakthrough records from TLC, Usher, Outkast, Pink, Avril Lavigne and Rihanna. "Did I really need another job at another record company?" he asks. And though Epic is on the upswing, thanks to recent hits from Future, Kongos and A Great Big World, his first 18 months there were rocky. "Until we started working on the Michael Jackson project ... I didn't get it, you know?" he says. "I needed to sink my teeth into something that had the potential of being great."
The process began with the Jackson estate going through the recording archives, stored in the multiple warehouses of Jackson's belongings — everything from his wardrobe, jewelry and cars to his memos and writings — in Southern California. "We've computerized much of it," says Branca of the recordings. "We've indexed and logged it so we have ready access to things."
There is no shortage of material. In his prime, Jackson worked relentlessly. He'd use multiple studios, so he could move from song to song, sometimes for 16 to 18 hours at a stretch. He sang rather than played, but could sing chords or arrangements for his team, and brought them demos of voice orchestrations (with beatboxed rhythms) constructed in his home studio. "He has an entire record in his head and tries to make people deliver it to him," songwriter-producer-engineer Bill Bottrell told Joseph Vogel, author of Man in the Music (and the liner notes for "Xscape"). "His job is to extract from musicians and producers and engineers what he hears when he wakes up in the morning."
Jackson over-recorded for every project, working on songs for years, and sometimes returning to them for later albums — "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " began during the Off the Wall sessions but ended up on Thriller. He kept pushing himself and those around him. When he was collaborating with Jerkins on "Xscape," which was recorded between 1999 and 2001, he sent the producer out to junkyards with a DAT recorder to find new percussion sounds. "[I'd] start hitting stuff and was like, 'Wow, that could fit in a song. That could go with the kick.' After awhile, the sounds started coming to life, and it was all of those moments of him constantly challenging for that next thing. He was so into trying to figure out how to create sounds.
"'Where is the sound that is going to make you listen to it over and over again?' " he'd ask Jerkins. "We have to be pioneers and create that next sound."
From all this material, Reid and longtime Sony A&R man John Doelp had a clear target. They wanted to find songs, says Reid, that "Michael sang beginning to end multiple times, multiple tracks, because that was the only indication that I could find that spoke to Michael's love to the songs." Reid knew this well — when he and Edmunds recorded the original "Slave to the Rhythm" with Jackson in Los Angeles in 1989, during the Dangerous sessions, Jackson recorded the vocal 24 times.
"And it was not once and fix the bad note," says Reid. "No, he sang the song from top to bottom 24 times without a bathroom break, without a water break, without a 'Give me a moment.' He would sing the song and say, 'OK, give me another track, I can do it better,' and he'd do it again. 'I can nail this. Give me another track,' and he'd do it again. Each time he's getting better and better, but by the time you got to track 13, 14 we got lost, because it all started to sound the same. At that point he'd perfected it, but he just kept going."
Going into the vaults, Branca and Karen Langford — who knows what's in the archive warehouses as well as anyone — selected 24 possibilities that met Reid and Doelp's specifications. They in turn narrowed the field to 20, which were edited down to about 14. Eight will be on "Xscape," though several more were prepared (a deluxe edition will also feature the original tracks). The choices are not exactly surprises, though the omissions may be. The tracks that Jackson cut with Queen's Freddie Mercury in 1983 are not on "Xscape," although both Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen spoke about working on them last year. And though a version of "Slave to the Rhythm" featuring Justin Bieber leaked last August (supported by a series of Bieber tweets), you won't hear it on "Xscape."
Hardcore Jackson fans will recognize almost all of these tracks. Most were in some form of completion, and have leaked through the years, in part or whole. Some of the leaks can still be heard online. That doesn't mean, though, that "Xscape"'s producers had heard them. Timbaland and Stargate's Eriksen both began by listening to the source material that Reid presented, and both quickly decided to forgo the instrumental tracks and work with only Jackson's vocals and a few stray noises picked up by the microphone.
"You can hear his foot in the booth when he's singing, and his fingers snapping," says Jerkins. "It was all raw, it was real. It wasn't like, 'Take the snaps out, take the stomps out.' No — it's real. It's him in the booth, and he's feeling what he's doing."
"As a producer, he makes our job easy," says Hermansen. "All the stuff that's on the vocal track, it'd makes you want to get up and dance."
For Eriksen and Hermansen, the project brought them back to their early days, remixing late-'90s American R&B hits — Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Brandy — for the European market, layering in new instrumental tracks behind a cappella vocals. But what was a pleasure for them was more complicated for Timbaland.
"There was moments where I broke down," he says. "It was very hard to do. I'm like, 'I'm doing Michael Jackson but I can't talk to him. So how do I channel him?' " When he and J-Roc were in the studio reworking "Loving You" — a song written and produced by Jackson at his home studio at the Encino, Calif., house he lived in before Neverland — the first version they came up with was terrible. "I was like, 'I don't think Mike would like this. We got to go back. We got to simplify it,' " he says. As they did — going for a rich sound he says feels like "Boyz II Men meets today" — he heard Jackson's voice saying, "That's it, Tim."
"I'd look around, and nobody be in the room," he says. "I never shared this story, even with my co-producer, Jerome. He like, 'You all right?' I'm like, 'Nah, I'm cool, man. I'm just ...' And I'm sitting and I'm like, 'Yo, I just heard something. I know I ain't crazy. I know what I heard.' So it's like his spirit resonated through me to give me the OK."
The focus on Jackson's a cappella vocals became a guiding principle for "Xscape." The new versions put him front and center ("he's louder," says Reid). "We actually took out quite a few things just to let Michael breathe," says Hermansen. "Michael is singing and he's sounding great — just let him breathe and let him do his thing."
For Reid, this project is personal on several levels. Born in 1956, two years before Jackson, he grew up with Jackson's music, first seeing The Jackson 5 at the Ohio State Fair. "I'm a kid, and Michael's a kid, and I was just blown away by him," he says. "When little Michael Jackson opened his mouth, his voiced soared through the concert ground."
Reid remembers his first meeting with Jackson, at a BMI event in Los Angeles. "I took a picture with him," he says. "I had a whole head of hair full of really wet jerry curl, juice running all down my neck." It wasn't so long after that Jackson flew Reid and Edmunds to Neverland to talk about working together. They arrived by helicopter, signed a non-disclosure ("because that's how it was when you visited Michael") and waited in a library for Jackson.
"We're there for maybe five minutes but I'm thinking it felt more like 20 — anticipation, nervousness, keeping my eye on the door, waiting for Michael to come in, Michael's coming. He never comes through that door. He comes from a secret door — the books move and in walks Michael." The three started talking about music, about what they loved right then. Jackson mentioned "The Knowledge," a song on his sister Janet's album Rhythm Nation 1814, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Reid began to get worried. "Every song he named was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. So I'm looking at Kenny like, 'I think Michael has the wrong guys. I think he wanted Jimmy Jam and Terry.' "
But soon enough Jackson was naming songs from Edmunds' Tender Lover, then dominating the R&B and pop charts. The day ended with a screening in Jackson's movie theater ("there was an attendant there in full uniform with a little cap, like we were in the 1940s"), where they watched a 1983 video of Jackson and Prince onstage with James Brown, followed by a screening of Prince's 1986 movie, Under the Cherry Moon.
When they began to work together, Jackson picked out a demo, just drums and bass, and said, "That's the one. Finish it." But the track, "Slave to the Rhythm," wasn't really finished until "Xscape."
As he progressed to running labels, Reid kept in touch with Jackson, and talked about signing him to Island Def Jam. "He called me Mr. President," says Reid. "It was the sweetest thing in the world." The two met at the Dorchester Hotel in London. "He said, 'I don't want another hit, I don't want to just make another record. I want to do something great. If it can't be great, if it can't be groundbreaking, if it can't be massive, if you're not as committed as I am, then we shouldn't do it. But if you commit to me I promise I'll commit to you." It wasn't to be. Jackson signed a short-lived deal with Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the prince of Bahrain.
"Michael and I parted ways knowing that we wanted to work together," says Reid. "Xscape" fulfills that intention. It is as focused and coherent as any posthumous album could be, expressing the creative liberties that Jackson sought in his music. Built from the ground up around Jackson's voice and legacy, it succeeds simply by sounding like Michael Jackson music, full of joy and desperation, often with no distinction between the two. And it transports the spirit of the late pop genius from the past into the future, the place Jackson always wanted his music to live.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6077455/michael-jackson-billboard-cover-story-xscape-full-album-details?page=0%2C1
May 5, 2014
One of the items on the table that night was Reid's idea for a Jackson biopic covering his life between the age of 19 — when he filmed The Wiz, and first worked with Quincy Jones — and 24, when he and Jones reshaped the world with Thriller.
Branca had simple answer for Reid: No.
"John said to me, 'That's wonderful. Why? Why should we allow you to do that?' " Reid, 57, remembers today. Branca complained that during his time at Epic, Reid had done nothing for Jackson. Reid's first two years at the label had coincided with his tenure as a judge on The X Factor on Fox (a decision he now calls "horrible"), and Branca seized on this too. "He said, 'You don't talk about Michael when you're on TV,' " says Reid. "He starts to berate me. I walked right into it."
But Reid saw a chance to prove himself, and so asked for something else, something bigger: to go into the vaults and hear the recordings that Jackson — who was known to work on as many as 70 songs for each album — had left behind. "Let me hear everything," he said to Branca. "And then let me go out and put my team together and make an album on Michael."
"I was just being a lying-ass record man," says Reid. "Because I had no idea what was in the vaults." But he says this now with a smile, and the confidence that comes with pursuing an unorthodox strategy and creating something no one believed possible — an album that deserves to be discussed in the context of the remarkable music that Jackson made from Off the Wall in 1979 to Invincible in 2001.
"Xscape," which comes out May 13, is eight tracks of Jackson vocals set to new music from Timbaland and J-Roc, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain, the former A&M Records executive who is co-executor of the Jackson estate with Branca. The originals they worked with were recorded from 1983 to 1999, the period just after Thriller to just before Invincible.
The finished songs are not remixes. Reid chose a riskier path, charging each of his producers to create what are essentially new songs based only on Jackson's vocal tracks. Timbaland — the project's executive producer, who oversaw five tracks with his collaborator J-Roc — talks about it almost like a ghost story, Jackson's disembodied voice urging him on, dissuading him from sounds that weren't innovative enough, and giving his blessing when they were.
This is the second full album in a deal between the Jackson estate and Sony Music to put out previously unreleased material, reportedly worth $250 million. The first, 2010's Michael, focused on the most recent material Jackson was recording in the years leading up to his death. It was completed by a half dozen producers, many from the original sessions, who tried to carry out his intentions as best they could. The results fell well short of Jackson's studio perfectionism. Branca calls the process "somewhat chaotic" and notes it lacked an overall guiding vision.
In the time since its release, Michael has posted sales of 540,000 — by no means overwhelming. Still, Jackson remains, five years after his death, big business. Last year, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, a partnership between the Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil, became the ninth-top-grossing tour of all time, passing The Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge tour in 1994 and 1995 with earnings of $325.1 million from 407 shows that drew almost 3 million concertgoers. Immortal is back on tour in North America, and a second Cirque du Soleil show, One, began a residency at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in May 2013.
Jackson's albums have sold 12.8 million in the United States since his death, according to Nielsen SoundScan — 8 million of those in the months immediately following his June 25, 2009 death, making him the best-selling artist of that year. Since then, Jackson's sales have slowed. Last year, his albums moved 584,000, less than Elvis Presley (1.1 million) and Johnny Cash (969,000), but more than Whitney Houston (310,000) and Jimi Hendrix (539,000). "Xscape" will provide a lift, though how much of one is unclear.
As welcome as a hit record would be, Reid and all involved also see a higher purpose: To reanimate Jackson's presence in today's pop universe. There is no question his influence lives on. Listen to the songs on the Billboard Hot 100 most weeks and you'll hear tracks by Jackson disciples — right now it's Pharrell Williams, who has long chased what he calls Jackson's "stutter pop" sound, at No. 1 with "Happy" and Justin Timberlake at No. 9 with "Not a Bad Thing" — co-produced by part of the "Xscape" team, Timbaland and J-Roc. In working on the album, Timbaland says he asked himself, "How would I hear this on the radio against Katy Perry? Would it sound old, would it sound new? [I] had to make sure that it can compete with everything that is going on today in the pop world."
In April, Reid gathered with the producers who worked on "Xscape," save McClain, to talk with Billboard about the making of the album, and to shoot a documentary. They met at Henson Studios in Hollywood, the former A&M Studios on La Brea, built in 1966 on the site of Charlie Chaplin's studio. Jones and Jackson recorded "We Are the World" here in Studio A, and Jackson — who obsessively screened footage of Chaplin as a form of study — was known to rehearse on the soundstage.
Some of these men had known and worked with Jackson — Jerkins, 36, a hitmaker for Brandy and Destiny's Child, first met Jackson at 16, and began work with him at 19. "He asked me for a year," says Jerkins of Jackson. It turned out to be more like three, from 1999 to 2001. Reid himself produced one of the source tracks on "Xscape," "Slave to the Rhythm," with his partner Kenneth "Babyface" Edmunds in 1989 (and almost signed Jackson in 2005 when he was chairman/CEO of Island Def Jam). It has been refashioned for "Xscape" by Timbaland. "He asked [Rodney] to work with him for a year," jokes Reid. "This shows you where I'm at as a producer — he asked me for two weeks."
Jackson had wanted to work with the Norwegian production duo Stargate — Mikkel Eriksen and Tor Hermansen, both 41 — known for their hits with Rihanna and Perry. The singer was a fan of their songs for Ne-Yo, and he met with them at the Midtown Manhattan Chinese restaurant Mr. K's to discuss future projects. "Just the two of us, and managers, and Blanket was there as well," says Eriksen. "Down in the basement."
"Did he eat?" asks Reid.
"He ate — he brought his own chopsticks," says Hermansen.
As for Timbaland, 42, Reid felt his consistent innovation was in tune with Jackson's desire to always carve out a unique sound. As Jackson did, Timbaland acts out the sounds in his head, beatboxing and vocalizing in the studio. And like Jackson, he's relentless in his search for new approaches. "I always felt like I was ahead of the times and nobody understood my method of music. I feel like everything around us is music. That's why I use crickets in songs and birds and spoons and door knobs or a car motor, and I just make it a rhythm."
Timbaland was Reid's first call. "I said, 'I want to come into the studio. I don't want to talk over the telephone,' " remembers Reid. The two met at Jungle Studios on West 27th Street in Manhattan, built and owned by Alicia Keys. "Like normal, the studio control room was full of people — musicians, sound engineers, assistants, friends, songwriters — a lot of people in the room," says Reid. "I didn't want to talk about it in a group setting. So I said, 'Tim, can we talk?' We walked out and I'm whispering into his ear, like it's this big special project. I said, 'Listen to this: "Michael Jackson produced by Timbaland." ' "
"I felt like he was giving me a task," says Timbaland. "Like, 'Let me see how good you really are. How about Michael Jackson?'"
For Reid himself, the project is also a chance to show how good he really is. "When I came to Epic Records I didn't know exactly why," he says. Since he co-founded LaFace Records with Edmunds 25 years ago, Reid has ascended to the top spots at both Arista and Island Def Jam, overseeing breakthrough records from TLC, Usher, Outkast, Pink, Avril Lavigne and Rihanna. "Did I really need another job at another record company?" he asks. And though Epic is on the upswing, thanks to recent hits from Future, Kongos and A Great Big World, his first 18 months there were rocky. "Until we started working on the Michael Jackson project ... I didn't get it, you know?" he says. "I needed to sink my teeth into something that had the potential of being great."
The process began with the Jackson estate going through the recording archives, stored in the multiple warehouses of Jackson's belongings — everything from his wardrobe, jewelry and cars to his memos and writings — in Southern California. "We've computerized much of it," says Branca of the recordings. "We've indexed and logged it so we have ready access to things."
There is no shortage of material. In his prime, Jackson worked relentlessly. He'd use multiple studios, so he could move from song to song, sometimes for 16 to 18 hours at a stretch. He sang rather than played, but could sing chords or arrangements for his team, and brought them demos of voice orchestrations (with beatboxed rhythms) constructed in his home studio. "He has an entire record in his head and tries to make people deliver it to him," songwriter-producer-engineer Bill Bottrell told Joseph Vogel, author of Man in the Music (and the liner notes for "Xscape"). "His job is to extract from musicians and producers and engineers what he hears when he wakes up in the morning."
Jackson over-recorded for every project, working on songs for years, and sometimes returning to them for later albums — "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' " began during the Off the Wall sessions but ended up on Thriller. He kept pushing himself and those around him. When he was collaborating with Jerkins on "Xscape," which was recorded between 1999 and 2001, he sent the producer out to junkyards with a DAT recorder to find new percussion sounds. "[I'd] start hitting stuff and was like, 'Wow, that could fit in a song. That could go with the kick.' After awhile, the sounds started coming to life, and it was all of those moments of him constantly challenging for that next thing. He was so into trying to figure out how to create sounds.
"'Where is the sound that is going to make you listen to it over and over again?' " he'd ask Jerkins. "We have to be pioneers and create that next sound."
From all this material, Reid and longtime Sony A&R man John Doelp had a clear target. They wanted to find songs, says Reid, that "Michael sang beginning to end multiple times, multiple tracks, because that was the only indication that I could find that spoke to Michael's love to the songs." Reid knew this well — when he and Edmunds recorded the original "Slave to the Rhythm" with Jackson in Los Angeles in 1989, during the Dangerous sessions, Jackson recorded the vocal 24 times.
"And it was not once and fix the bad note," says Reid. "No, he sang the song from top to bottom 24 times without a bathroom break, without a water break, without a 'Give me a moment.' He would sing the song and say, 'OK, give me another track, I can do it better,' and he'd do it again. 'I can nail this. Give me another track,' and he'd do it again. Each time he's getting better and better, but by the time you got to track 13, 14 we got lost, because it all started to sound the same. At that point he'd perfected it, but he just kept going."
Going into the vaults, Branca and Karen Langford — who knows what's in the archive warehouses as well as anyone — selected 24 possibilities that met Reid and Doelp's specifications. They in turn narrowed the field to 20, which were edited down to about 14. Eight will be on "Xscape," though several more were prepared (a deluxe edition will also feature the original tracks). The choices are not exactly surprises, though the omissions may be. The tracks that Jackson cut with Queen's Freddie Mercury in 1983 are not on "Xscape," although both Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen spoke about working on them last year. And though a version of "Slave to the Rhythm" featuring Justin Bieber leaked last August (supported by a series of Bieber tweets), you won't hear it on "Xscape."
Hardcore Jackson fans will recognize almost all of these tracks. Most were in some form of completion, and have leaked through the years, in part or whole. Some of the leaks can still be heard online. That doesn't mean, though, that "Xscape"'s producers had heard them. Timbaland and Stargate's Eriksen both began by listening to the source material that Reid presented, and both quickly decided to forgo the instrumental tracks and work with only Jackson's vocals and a few stray noises picked up by the microphone.
"You can hear his foot in the booth when he's singing, and his fingers snapping," says Jerkins. "It was all raw, it was real. It wasn't like, 'Take the snaps out, take the stomps out.' No — it's real. It's him in the booth, and he's feeling what he's doing."
"As a producer, he makes our job easy," says Hermansen. "All the stuff that's on the vocal track, it'd makes you want to get up and dance."
For Eriksen and Hermansen, the project brought them back to their early days, remixing late-'90s American R&B hits — Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Brandy — for the European market, layering in new instrumental tracks behind a cappella vocals. But what was a pleasure for them was more complicated for Timbaland.
"There was moments where I broke down," he says. "It was very hard to do. I'm like, 'I'm doing Michael Jackson but I can't talk to him. So how do I channel him?' " When he and J-Roc were in the studio reworking "Loving You" — a song written and produced by Jackson at his home studio at the Encino, Calif., house he lived in before Neverland — the first version they came up with was terrible. "I was like, 'I don't think Mike would like this. We got to go back. We got to simplify it,' " he says. As they did — going for a rich sound he says feels like "Boyz II Men meets today" — he heard Jackson's voice saying, "That's it, Tim."
"I'd look around, and nobody be in the room," he says. "I never shared this story, even with my co-producer, Jerome. He like, 'You all right?' I'm like, 'Nah, I'm cool, man. I'm just ...' And I'm sitting and I'm like, 'Yo, I just heard something. I know I ain't crazy. I know what I heard.' So it's like his spirit resonated through me to give me the OK."
The focus on Jackson's a cappella vocals became a guiding principle for "Xscape." The new versions put him front and center ("he's louder," says Reid). "We actually took out quite a few things just to let Michael breathe," says Hermansen. "Michael is singing and he's sounding great — just let him breathe and let him do his thing."
For Reid, this project is personal on several levels. Born in 1956, two years before Jackson, he grew up with Jackson's music, first seeing The Jackson 5 at the Ohio State Fair. "I'm a kid, and Michael's a kid, and I was just blown away by him," he says. "When little Michael Jackson opened his mouth, his voiced soared through the concert ground."
Reid remembers his first meeting with Jackson, at a BMI event in Los Angeles. "I took a picture with him," he says. "I had a whole head of hair full of really wet jerry curl, juice running all down my neck." It wasn't so long after that Jackson flew Reid and Edmunds to Neverland to talk about working together. They arrived by helicopter, signed a non-disclosure ("because that's how it was when you visited Michael") and waited in a library for Jackson.
"We're there for maybe five minutes but I'm thinking it felt more like 20 — anticipation, nervousness, keeping my eye on the door, waiting for Michael to come in, Michael's coming. He never comes through that door. He comes from a secret door — the books move and in walks Michael." The three started talking about music, about what they loved right then. Jackson mentioned "The Knowledge," a song on his sister Janet's album Rhythm Nation 1814, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Reid began to get worried. "Every song he named was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. So I'm looking at Kenny like, 'I think Michael has the wrong guys. I think he wanted Jimmy Jam and Terry.' "
But soon enough Jackson was naming songs from Edmunds' Tender Lover, then dominating the R&B and pop charts. The day ended with a screening in Jackson's movie theater ("there was an attendant there in full uniform with a little cap, like we were in the 1940s"), where they watched a 1983 video of Jackson and Prince onstage with James Brown, followed by a screening of Prince's 1986 movie, Under the Cherry Moon.
When they began to work together, Jackson picked out a demo, just drums and bass, and said, "That's the one. Finish it." But the track, "Slave to the Rhythm," wasn't really finished until "Xscape."
As he progressed to running labels, Reid kept in touch with Jackson, and talked about signing him to Island Def Jam. "He called me Mr. President," says Reid. "It was the sweetest thing in the world." The two met at the Dorchester Hotel in London. "He said, 'I don't want another hit, I don't want to just make another record. I want to do something great. If it can't be great, if it can't be groundbreaking, if it can't be massive, if you're not as committed as I am, then we shouldn't do it. But if you commit to me I promise I'll commit to you." It wasn't to be. Jackson signed a short-lived deal with Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the prince of Bahrain.
"Michael and I parted ways knowing that we wanted to work together," says Reid. "Xscape" fulfills that intention. It is as focused and coherent as any posthumous album could be, expressing the creative liberties that Jackson sought in his music. Built from the ground up around Jackson's voice and legacy, it succeeds simply by sounding like Michael Jackson music, full of joy and desperation, often with no distinction between the two. And it transports the spirit of the late pop genius from the past into the future, the place Jackson always wanted his music to live.
Source: http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6077455/michael-jackson-billboard-cover-story-xscape-full-album-details?page=0%2C1
May 5, 2014
Rodney Jerkins, 'Everyone did a really great job'
When Michael Jackson's record label released his first posthumous album in 2010, a year after the King of Pop's sudden death, producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins was asked to work on the project.
He declined.
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"I was asked to be on that album and to produce like five songs, but I turned it down," he said. "I just felt like it wasn't time."
Years later, the hitmaker for Destiny's Child and Whitney Houston — who worked heavily on Jackson's 2001 comeback album, "Invincible" — says he now feels comfortable producing Jackson's music again. He produced the title track from the upcoming album, "Xscape," out May 13.
"For me it wasn't about the label, it wasn't about the estate's approval; it wasn't about all of that," he said. "I had a personal relationship with Michael, (so) it was about, 'What would he want from this? What would he want it to sound like now?'"
"Xscape" was executive produced by Timbaland and includes songs Jackson recorded in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the tracks are taken from early recording sessions for successful albums such as "Bad" and "Dangerous."
The first single, "Love Never Felt So Good," was written with Paul Anka and premiered at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night when Usher danced to the song. A bonus version of the track features Justin Timberlake.
Jerkins said he and Jackson originally started work on the song "Xscape" in 1999 when they recorded the "Invincible" album. He revisited the track in 2003 and retouched it this year for the new eight-track album.
"Even when Michael was alive, we never stopped working on the song 'Xscape,'" he said. "It was one of those songs where he specifically said to me, 'It has to see the light of day one day.'"
Jerkins said he visited Jackson in 2007 in Ireland where they were "vibing out," but didn't focus on creating music exclusively.
"And I then I spoke to him — I would say 2008, 2009, something like that — and he was telling me, 'I'm getting ready to do another album. You gotta get to work. Start working on ideas,'" he recalled. "And then he passed away."
Jerkins, who has produced hits for Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Brandy, is working on new music with Rihanna and Ariana Grande. He said he was initially nervous about including "Xscape" on the Jackson album, which also includes a song produced by StarGate, whom Jackson initially wanted to collaborate with in 2007 because of the Swedish team's work with Ne-Yo.
"I was like, 'What's the other stuff going to sound like?' I don't even know if I want my song to be on there if the other stuff ain't right," Jerkins said.
But after the hearing the full record, he relaxed.
"Everyone did a really great job on this project," he said.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/05/04/michael-jackson-producer-everyone-did-really-great-job/
May 4, 2014
He declined.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
"I was asked to be on that album and to produce like five songs, but I turned it down," he said. "I just felt like it wasn't time."
Years later, the hitmaker for Destiny's Child and Whitney Houston — who worked heavily on Jackson's 2001 comeback album, "Invincible" — says he now feels comfortable producing Jackson's music again. He produced the title track from the upcoming album, "Xscape," out May 13.
"For me it wasn't about the label, it wasn't about the estate's approval; it wasn't about all of that," he said. "I had a personal relationship with Michael, (so) it was about, 'What would he want from this? What would he want it to sound like now?'"
"Xscape" was executive produced by Timbaland and includes songs Jackson recorded in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the tracks are taken from early recording sessions for successful albums such as "Bad" and "Dangerous."
The first single, "Love Never Felt So Good," was written with Paul Anka and premiered at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night when Usher danced to the song. A bonus version of the track features Justin Timberlake.
Jerkins said he and Jackson originally started work on the song "Xscape" in 1999 when they recorded the "Invincible" album. He revisited the track in 2003 and retouched it this year for the new eight-track album.
"Even when Michael was alive, we never stopped working on the song 'Xscape,'" he said. "It was one of those songs where he specifically said to me, 'It has to see the light of day one day.'"
Jerkins said he visited Jackson in 2007 in Ireland where they were "vibing out," but didn't focus on creating music exclusively.
"And I then I spoke to him — I would say 2008, 2009, something like that — and he was telling me, 'I'm getting ready to do another album. You gotta get to work. Start working on ideas,'" he recalled. "And then he passed away."
Jerkins, who has produced hits for Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce and Brandy, is working on new music with Rihanna and Ariana Grande. He said he was initially nervous about including "Xscape" on the Jackson album, which also includes a song produced by StarGate, whom Jackson initially wanted to collaborate with in 2007 because of the Swedish team's work with Ne-Yo.
"I was like, 'What's the other stuff going to sound like?' I don't even know if I want my song to be on there if the other stuff ain't right," Jerkins said.
But after the hearing the full record, he relaxed.
"Everyone did a really great job on this project," he said.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/05/04/michael-jackson-producer-everyone-did-really-great-job/
May 4, 2014
'Love Never Felt So Good' to be Released as a Single Friday Morning on iTunes
A song Michael Jackson recorded 31 years ago is out, the first single from the upcoming Xscape album. Jackson wrote, recorded and produced "Love Never Felt So Good" with Paul Anka in 1983, but it has been "contemporized" by Anka and Jackson estate co-executor John McClain, according to an Epic Records news release.
The song has "a magic combination of the new and the original production that retains the track's analog, early 80s feel, while also sounding right at home with the disco-soul inflected music of today," the label said.
The track debuted during the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night. Online music services, including iTunes, have it for downloading starting early Friday morning, Epic said.
Jackson and Anka worked on the song at about the same time they wrote and recorded "This Is It," which eventually because the theme song to a documentary based on Jackson's preparations for a tour that never happened because of his death.
Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, while preparing for his "This Is It" comeback tour.
Eight previously unheard Michael Jackson songs, originally recorded between 1983 and 1999, will be released on the new album May 13, Epic Records announced in March.
Epic Chairman L.A. Reid chose several producers with the "gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work" to update the recordings for release, Epic said.
Timbaland is the lead producer, with contributions from Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and McClain, the release said.
Sony's Columbia Epic Records -- Jackson's record label for three decades -- signed a longterm deal with Jackson's estate to posthumously release music from the large archives of his recordings.
Reid "was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals," the announcement said.
"New" music is not always met with a warm reception from fans and the Jackson family. Some questioned the authenticity of the vocals on a 2010 album, although the estate and the record company said sound experts verified Jackson's voice.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/01/showbiz/michael-jackson-new-song/
May 1, 2014
The song has "a magic combination of the new and the original production that retains the track's analog, early 80s feel, while also sounding right at home with the disco-soul inflected music of today," the label said.
The track debuted during the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday night. Online music services, including iTunes, have it for downloading starting early Friday morning, Epic said.
Jackson and Anka worked on the song at about the same time they wrote and recorded "This Is It," which eventually because the theme song to a documentary based on Jackson's preparations for a tour that never happened because of his death.
Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, while preparing for his "This Is It" comeback tour.
Eight previously unheard Michael Jackson songs, originally recorded between 1983 and 1999, will be released on the new album May 13, Epic Records announced in March.
Epic Chairman L.A. Reid chose several producers with the "gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work" to update the recordings for release, Epic said.
Timbaland is the lead producer, with contributions from Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and McClain, the release said.
Sony's Columbia Epic Records -- Jackson's record label for three decades -- signed a longterm deal with Jackson's estate to posthumously release music from the large archives of his recordings.
Reid "was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals," the announcement said.
"New" music is not always met with a warm reception from fans and the Jackson family. Some questioned the authenticity of the vocals on a 2010 album, although the estate and the record company said sound experts verified Jackson's voice.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/01/showbiz/michael-jackson-new-song/
May 1, 2014
Xscape Deluxe Edition Tracklist and Contents
New month, new MJ XSCAPE info! Today sees
announcement of the Deluxe Edition contents. In addition to eight of Michael
Jackson’s strongest unreleased songs, contemporized by producers LA Reid,
Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain and Jerome "Jroc" Harmon, the
Deluxe Edition includes each of the original recordings as left by Michael
Jackson as well as additional elements! See below for full deluxe edition contents.
XSCAPE will be available in stores everywhere May 13th, 2014. Pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon. Visit the official Michael Jackson Store to pre-order Xscape 12” Vinyl, including 8 songs, 1 bonus track and a limited edition 12x12 poster! Exclusive Xscape T-Shirt bundles are also available now!
Deluxe Edition Contents:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Loving You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
9. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Version)
10. Chicago (Original Version)
11. Loving You (Original Version)
12. A Place With No Name (Original Version)
13. Slave To The Rhythm (Original Version)
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Original Version)
15. Blue Gangsta (Original Version)
16. Xscape (Original Version)
17. Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake
DVD:
- Xscape Documentary (L.A. Reid and the producers discuss their experiences on this project)
- Xscape Documentary Outtakes
Poster:
- Exclusive Mr. Brainwash poster – Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and they became friends. Now he has created an original piece of art which has been included as a poster with the CD version.
Source: www.michaeljackson.com
May 1, 2014
XSCAPE will be available in stores everywhere May 13th, 2014. Pre-order now on iTunes and Amazon. Visit the official Michael Jackson Store to pre-order Xscape 12” Vinyl, including 8 songs, 1 bonus track and a limited edition 12x12 poster! Exclusive Xscape T-Shirt bundles are also available now!
Deluxe Edition Contents:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Loving You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
9. Love Never Felt So Good (Original Version)
10. Chicago (Original Version)
11. Loving You (Original Version)
12. A Place With No Name (Original Version)
13. Slave To The Rhythm (Original Version)
14. Do You Know Where Your Children Are (Original Version)
15. Blue Gangsta (Original Version)
16. Xscape (Original Version)
17. Love Never Felt So Good - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake
DVD:
- Xscape Documentary (L.A. Reid and the producers discuss their experiences on this project)
- Xscape Documentary Outtakes
Poster:
- Exclusive Mr. Brainwash poster – Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and they became friends. Now he has created an original piece of art which has been included as a poster with the CD version.
Source: www.michaeljackson.com
May 1, 2014
"Love Never Felt So Good" will premier Tomorrow on NBC's iHeartRadio Music Awards
‘Love Never Felt So Good’ has been publicly announced as the lead single from the forthcoming ‘Xscape’ album.
On the official Michael Jackson Facebook page, the announcement was made as follows:
Get ready for the premiere of the first #MJXSCAPE single, “Love Never Felt So Good” on Thursday!! More details to follow…….
It’s heavily believed that ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ will be heard for the first time during the iHeartRadio Awards, that takes place on Thursday 1st May. On their trailer they advertise new music from Michael Jackson.
It’s yet to be confirmed how the music will be played. It could be in the form of premiering a music video, have a live performance with dancers/celebrities or even something else special!
‘Love Never Felt So Good’ was originally recorded in the early 1980s and co-written by Michael and Paul Anka, who also wrote ‘This Is It’ with Michael. The song has already been recorded by Johnny Mathis, but the original recording of Michael is just his beautiful voice with a simple piano and finger snaps. The contemporized version changes all of this, making a funky upbeat modern disco number. Whilst it’s not necessarily representative of the ‘Xscape’ album, as there’s only one other track that is in the same style (‘Loving You’), the song is a sure fire summer hit and great way to get the new album off the ground!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/30/the-first-single-from-xscape-is/
April 30, 2014
On the official Michael Jackson Facebook page, the announcement was made as follows:
Get ready for the premiere of the first #MJXSCAPE single, “Love Never Felt So Good” on Thursday!! More details to follow…….
It’s heavily believed that ‘Love Never Felt So Good’ will be heard for the first time during the iHeartRadio Awards, that takes place on Thursday 1st May. On their trailer they advertise new music from Michael Jackson.
It’s yet to be confirmed how the music will be played. It could be in the form of premiering a music video, have a live performance with dancers/celebrities or even something else special!
‘Love Never Felt So Good’ was originally recorded in the early 1980s and co-written by Michael and Paul Anka, who also wrote ‘This Is It’ with Michael. The song has already been recorded by Johnny Mathis, but the original recording of Michael is just his beautiful voice with a simple piano and finger snaps. The contemporized version changes all of this, making a funky upbeat modern disco number. Whilst it’s not necessarily representative of the ‘Xscape’ album, as there’s only one other track that is in the same style (‘Loving You’), the song is a sure fire summer hit and great way to get the new album off the ground!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/30/the-first-single-from-xscape-is/
April 30, 2014
New Michael Jackson to Premiere on iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1st
A new Michael Jackson song will premiere during NBC’s broadcast of the iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1, 2014 according to a commercial that aired for the first time during The Voice last night.
The inaugural iHeartRadio Music Awards will stream live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on NBC at 8pm PST (May 1), featuring performances by Drake, Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar, Pitbull, Shakira, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ariana Grande, Arcade Fire and Ed Sheeran.
For many Michael Jackson fans, however, the reason for tuning in will be the unveiling of a new song from the King of Pop’s upcoming ‘XSCAPE’ album.
If available information regarding the album’s lead single is anything to go by, the track being unveiled would seem to be “Love Never Felt So Good” – which is schedule to begin worldwide radio rotation from May 5. Exact information regarding which song they’ll debut remains unconfirmed. Either way, the iHeartRadio Music Awards will provide the perfect platform to introduce the new song to the American public, and in turn, the world.
It is also unclear exactly how the iHeartRadio Music Awards will incorporate the Jackson premiere into their event’s schedule, but there are seemingly only two realistic options; a) streaming the track’s yet-to-be-announced music video during a break in the broadcast, or b) a live choreographed dance performance on the night.
In other news, five days ago, on April 17, Rich and Tone Talauega, otherwise known as ‘The Talauega Brothers’, tweeted that they were: “On a secret mission for the King of Pop in the Bay Area,” before advising that more details would be revealed soon.
The Talauega Brothers choreographed a number of Jackson’s short films and live performances throughout his career, and have most recently worked on posthumous Jackson projects including Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Immortal’ and ‘ONE’ productions, as well as the music video for “Hollywood Tonight”.
The brothers have not followed up with any further tweets since April 17. It’ll be interesting to find out whether their secret mission for the King of Pop is connected to the iHeartRadio Music Awards, or another Jackson-related project.
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/nbc-to-premier-new-michael-jackson-song-during-iheartradio-music-awards-broadcast/
April 23, 2014
The inaugural iHeartRadio Music Awards will stream live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on NBC at 8pm PST (May 1), featuring performances by Drake, Pharrell, Kendrick Lamar, Pitbull, Shakira, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Ariana Grande, Arcade Fire and Ed Sheeran.
For many Michael Jackson fans, however, the reason for tuning in will be the unveiling of a new song from the King of Pop’s upcoming ‘XSCAPE’ album.
If available information regarding the album’s lead single is anything to go by, the track being unveiled would seem to be “Love Never Felt So Good” – which is schedule to begin worldwide radio rotation from May 5. Exact information regarding which song they’ll debut remains unconfirmed. Either way, the iHeartRadio Music Awards will provide the perfect platform to introduce the new song to the American public, and in turn, the world.
It is also unclear exactly how the iHeartRadio Music Awards will incorporate the Jackson premiere into their event’s schedule, but there are seemingly only two realistic options; a) streaming the track’s yet-to-be-announced music video during a break in the broadcast, or b) a live choreographed dance performance on the night.
In other news, five days ago, on April 17, Rich and Tone Talauega, otherwise known as ‘The Talauega Brothers’, tweeted that they were: “On a secret mission for the King of Pop in the Bay Area,” before advising that more details would be revealed soon.
The Talauega Brothers choreographed a number of Jackson’s short films and live performances throughout his career, and have most recently worked on posthumous Jackson projects including Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Immortal’ and ‘ONE’ productions, as well as the music video for “Hollywood Tonight”.
The brothers have not followed up with any further tweets since April 17. It’ll be interesting to find out whether their secret mission for the King of Pop is connected to the iHeartRadio Music Awards, or another Jackson-related project.
Source: http://www.damienshields.com/nbc-to-premier-new-michael-jackson-song-during-iheartradio-music-awards-broadcast/
April 23, 2014
Katherine Jackson Isn't Worried About Debbie Rowe's Custody Claims
Katherine Jackson ''isn't worried'' about Debbie Rowe's bid to gain custody of Michael Jackson's three children.
The former nurse - who was married to the late 'Thriller' star for just under three years until October 1999 - reportedly wants to secure guardianship of their son, Prince, 17, and daughter, Paris, 15, and his son Blanket, 12, who was born via surrogate, because she thinks their grandmother Katherine, who is the children's legal guardian, is too old to care for them properly.
But a source told PEOPLE.com: ''Katherine isn't worried about it. It will never happen. She's not heard a word about this from Debbie Rowe officially or unofficially and she hasn't been contacted by her lawyers.''
Katherine, 83, shares custody of the children with their cousin T.J. Jackson, and lives with them in Los Angeles.
Michael's brothers, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, recently accused Debbie of abandoning her children for money following her split from Michael.
They said: ''We are quite taken back that Ms. Rowe has decided now to enter their lives, after she abandoned her children many years ago for money.''
Debbie has been slowly rebuilding a relationship with her daughter, Paris, since the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker's death in 2009.
Source: http://www.contactmusic.com/story/katherine-jackson-isn-t-worried-about-custody_4164117
April 22, 2014
The former nurse - who was married to the late 'Thriller' star for just under three years until October 1999 - reportedly wants to secure guardianship of their son, Prince, 17, and daughter, Paris, 15, and his son Blanket, 12, who was born via surrogate, because she thinks their grandmother Katherine, who is the children's legal guardian, is too old to care for them properly.
But a source told PEOPLE.com: ''Katherine isn't worried about it. It will never happen. She's not heard a word about this from Debbie Rowe officially or unofficially and she hasn't been contacted by her lawyers.''
Katherine, 83, shares custody of the children with their cousin T.J. Jackson, and lives with them in Los Angeles.
Michael's brothers, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, recently accused Debbie of abandoning her children for money following her split from Michael.
They said: ''We are quite taken back that Ms. Rowe has decided now to enter their lives, after she abandoned her children many years ago for money.''
Debbie has been slowly rebuilding a relationship with her daughter, Paris, since the 'Billie Jean' hitmaker's death in 2009.
Source: http://www.contactmusic.com/story/katherine-jackson-isn-t-worried-about-custody_4164117
April 22, 2014
Last 5 Minutes of Black or White Short Film Are Controversial
The video release of Black or White was a huge event. Many people remember the day it hit airwaves. Few remember the controversial final minutes of the video.
First, some back story — the music video for Black or White was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox on November 14, 1991. Directed by John Landis, who also directed Jackson’s hit video Thriller, Black or White featured Jackson along with then-mega kid star Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt of Cheers. The video included ground-breaking special effects for the time, including face morphing and Jackson appearing singing on Lady Liberty’s torch surrounded by other famous spots around the world such as the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower.
The video premiered simultaneously in twenty-seven countries and had an estimated audience of 500 million people watched. It’s the largest audience ever to watch a music video, or anything on TV for that matter. To say the video was a success is a massive understatement. Massive.
But it wasn’t the music part of the video that had people talking — it was the final few moments in which Jackson went bonkers on a helpless car.
Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself.Then he walks outside to perform some of his most physically complicated dance techniques, in a similar way to “Billie Jean”. The scene is also very similar to that of a commercial Jackson appeared in for L.A. Gear in 1989. This part contained sexually suggestive scenes when Jackson starts to grab his crotch, and then zips his pants up. In the original version, Jackson is seen smashing windows, destroying a car and causing an inn (called the “Royal Arms”) to explode. Jackson later apologized saying that the violent and suggestive behavior was an interpretation of the animal instinct of a black panther, and MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. To make the vandalism and violence more understandable to viewers, an altered original version, containing four racial graffiti messages were released. The version included in the box set Michael Jackson’s Vision is the aired, televised version without the digital graffiti, and does not include the “prejudice is ignorance” title card.
So, without further ado, for those who’ve never witnessed what could have been the first video proof that Michael Jackson was about to lose his mind — the final few minutes of Black or White.
Source: http://guyism.com/entertainment/music/michael-jackson-black-or-white-uncovered.html
April 21, 2014
First, some back story — the music video for Black or White was first broadcast on MTV, BET, VH1, and Fox on November 14, 1991. Directed by John Landis, who also directed Jackson’s hit video Thriller, Black or White featured Jackson along with then-mega kid star Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt of Cheers. The video included ground-breaking special effects for the time, including face morphing and Jackson appearing singing on Lady Liberty’s torch surrounded by other famous spots around the world such as the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower.
The video premiered simultaneously in twenty-seven countries and had an estimated audience of 500 million people watched. It’s the largest audience ever to watch a music video, or anything on TV for that matter. To say the video was a success is a massive understatement. Massive.
But it wasn’t the music part of the video that had people talking — it was the final few moments in which Jackson went bonkers on a helpless car.
Controversy was generated concerning the last four minutes of the original music video. Jackson walks out of the studio as a black panther and then morphs into himself.Then he walks outside to perform some of his most physically complicated dance techniques, in a similar way to “Billie Jean”. The scene is also very similar to that of a commercial Jackson appeared in for L.A. Gear in 1989. This part contained sexually suggestive scenes when Jackson starts to grab his crotch, and then zips his pants up. In the original version, Jackson is seen smashing windows, destroying a car and causing an inn (called the “Royal Arms”) to explode. Jackson later apologized saying that the violent and suggestive behavior was an interpretation of the animal instinct of a black panther, and MTV and other music video networks removed the last four minutes from subsequent broadcasts. To make the vandalism and violence more understandable to viewers, an altered original version, containing four racial graffiti messages were released. The version included in the box set Michael Jackson’s Vision is the aired, televised version without the digital graffiti, and does not include the “prejudice is ignorance” title card.
So, without further ado, for those who’ve never witnessed what could have been the first video proof that Michael Jackson was about to lose his mind — the final few minutes of Black or White.
Source: http://guyism.com/entertainment/music/michael-jackson-black-or-white-uncovered.html
April 21, 2014
Michael Jackson's former Bodyguards Have 'Dirt' on Michael in a New Book About the King of Pop
Danny Moloshok/AP Former bodyguards of Michael Jackson detail his money problems and visits from women with names such as 'Flower' and 'Friend' in an upcoming tell-all. Michael Jackson's former bodyguards have penned a tell-all on the oddball pop star, detailing how he sent them to pick up mystery women, disciplined his kids and suffered major money issues.
They reveal that Jackson’s son Prince, now 17, once got a dog as a present and didn’t clean up after it. Jackson moonwalked right into the dog’s poop, infuriating him.
According to Beard, the Gloved One “chewed Prince out, big time.” Prince soon began following the dog with a broom and dustpan to make sure he wasn’t dumped on again.
The duo claim that during their employment, they picked up several women for their boss, including one with an Eastern European accent who was referred to only as “Friend.” They said she stayed at a nearby Hampton Inn, where Jackson would visit her at night after his kids went to sleep.
The bodyguards describe the King of Pop’s gal pal as “drop-dead gorgeous,” standing about 5-feet-4 with a slender physique.
Another lady friend nicknamed “Flower” came a few days after “Friend” had left.
It was Whitfield’s sense that Jackson was closer with “Friend” than he was with “Flower.” He says that when “Friend” came to town, it was a big deal. Jackson would even send his musclemen to buy presents from high-end shops like Tiffany in anticipation of her visit.
According to the book, Jackson and “Friend” would hug and kiss while being driven around town.
Jackson’s money troubles are detailed throughout the book, with the bodyguards claiming they didn’t get paid on time and would go months without a paycheck.
Whitfield says Jackson once saw dolls in a shop and asked him if he was going to buy anything for his daughter. Whitfield replied that he couldn’t, because he hadn’t been paid.
According to Whitfield, Jackson nevertheless went on a $10,000 shopping spree that ended when his credit card was declined.
The authors claim that despite passages in the book that may reflect poorly on Jackson, they are not trying to embarrass their former boss.
“It’s not a bitter tell-all,” says one industry
insider of the duo’s goal in penning the book. “They were very fond of him and loved his kids, but they describe someone who was surrounded by thieving managers and assistants.”
The book will be published in June.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/new-book-poop-michael-jackson-article-1.1762344#ixzz2zStw8Jgu
April 20, 2014
They reveal that Jackson’s son Prince, now 17, once got a dog as a present and didn’t clean up after it. Jackson moonwalked right into the dog’s poop, infuriating him.
According to Beard, the Gloved One “chewed Prince out, big time.” Prince soon began following the dog with a broom and dustpan to make sure he wasn’t dumped on again.
The duo claim that during their employment, they picked up several women for their boss, including one with an Eastern European accent who was referred to only as “Friend.” They said she stayed at a nearby Hampton Inn, where Jackson would visit her at night after his kids went to sleep.
The bodyguards describe the King of Pop’s gal pal as “drop-dead gorgeous,” standing about 5-feet-4 with a slender physique.
Another lady friend nicknamed “Flower” came a few days after “Friend” had left.
It was Whitfield’s sense that Jackson was closer with “Friend” than he was with “Flower.” He says that when “Friend” came to town, it was a big deal. Jackson would even send his musclemen to buy presents from high-end shops like Tiffany in anticipation of her visit.
According to the book, Jackson and “Friend” would hug and kiss while being driven around town.
Jackson’s money troubles are detailed throughout the book, with the bodyguards claiming they didn’t get paid on time and would go months without a paycheck.
Whitfield says Jackson once saw dolls in a shop and asked him if he was going to buy anything for his daughter. Whitfield replied that he couldn’t, because he hadn’t been paid.
According to Whitfield, Jackson nevertheless went on a $10,000 shopping spree that ended when his credit card was declined.
The authors claim that despite passages in the book that may reflect poorly on Jackson, they are not trying to embarrass their former boss.
“It’s not a bitter tell-all,” says one industry
insider of the duo’s goal in penning the book. “They were very fond of him and loved his kids, but they describe someone who was surrounded by thieving managers and assistants.”
The book will be published in June.
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/new-book-poop-michael-jackson-article-1.1762344#ixzz2zStw8Jgu
April 20, 2014
Tito Stands Up for Brother Jermaines Comments on Michael Jackson
Tito Jackson calmly and coolly defended his brother Jermaine, who told TMZ earlier in the week, "If it wasn't for the Jackson 5, there would be no Michael Jackson."
Tito told our photog in Calabasas Friday ... Jermaine was misunderstood, and he explains why.
Tito also bristled at Debbie Rowe's comment to us ... the Jackson 4 are all bad influences on Michael's kids.
TMZ broke the story ... Debbie intends to seek guardianship of Paris and Prince -- her biological kids -- and would also like to bring Blanket along for the ride, because she believes the current guardianship is damaging all 3 children.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/19/tito-jackson-michael-jackson-jermaine-jackson-5-debbie-rowe-guardianship/#ixzz2zSrL4DmP
April 19, 2014
Tito told our photog in Calabasas Friday ... Jermaine was misunderstood, and he explains why.
Tito also bristled at Debbie Rowe's comment to us ... the Jackson 4 are all bad influences on Michael's kids.
TMZ broke the story ... Debbie intends to seek guardianship of Paris and Prince -- her biological kids -- and would also like to bring Blanket along for the ride, because she believes the current guardianship is damaging all 3 children.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/19/tito-jackson-michael-jackson-jermaine-jackson-5-debbie-rowe-guardianship/#ixzz2zSrL4DmP
April 19, 2014
Why You Should Support Xscape
There is a small minority of Michael Jackson fans with big voices that say they won't buy the new Michael Jackson Xscape album.
Their arguments are:
I would therefore like to answer arguments about this project as I see it:
1) Some think the Estate are money grabbers
We must remember as fans that whilst the Estate employees will be paid, money made by the projects they produce also go to charities as Michael requested and to his children. These are the biggest benefactors.
2) Some believe we shouldn’t support Sony
Michael had a well documented fall out with his record company in 2002. However, his anger was towards the then Chairman CEO Tommy Mottola. Mottola left the company in 2003 and Michael signed a new contract with Sony in 2008 to release ‘Thriller 25.’ This clearly shows that Michael was at peace with Sony and was happy to work with them. If Michael was happy, we should be happy.
3) Some think that Michael wouldn’t want any songs he didn’t complete released
There is certainly an argument to be made that Michael would be unhappy to have unfinished songs released to the public. But that said, he worked harder than any other artist throughout his career and he would have wanted that legacy continued. Releasing albums such as ‘Xscape’ is a great way to help continue what Michael worked so hard on, and even if you personally don’t like the songs, it doesn’t tarnish what Michael released whilst alive, in my opinion. The ‘Xscape’ album has been delicately handled and everything released since Michael’s passing has been worked on by people who knew him or worked directly with him.
4) After ‘Michael’ in 2010 we don’t want to support ‘Xscape’
I cannot speak on behalf of the Estate, however, I would say that after the controversy that surrounded the Cascio tracks on the last album, they probably have certain regrets, as those three tracks certainly marred the release. During our sessions with the Estate in LA, they spoke very fondly about what they’ve created since 2009, though notably skipped talking about the 2010 album. They also stressed (and rightly so) that the new album is nothing like that of ‘Michael’ and that under no circumstances will they be using any tracks from the Cascio family again. The Estate has also listened to the fans reaction and learnt from last time, and that’s why we will have all the original demos on this forthcoming album, as last heard by Michael himself.
5) People shouldn’t be making money off a dead man
The fact of the matter is, the Estate can’t create things to give away for free. That would be poor business management and be a massive detriment to Michael’s children. If they were to believe you shouldn’t make money, then nothing could be released or produced (including Cirque Du Soleil, anniversary albums, live tour DVD’s etc…). That would sadly mean that Michael Jackson’s legacy would die with him, with nothing further to promote his great talents.
In conclusion I would say that to not support ‘Xscape’ is to not support Michael Jackson. The general public don’t know much about the problems Michael had with Sony over ten years ago, or the drama over the Casico tracks four years ago. All the public see is how releases fair in the charts. What will be remembered at the end of the day is whether or not Michael Jackson is still a number one artist or not. Only you can help Michael achieve this.
Let’s make Michael Jackson number one again and support ‘Xscape’.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/16/why-you-should-support-xscape/
April 17, 2014
Their arguments are:
- The Estate are just money grabbers
- We shouldn’t support Sony, as Michael hated Sony
- Michael wouldn’t want any songs he didn’t complete released
- After the ‘Michael’ album with the controversial Cascio tracks on in 2010, we shouldn’t support ‘Xscape’
- People shouldn’t be making money off a dead man
I would therefore like to answer arguments about this project as I see it:
1) Some think the Estate are money grabbers
We must remember as fans that whilst the Estate employees will be paid, money made by the projects they produce also go to charities as Michael requested and to his children. These are the biggest benefactors.
2) Some believe we shouldn’t support Sony
Michael had a well documented fall out with his record company in 2002. However, his anger was towards the then Chairman CEO Tommy Mottola. Mottola left the company in 2003 and Michael signed a new contract with Sony in 2008 to release ‘Thriller 25.’ This clearly shows that Michael was at peace with Sony and was happy to work with them. If Michael was happy, we should be happy.
3) Some think that Michael wouldn’t want any songs he didn’t complete released
There is certainly an argument to be made that Michael would be unhappy to have unfinished songs released to the public. But that said, he worked harder than any other artist throughout his career and he would have wanted that legacy continued. Releasing albums such as ‘Xscape’ is a great way to help continue what Michael worked so hard on, and even if you personally don’t like the songs, it doesn’t tarnish what Michael released whilst alive, in my opinion. The ‘Xscape’ album has been delicately handled and everything released since Michael’s passing has been worked on by people who knew him or worked directly with him.
4) After ‘Michael’ in 2010 we don’t want to support ‘Xscape’
I cannot speak on behalf of the Estate, however, I would say that after the controversy that surrounded the Cascio tracks on the last album, they probably have certain regrets, as those three tracks certainly marred the release. During our sessions with the Estate in LA, they spoke very fondly about what they’ve created since 2009, though notably skipped talking about the 2010 album. They also stressed (and rightly so) that the new album is nothing like that of ‘Michael’ and that under no circumstances will they be using any tracks from the Cascio family again. The Estate has also listened to the fans reaction and learnt from last time, and that’s why we will have all the original demos on this forthcoming album, as last heard by Michael himself.
5) People shouldn’t be making money off a dead man
The fact of the matter is, the Estate can’t create things to give away for free. That would be poor business management and be a massive detriment to Michael’s children. If they were to believe you shouldn’t make money, then nothing could be released or produced (including Cirque Du Soleil, anniversary albums, live tour DVD’s etc…). That would sadly mean that Michael Jackson’s legacy would die with him, with nothing further to promote his great talents.
In conclusion I would say that to not support ‘Xscape’ is to not support Michael Jackson. The general public don’t know much about the problems Michael had with Sony over ten years ago, or the drama over the Casico tracks four years ago. All the public see is how releases fair in the charts. What will be remembered at the end of the day is whether or not Michael Jackson is still a number one artist or not. Only you can help Michael achieve this.
Let’s make Michael Jackson number one again and support ‘Xscape’.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/16/why-you-should-support-xscape/
April 17, 2014
King Of Pop, Rock And Soul - And Hip-Hop?
Though many refer to Michael Jackson simply as “The King of Pop,” his full nickname—dreamed up by longtime pal Elizabeth Taylor—was “The King of Pop, Rock and Soul.” Perhaps another genre should be tacked on: Hip-hop.
Jackson’s influence on the rap world, including the members of the Forbes Five, can be seen in the copious sampling of his work by artists from Jay Z to Kanye West and in frequent shout-outs to the singer in verse, but also in the way that some of the business ventures they’ve made that mirrored those pioneered by Jackson.
The headlines that trumpeted Jackson’s late-life financial issues have obscured some of the brilliant moves he made early on—most notably his purchase of ATV, a publishing catalogue that contained the copyrights to most of the Beatles’ biggest hits. Sony later paid Jackson $115 million to merge the company with its own catalogue; the Sony/ATV joint venture is worth about $2 billion today.
Jackson also fundamentally changed the formula for monetizing fame by becoming the first pop superstar to develop a portfolio of modern brand extensions. His feats included launching his own clothing line, creating a record label, and releasing an eponymous sneaker; each member of the Forbes Five has subsequently done at least one of those things to help create their nine-figure fortunes.
“Michael Jackson was so much bigger than Jay Z or 50 Cent or anybody else who did it, in comparison,” says 50 Cent, in an interview for my forthcoming book, Michael Jackson, Inc: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of A Billion-Dollar Empire. Jackson, he adds, is “why music is the way it is now . . . you’ve seen a shift in an area [previously] reserved for professional athletes.”
Indeed, the likes of Michael Jordan are no longer the only entertainers racking up cash on sales of footwear and apparel. 50 Cent’s G-Unit line achieved sales of $55 million in its first year; in 2008, Jay Z and his partners received $204 million for the sale of his Rocawear brand. Diddy’s Sean John line is still going strong, and Birdman recently launched his own.
In many ways, one might say Dr. Dre’s Beats headphone line is the next step in the evolution of a concept that Jackson was instrumental in introducing. That company reportedly generated $1 billion in sales last year and could one day make Dre hip-hop’s first billionaire.
Jackson himself continues to earn from beyond the grave—over $700 million in the five years since he passed away, more than any living solo act of any genre over that time. That number should get a boost from the launch of his latest posthumous release, Xscape, due out May 13th.
The album, which features Timbaland as a lead producer, should provide a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between hip-hop and the King of Pop that dates back to HIStory. The singer’s 1995 album features an appearance by rap legend Notorious B.I.G., whom Jackson knew about long before the rhymester’s stature in pop culture came to match the physical corollary.
“He knew everything that was going on,” explained Diddy in an interview for the book. “And when I met him and he wanted to do something with Biggie, it wasn’t anything surprising.”
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/04/16/michael-jackson-king-of-pop-rock-and-soul-and-hip-hop/
April 16, 2014
Jackson’s influence on the rap world, including the members of the Forbes Five, can be seen in the copious sampling of his work by artists from Jay Z to Kanye West and in frequent shout-outs to the singer in verse, but also in the way that some of the business ventures they’ve made that mirrored those pioneered by Jackson.
The headlines that trumpeted Jackson’s late-life financial issues have obscured some of the brilliant moves he made early on—most notably his purchase of ATV, a publishing catalogue that contained the copyrights to most of the Beatles’ biggest hits. Sony later paid Jackson $115 million to merge the company with its own catalogue; the Sony/ATV joint venture is worth about $2 billion today.
Jackson also fundamentally changed the formula for monetizing fame by becoming the first pop superstar to develop a portfolio of modern brand extensions. His feats included launching his own clothing line, creating a record label, and releasing an eponymous sneaker; each member of the Forbes Five has subsequently done at least one of those things to help create their nine-figure fortunes.
“Michael Jackson was so much bigger than Jay Z or 50 Cent or anybody else who did it, in comparison,” says 50 Cent, in an interview for my forthcoming book, Michael Jackson, Inc: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of A Billion-Dollar Empire. Jackson, he adds, is “why music is the way it is now . . . you’ve seen a shift in an area [previously] reserved for professional athletes.”
Indeed, the likes of Michael Jordan are no longer the only entertainers racking up cash on sales of footwear and apparel. 50 Cent’s G-Unit line achieved sales of $55 million in its first year; in 2008, Jay Z and his partners received $204 million for the sale of his Rocawear brand. Diddy’s Sean John line is still going strong, and Birdman recently launched his own.
In many ways, one might say Dr. Dre’s Beats headphone line is the next step in the evolution of a concept that Jackson was instrumental in introducing. That company reportedly generated $1 billion in sales last year and could one day make Dre hip-hop’s first billionaire.
Jackson himself continues to earn from beyond the grave—over $700 million in the five years since he passed away, more than any living solo act of any genre over that time. That number should get a boost from the launch of his latest posthumous release, Xscape, due out May 13th.
The album, which features Timbaland as a lead producer, should provide a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between hip-hop and the King of Pop that dates back to HIStory. The singer’s 1995 album features an appearance by rap legend Notorious B.I.G., whom Jackson knew about long before the rhymester’s stature in pop culture came to match the physical corollary.
“He knew everything that was going on,” explained Diddy in an interview for the book. “And when I met him and he wanted to do something with Biggie, it wasn’t anything surprising.”
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/04/16/michael-jackson-king-of-pop-rock-and-soul-and-hip-hop/
April 16, 2014
Judge Says Michael Jackson's Mom Should Pay AEG Live
Michael Jackson's mother should pay more than $800,000 in trial costs to a concert promoter that she targeted in a failed negligent hiring lawsuit involving the death of her son, a judge said Monday.
Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos issued the tentative ruling calling on the 83-year-old Jackson family matriarch to pay AEG Live LLC after it won the case.
The five-month trial ended in October with a jury determining that AEG Live did not negligently hire the doctor convicted of causing Michael Jackson's death in 2009 as he prepared for a comeback tour.
The ruling is expected to be finalized after AEG Live submits an amended list of its costs for items such as court filing fees, court reporters and travel. Attorneys for the company and Katherine Jackson agreed not to argue Palazuelos' tentative ruling, but it might be appealed.
Katherine Jackson's attorney Kevin Boyle said a decision on appealing the order would be made after reviewing its final language. The verdict and rulings in the case are currently being appealed.
AEG Live initially sought more than $1.2 million to cover its costs. Katherine Jackson's lawyers claimed only about a quarter of that amount was justified.
AEG Live attorney Marvin Putnam said the court did the right thing "by ordering Katherine Jackson to pay nearly $1 million spent in having to defend a matter that she should have never brought in the first place."
A motion filed by her lawyers last week stated that the costs would be borne by her and the singer's three children, all of whom are supported by his estate.
The estate has earned hundreds of millions of dollars since the singer's death and paid off his debts. It also covers schooling, housing and other costs for his children and mother.
Jackson died in June 2009 after receiving an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, which former cardiologist Conrad Murray was giving the superstar as a sleep aid during preparations for his planned "This Is It" shows. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jacksons-mom-katherine-jackson-should-pay-aegs-court-fees/
April 14, 2014
Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos issued the tentative ruling calling on the 83-year-old Jackson family matriarch to pay AEG Live LLC after it won the case.
The five-month trial ended in October with a jury determining that AEG Live did not negligently hire the doctor convicted of causing Michael Jackson's death in 2009 as he prepared for a comeback tour.
The ruling is expected to be finalized after AEG Live submits an amended list of its costs for items such as court filing fees, court reporters and travel. Attorneys for the company and Katherine Jackson agreed not to argue Palazuelos' tentative ruling, but it might be appealed.
Katherine Jackson's attorney Kevin Boyle said a decision on appealing the order would be made after reviewing its final language. The verdict and rulings in the case are currently being appealed.
AEG Live initially sought more than $1.2 million to cover its costs. Katherine Jackson's lawyers claimed only about a quarter of that amount was justified.
AEG Live attorney Marvin Putnam said the court did the right thing "by ordering Katherine Jackson to pay nearly $1 million spent in having to defend a matter that she should have never brought in the first place."
A motion filed by her lawyers last week stated that the costs would be borne by her and the singer's three children, all of whom are supported by his estate.
The estate has earned hundreds of millions of dollars since the singer's death and paid off his debts. It also covers schooling, housing and other costs for his children and mother.
Jackson died in June 2009 after receiving an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, which former cardiologist Conrad Murray was giving the superstar as a sleep aid during preparations for his planned "This Is It" shows. Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/michael-jacksons-mom-katherine-jackson-should-pay-aegs-court-fees/
April 14, 2014
Michael Jackson's Xscape Track List
The word has slowly been coming down about Michael Jackson and his upcoming new album, Xscape. While we just started hearing the info on the album just about two weeks ago, today we get the official tracklist for the upcoming project, which is due to drop on May 13th.
The project will boast only eight tracks, but will feature finishing production from the likes of Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and Stargate. We’ve already heard one offering from the opus, and it wasn’t too shabby. Check out the tracklist below and speak your mind on it after the jump. Be sure to cop the album when it drops on May 13th!
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
Source: http://stupiddope.com/2014/04/14/michael-jackson-xscape-tracklist-news/
April 14, 2014
The project will boast only eight tracks, but will feature finishing production from the likes of Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and Stargate. We’ve already heard one offering from the opus, and it wasn’t too shabby. Check out the tracklist below and speak your mind on it after the jump. Be sure to cop the album when it drops on May 13th!
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
Source: http://stupiddope.com/2014/04/14/michael-jackson-xscape-tracklist-news/
April 14, 2014
Michael Jackson's New Album - A Listening Like No Other
MJWN’s Matt Blank has listened to the ‘Xscape’ album, and there’s a lot of excitement he wants to share with you:
The experience I had on Thursday was like no other. Myself, along with around 10 other fans who represent fantastic Fan Clubs all over the world, were invited to LA in California by the Estate of Michael Jackson and Epic Records. We all attended somewhat blindly, without any knowledge of what we were going for. However, with the new album ‘Xscape’ already announced, it was a fairly safe bet that we were going to get a chance to listen to the album. Excitement was running through all of us as we met that morning, though it reached a new level when our car arrived at the Jim Henson Recording Studios.
This studio used to be known as the A&M Studios and it was where Michael co-wrote ‘We Are The World’ and recorded it with many other high profile artists. There wasn’t a more fitting location to listen to Michael’s voice again than in that room. Little has changed to the studio in nearly 30 years. With the wooden floor and ceiling, it was instantly recognisable from what we’ve seen in the video of the hit charity single of 1985.
As I looked around, reflecting on the history that was made in the room, we sat down in a semi-circle and John Branca, co-executor of Michael’s Estate, greeted us all and explained why we were there. Then L.A. Reid, Chairman of Epic Records and Executive Producer of the ‘Xscape’ album walked in. He was ready to personally play us the eight new tracks on the album. He explained that in line with his style of production work, the eight tracks selected are the best tracks he could have found in the vault of Michael’s archives. He said he disregarded any recordings that didn’t have full vocals, noting that if Michael recorded a whole song (compared to just a chorus for example) then it meant that Michael liked it. And true to form this is something we can see as we look back on Michael’s career. John Branca pointed out that ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” was originally recorded for ‘Off The Wall’ but used three years later on ‘Thriller’. ‘Earth Song’ and ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ was originally recorded for ‘Dangerous’, but eventually used four years later on ‘HIStory’. The songs left over, recorded in full, aren’t finished articles. But nor are they necessarily songs Michael had disregarded and thrown into the trash. Also interestingly, Reid told us later on that he was unaware that six out of the eight tracks had previously been leaked, and that the song list had already been chosen when this information was brought to his attention.
Before hitting play, Reid delighted us with stories from his past; the moment he met Michael, the moment he had an official meeting with Michael, and other stories including touching moments he witnessed between Michael and his children. The stories spanned two decades, as Michael and Reid grew close and desired to work together. Unfortunately this was never meant to be during Michael’s lifetime, nevertheless Reid’s appreciation, love and respect for Michael is evident.
My original intention was to review each song and scribble down notes to report what each track sounded like. However, with every song that passed, my pen was used less and less. As the album continued, we were getting up, starting to dance, move, feel the music and experience Michael in a new way. I stared around the historic ‘We Are The World’ room, with L.A. Reid jumping around to the grooves, John Branca and the rest of the Estate team dancing and Michael’s vocals ringing through my ears, and writing notes on every song was not what I wanted to do. It wasn’t a place to write. It was a place to listen. The music dictated this more than being a conscious decision. I was overwhelmed by the music and soon enough you will find out why when it’s released. It’s not for me to ruin that experience and surprise for you. So instead, let me give you the quickest of overviews:
Tracklisting:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
Overview:
Each song could be a dance floor filler. They all have very strong beats that rumble through your body. The opening song put an immediate smile on my face and raised the hair on my arms. With powerful vocals delivered by Michael throughout, his passion, his anger and his love is constantly there.
The album was played twice back-to-back. Smiles all around, the excitement was so different to anything I’ve experienced before. Branca would go and talk to different people in the room. He said to me “this will fill dance floors across the world”. And it just might!
The next month will prove to have lots of surprises for the fans and public alike. I’m not going to tell you what they are, but what I will say is that as I walked out of the studio, I was left with the knowledge that Michael’s legacy is in great hands. Michael worked harder than any other artist throughout his career. He would want that legacy continued. Creating the record breaking Cirque Du Soleil tour, releasing a movie, producing a video game among other things such as anniversary albums and DVD releases, is just part of what the Estate have done to help further and retain Michael’s legacy. Bringing together producers to release unheard material; producers that knew Michael or worked with Michael or it was a known fact that Michael admired, is just right. The album feels contemporary in every way and it’s thrilling to hear Michael again. You think you’ve heard some of these songs before…but you haven’t. Not like this!
It is a delicate situation, but the Estate have continued Michael’s legacy with dignity and introduced millions of new people to Michael’s unique talents.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/12/xscape-an-album-listening-like-no-other/
April 12, 2014
The experience I had on Thursday was like no other. Myself, along with around 10 other fans who represent fantastic Fan Clubs all over the world, were invited to LA in California by the Estate of Michael Jackson and Epic Records. We all attended somewhat blindly, without any knowledge of what we were going for. However, with the new album ‘Xscape’ already announced, it was a fairly safe bet that we were going to get a chance to listen to the album. Excitement was running through all of us as we met that morning, though it reached a new level when our car arrived at the Jim Henson Recording Studios.
This studio used to be known as the A&M Studios and it was where Michael co-wrote ‘We Are The World’ and recorded it with many other high profile artists. There wasn’t a more fitting location to listen to Michael’s voice again than in that room. Little has changed to the studio in nearly 30 years. With the wooden floor and ceiling, it was instantly recognisable from what we’ve seen in the video of the hit charity single of 1985.
As I looked around, reflecting on the history that was made in the room, we sat down in a semi-circle and John Branca, co-executor of Michael’s Estate, greeted us all and explained why we were there. Then L.A. Reid, Chairman of Epic Records and Executive Producer of the ‘Xscape’ album walked in. He was ready to personally play us the eight new tracks on the album. He explained that in line with his style of production work, the eight tracks selected are the best tracks he could have found in the vault of Michael’s archives. He said he disregarded any recordings that didn’t have full vocals, noting that if Michael recorded a whole song (compared to just a chorus for example) then it meant that Michael liked it. And true to form this is something we can see as we look back on Michael’s career. John Branca pointed out that ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” was originally recorded for ‘Off The Wall’ but used three years later on ‘Thriller’. ‘Earth Song’ and ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ was originally recorded for ‘Dangerous’, but eventually used four years later on ‘HIStory’. The songs left over, recorded in full, aren’t finished articles. But nor are they necessarily songs Michael had disregarded and thrown into the trash. Also interestingly, Reid told us later on that he was unaware that six out of the eight tracks had previously been leaked, and that the song list had already been chosen when this information was brought to his attention.
Before hitting play, Reid delighted us with stories from his past; the moment he met Michael, the moment he had an official meeting with Michael, and other stories including touching moments he witnessed between Michael and his children. The stories spanned two decades, as Michael and Reid grew close and desired to work together. Unfortunately this was never meant to be during Michael’s lifetime, nevertheless Reid’s appreciation, love and respect for Michael is evident.
My original intention was to review each song and scribble down notes to report what each track sounded like. However, with every song that passed, my pen was used less and less. As the album continued, we were getting up, starting to dance, move, feel the music and experience Michael in a new way. I stared around the historic ‘We Are The World’ room, with L.A. Reid jumping around to the grooves, John Branca and the rest of the Estate team dancing and Michael’s vocals ringing through my ears, and writing notes on every song was not what I wanted to do. It wasn’t a place to write. It was a place to listen. The music dictated this more than being a conscious decision. I was overwhelmed by the music and soon enough you will find out why when it’s released. It’s not for me to ruin that experience and surprise for you. So instead, let me give you the quickest of overviews:
Tracklisting:
1. Love Never Felt So Good
2. Chicago
3. Lovin’ You
4. A Place With No Name
5. Slave To The Rhythm
6. Do You Know Where Your Children Are
7. Blue Gangsta
8. Xscape
Overview:
Each song could be a dance floor filler. They all have very strong beats that rumble through your body. The opening song put an immediate smile on my face and raised the hair on my arms. With powerful vocals delivered by Michael throughout, his passion, his anger and his love is constantly there.
The album was played twice back-to-back. Smiles all around, the excitement was so different to anything I’ve experienced before. Branca would go and talk to different people in the room. He said to me “this will fill dance floors across the world”. And it just might!
The next month will prove to have lots of surprises for the fans and public alike. I’m not going to tell you what they are, but what I will say is that as I walked out of the studio, I was left with the knowledge that Michael’s legacy is in great hands. Michael worked harder than any other artist throughout his career. He would want that legacy continued. Creating the record breaking Cirque Du Soleil tour, releasing a movie, producing a video game among other things such as anniversary albums and DVD releases, is just part of what the Estate have done to help further and retain Michael’s legacy. Bringing together producers to release unheard material; producers that knew Michael or worked with Michael or it was a known fact that Michael admired, is just right. The album feels contemporary in every way and it’s thrilling to hear Michael again. You think you’ve heard some of these songs before…but you haven’t. Not like this!
It is a delicate situation, but the Estate have continued Michael’s legacy with dignity and introduced millions of new people to Michael’s unique talents.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/12/xscape-an-album-listening-like-no-other/
April 12, 2014
Debbie Rowe Gets Engaged and Fights For Michael's Kid's
Debbie Rowe, Michael Jackson's ex-wife and mother of his first two children, is engaged to be married again.
Rowe has said "I will" to Marc Schaffel, TMZ reports, three weeks after he proposed. She'd initially declined, the site said Thursday, because she thought she had terminal cancer. After finding out Wednesday that her diagnosis was actually the auto-immune disease sarcoidosis, she changed her mind. No wedding date has been set yet, she said.
The 55-year-old Palmdale resident met Schaffel when he was working for Jackson, according to ABC News, and their friendly relationship evolved over time. They've been splitting time between L.A. and her place.
Prince Michael Jackson, 17, and his sister, Paris, 16, have "known him since they were little," their mom told TMZ. "They like him a lot."
Though Jackson and Rowe were married in late 1996, when she was six months pregnant with son Prince Michael, the two never lived together as husband and wife. Their divorce was final in 1999, with the former Mrs. King of Pop getting a $6-million settlement and giving up custody of the kids, with a visit allowed every 45 days.
But wait -- marriage might not be the only legal action Rowe's considering these days: TMZ reported Friday that she's going to pursue guardianship of her children and maybe even Blanket Jackson, 12, who has a different, unidentified birth mother.
Sources told the site that Rowe's been worried about the environment at Katherine Jackson's Calabasas home, allegedly citing the age (83) of co-guardian Katherine Jackson, the frequent absence of co-guardian TJ Jackson and the frequent presence of the kids' uncles as concerns.
She doesn't want a payday, the site said, but would have the kids move to her Palmdale horse ranch.
Paris -- spotted out with Blanket and cousin TJ's kids in SoCal in March -- was photographed with her mom over the holidays on a Hawaiian vacation. The mother and daughter reportedly speak frequently after reconnecting early last year. Last June, Paris was hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt, after which she took off for boarding school and treatment in Utah.
"I almost lost my daughter," Rowe said on the stand in August, when she was testifying in the Michael Jackson wrongful-death trial. "She is devastated. She tried to kill herself.… She doesn’t feel like she has a life anymore." She also said at the time that she was closer to Paris than she was to Prince.
Source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-debbie-rowe-engaged-michael-jackson-custody-20140411,0,5807786.story?track=rss#axzz2yicK8FQu
April 11, 2014
Rowe has said "I will" to Marc Schaffel, TMZ reports, three weeks after he proposed. She'd initially declined, the site said Thursday, because she thought she had terminal cancer. After finding out Wednesday that her diagnosis was actually the auto-immune disease sarcoidosis, she changed her mind. No wedding date has been set yet, she said.
The 55-year-old Palmdale resident met Schaffel when he was working for Jackson, according to ABC News, and their friendly relationship evolved over time. They've been splitting time between L.A. and her place.
Prince Michael Jackson, 17, and his sister, Paris, 16, have "known him since they were little," their mom told TMZ. "They like him a lot."
Though Jackson and Rowe were married in late 1996, when she was six months pregnant with son Prince Michael, the two never lived together as husband and wife. Their divorce was final in 1999, with the former Mrs. King of Pop getting a $6-million settlement and giving up custody of the kids, with a visit allowed every 45 days.
But wait -- marriage might not be the only legal action Rowe's considering these days: TMZ reported Friday that she's going to pursue guardianship of her children and maybe even Blanket Jackson, 12, who has a different, unidentified birth mother.
Sources told the site that Rowe's been worried about the environment at Katherine Jackson's Calabasas home, allegedly citing the age (83) of co-guardian Katherine Jackson, the frequent absence of co-guardian TJ Jackson and the frequent presence of the kids' uncles as concerns.
She doesn't want a payday, the site said, but would have the kids move to her Palmdale horse ranch.
Paris -- spotted out with Blanket and cousin TJ's kids in SoCal in March -- was photographed with her mom over the holidays on a Hawaiian vacation. The mother and daughter reportedly speak frequently after reconnecting early last year. Last June, Paris was hospitalized following an alleged suicide attempt, after which she took off for boarding school and treatment in Utah.
"I almost lost my daughter," Rowe said on the stand in August, when she was testifying in the Michael Jackson wrongful-death trial. "She is devastated. She tried to kill herself.… She doesn’t feel like she has a life anymore." She also said at the time that she was closer to Paris than she was to Prince.
Source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-debbie-rowe-engaged-michael-jackson-custody-20140411,0,5807786.story?track=rss#axzz2yicK8FQu
April 11, 2014
The New Michael Jackson Album Xscape Does Not Suck
Forget what you heard; we actually heard the music.Last night a select group of music execs, press, radio, TV, and representatives of the Michael Jackson estate gathered at the Top of the Rock in NYC for a chance to hear Xscape, the second Michael Jackson album to be released since his tragic death in June 2009. During the ride to the top of Rockefeller Center, a ghostly image of Michael Jackson peered the down through the elevator’s glass ceiling. “Michael would approve,” quipped Fab 5 Freddy, one of the invited guests on the way up.
Upstairs there were magnificent views of Manhattan, signature cocktails, and elegant hors d'oeuvres. But first the guests were compelled to check their phones (and submit to a metal detector sweep) all in an attempt to prevent digital piracy of the precious audio assets being unveiled that evening. But despite Epic Records’ best efforts, the album's poppin' title track leaked this morning. Normally this would be bad news for the album roll-out, but in this case the music provides a powerful retort to all the cynical criticism that has dogged this project since it was first announced.
“Xscape” was written by MJ and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, most likely for the Invincible sessions. The track was recently “contemporized” by Jerkins—making it the only one of Xscape's eight cuts to be reworked by its original producer. The rest of the album's creative team includes Timbaland, Stargate, and longtime Jackson family friends Jerome “JRoc” Hamilton and John McClain—who were responsible for updating eight never-before-heard songs from the Jackson vaults, with the aim of giving them "a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity," as the press release put it. Based on an informal poll of guests at the party, the prevailing attitude in the room was somewhere between curious and cautiously optimistic.
Sylvia Rhone, the newly appointed President of Epic Records, kicked things off by recalling her own favorite Michael Jackson moment—when she was “the hottest chick on campus” at Penn University and got the chance to see The Jackson 5 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. She then introduced her boss, Epic Records Chairman/CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who assured her that she was still the hottest chick in the place before calling up representatives of the Jackson estate and presenting them with a plaque so enormous it required two strong men to lug it onstage, commemorating over 100 million copies (and counting) sold of Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time.
Despite the fact that it's named after an awesome So So Def girl group, advance press on Xscape, which is due to drop May 13, had been overwhelmingly negative. Much of this negativity has to do with the never-ending media circus surrounding all things Jackson, which has sadly sullied the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers who ever walked the earth by distracting us all from what he did best.
As with the posthumous 2010 album Michael, knee-jerk news reports (written without hearing any of the music) characterized the songs as cutting-room-floor rejects polished up for purely financial motives—a notion that Antonio “L.A.” Reid wasted no time rebutting. “This is not about record company greed,” he said defiantly. “I knew Michael. I had the chance to spend time with him and I knew how he felt about his work, about breaking new ground and not repeating himself.” The estate reps pointed out that “Michael would not put a vocal down on a song if he didn’t love it,” and that the song “Wanna Be Starting Something” was originally recorded for the album Off The Wall and released later, ditto for “Earth Song,” which was originally written for Dangerous.
Then it was time to let the music play, and suddenly the only words that mattered were the ones Michael was singing. L.A. kicked things off with a sureshot dance-floor filler called “Love Never Felt Like This Before.” There were songs about cheating and double lives, and even darker cuts like "Slave To The Rhythm" a song about the trials of an unappreciated woman, and the “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” which tells the tale of a 12-year-old runaway and features a haunting refrain of MJ singing “Save Me” over and over. Happily, the “contemporized” production on Xscape not so over-the-top that it distracts from the main attraction here, Michael’s superior songwriting and one-of-a-kind vocals.
Up high on one of the windows was a quote in bold letters that speaks to MJ's creative process. "It's an adventure, it's a great adventure," he said. "They just love wonderful experiences, they want escapism. We wanna take them places that they've never been before." How many recording artists today even aspire to do as much for their listeners? Contrary to what Kanye West said on "All of the Lights," MJ isn't exactly dead—not as long as he still can make your pulse race by hitting a note with just the right touch of grit in his voice. Almost five years after his outrageously untimely death, the King of Pop's ability to move the crowd endures.
Source: http://www.complex.com/music/2014/04/michael-jackson-album-xscape-does-not-suck
April 9, 2014
Upstairs there were magnificent views of Manhattan, signature cocktails, and elegant hors d'oeuvres. But first the guests were compelled to check their phones (and submit to a metal detector sweep) all in an attempt to prevent digital piracy of the precious audio assets being unveiled that evening. But despite Epic Records’ best efforts, the album's poppin' title track leaked this morning. Normally this would be bad news for the album roll-out, but in this case the music provides a powerful retort to all the cynical criticism that has dogged this project since it was first announced.
“Xscape” was written by MJ and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, most likely for the Invincible sessions. The track was recently “contemporized” by Jerkins—making it the only one of Xscape's eight cuts to be reworked by its original producer. The rest of the album's creative team includes Timbaland, Stargate, and longtime Jackson family friends Jerome “JRoc” Hamilton and John McClain—who were responsible for updating eight never-before-heard songs from the Jackson vaults, with the aim of giving them "a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity," as the press release put it. Based on an informal poll of guests at the party, the prevailing attitude in the room was somewhere between curious and cautiously optimistic.
Sylvia Rhone, the newly appointed President of Epic Records, kicked things off by recalling her own favorite Michael Jackson moment—when she was “the hottest chick on campus” at Penn University and got the chance to see The Jackson 5 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. She then introduced her boss, Epic Records Chairman/CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who assured her that she was still the hottest chick in the place before calling up representatives of the Jackson estate and presenting them with a plaque so enormous it required two strong men to lug it onstage, commemorating over 100 million copies (and counting) sold of Thriller, the biggest selling album of all time.
Despite the fact that it's named after an awesome So So Def girl group, advance press on Xscape, which is due to drop May 13, had been overwhelmingly negative. Much of this negativity has to do with the never-ending media circus surrounding all things Jackson, which has sadly sullied the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers who ever walked the earth by distracting us all from what he did best.
As with the posthumous 2010 album Michael, knee-jerk news reports (written without hearing any of the music) characterized the songs as cutting-room-floor rejects polished up for purely financial motives—a notion that Antonio “L.A.” Reid wasted no time rebutting. “This is not about record company greed,” he said defiantly. “I knew Michael. I had the chance to spend time with him and I knew how he felt about his work, about breaking new ground and not repeating himself.” The estate reps pointed out that “Michael would not put a vocal down on a song if he didn’t love it,” and that the song “Wanna Be Starting Something” was originally recorded for the album Off The Wall and released later, ditto for “Earth Song,” which was originally written for Dangerous.
Then it was time to let the music play, and suddenly the only words that mattered were the ones Michael was singing. L.A. kicked things off with a sureshot dance-floor filler called “Love Never Felt Like This Before.” There were songs about cheating and double lives, and even darker cuts like "Slave To The Rhythm" a song about the trials of an unappreciated woman, and the “Do You Know Where Your Children Are?” which tells the tale of a 12-year-old runaway and features a haunting refrain of MJ singing “Save Me” over and over. Happily, the “contemporized” production on Xscape not so over-the-top that it distracts from the main attraction here, Michael’s superior songwriting and one-of-a-kind vocals.
Up high on one of the windows was a quote in bold letters that speaks to MJ's creative process. "It's an adventure, it's a great adventure," he said. "They just love wonderful experiences, they want escapism. We wanna take them places that they've never been before." How many recording artists today even aspire to do as much for their listeners? Contrary to what Kanye West said on "All of the Lights," MJ isn't exactly dead—not as long as he still can make your pulse race by hitting a note with just the right touch of grit in his voice. Almost five years after his outrageously untimely death, the King of Pop's ability to move the crowd endures.
Source: http://www.complex.com/music/2014/04/michael-jackson-album-xscape-does-not-suck
April 9, 2014
Former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed loans memorial to the King of Pop to National Football Museum
Unwanted by new Fulham owner Shahid Khan (as well as many fans of the west London club), it would appear the Michael Jackson statue formerly displayed at Craven Cottage has found a new home.
The tribute to the deceased entertainer is to be taken in and displayed at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
The statue was commissioned by flamboyant former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed with the original intention of displaying it at Knightsbridge department store Harrods. However, when Al Fayed sold the store, the statue was instead erected inside the grounds of Fulham's stadium by the River Thames.
It divided opinion among Fulham fans, with many seeing the funny side but others feeling it brought ridicule on the club. Fans of the Cottagers were regularly subjected to chants from opposing supporters concerning the statue.
When Al Fayed sold the club to Khan last summer, he warned that he would chop the moustache of his American successor if the statue was removed. However that wasn't enough to deter Khan from removing it in September last year.
The tribute to the King of Pop has since been in storage but it hasn't been short of suitors. Former Fulham manager Martin Jol was reportedly willing to buy it for £20,000 before his dismissal earlier this season disrupted negotiations.
But rather than sell the 7ft 6in memorial, Al Fayed has opted to loan it to the National Football Museum where it is expected to be displayed near the entrance in the Urbis Building.
Al Fayed said: "The National Football Museum is a splendid institution. The statue means a great deal to me and my family. But on reflection, I decided it should go to a place where it can be enjoyed by the greatest amount of people for ever. I think Michael would have approved of the choice. Like football itself, he entertained the world."
An NFM spokeswoman said: "The story behind the statue and its relationship with Fulham would certainly make for a thought-provoking addition. We are very grateful to Mr Al Fayed for offering to donate this important item."
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/michael-jackson-statue-former-fulham-owner-mohamed-al-fayed-loans-memorial-to-the-king-of-pop-to-national-football-museum-9246483.html
April 8, 2014
The tribute to the deceased entertainer is to be taken in and displayed at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
The statue was commissioned by flamboyant former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed with the original intention of displaying it at Knightsbridge department store Harrods. However, when Al Fayed sold the store, the statue was instead erected inside the grounds of Fulham's stadium by the River Thames.
It divided opinion among Fulham fans, with many seeing the funny side but others feeling it brought ridicule on the club. Fans of the Cottagers were regularly subjected to chants from opposing supporters concerning the statue.
When Al Fayed sold the club to Khan last summer, he warned that he would chop the moustache of his American successor if the statue was removed. However that wasn't enough to deter Khan from removing it in September last year.
The tribute to the King of Pop has since been in storage but it hasn't been short of suitors. Former Fulham manager Martin Jol was reportedly willing to buy it for £20,000 before his dismissal earlier this season disrupted negotiations.
But rather than sell the 7ft 6in memorial, Al Fayed has opted to loan it to the National Football Museum where it is expected to be displayed near the entrance in the Urbis Building.
Al Fayed said: "The National Football Museum is a splendid institution. The statue means a great deal to me and my family. But on reflection, I decided it should go to a place where it can be enjoyed by the greatest amount of people for ever. I think Michael would have approved of the choice. Like football itself, he entertained the world."
An NFM spokeswoman said: "The story behind the statue and its relationship with Fulham would certainly make for a thought-provoking addition. We are very grateful to Mr Al Fayed for offering to donate this important item."
Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/michael-jackson-statue-former-fulham-owner-mohamed-al-fayed-loans-memorial-to-the-king-of-pop-to-national-football-museum-9246483.html
April 8, 2014
"Michael Jackson Was Important To Me" - Dianna “Miss D” Williams
Dianna “Miss D” Williams has already made her mark in the world of dance. As the star of Lifetime’s Bring It, which airs on Wednesday nights (check your local listings), the dance coach peppers self-esteem, manners and self worth into every hip hop, tap, jazz or modern dance move she teaches her students. When Miss D talked to BET.com, she not only shared some secrets behind her Dancing Dolls studio most classic moves, she also chatted about her own dance inspirations.
Tell us how Michael Jackson influences the moves of the Dancing Dolls students.
These kids probably weren’t even born when Michael Jackson was doing what he was doing. But I grew up in the '80s, I’m a fan of Earth Wind and Fire, The Gap Band, Michael Jackson and his whole family were people I grew up listening to. Michael was an African-American icon and he’s important to me. So any style we’re going to do similar to his — we have to nail it. It’s not only important to me but it’s important for our culture and these kids to understand that Michael Jackson had a huge impact on the world. His dance style was unique and funky. He took a chance with the crotch grabbing [laughs]. But it was different and the world just embraced it.
Source: http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2014/04/08/miss-d-michael-jackson-was-an-icon-he-was-important-to-me.html
April 8, 2014
Tell us how Michael Jackson influences the moves of the Dancing Dolls students.
These kids probably weren’t even born when Michael Jackson was doing what he was doing. But I grew up in the '80s, I’m a fan of Earth Wind and Fire, The Gap Band, Michael Jackson and his whole family were people I grew up listening to. Michael was an African-American icon and he’s important to me. So any style we’re going to do similar to his — we have to nail it. It’s not only important to me but it’s important for our culture and these kids to understand that Michael Jackson had a huge impact on the world. His dance style was unique and funky. He took a chance with the crotch grabbing [laughs]. But it was different and the world just embraced it.
Source: http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2014/04/08/miss-d-michael-jackson-was-an-icon-he-was-important-to-me.html
April 8, 2014
New Video Promotion Will Be Released Soon For Xscape Album
A new 15 second video promotion has popped up online to further promote the forthcoming new album from Michael Jackson, ‘Xscape’.
The video shows a new image of Michael within a graffiti/pop art style way. It once again ends with the phrase “The best you’ve never heard” and with an image of Michael’s silhouette within ripped art.
The video will be online soon!
The video shows a new image of Michael within a graffiti/pop art style way. It once again ends with the phrase “The best you’ve never heard” and with an image of Michael’s silhouette within ripped art.
The video will be online soon!
Exclusive Interview With Xscape Artwork Designer
MJWN has had the opportunity to speak with the 42 year old London designer Mat Maitland, the creator of the brand new artwork for the upcoming Michael Jackson album ‘Xscape’ and the Creative Director for Big Active Design. He tells us the background to the project, his inspirations and how it was made.
How did it come about that you worked on the ‘Xscape’ album?
Word must have got out that I was a huge MJ fan! We (Big Active, design co) were approached by Sony.
How many designs did you create for ‘Xscape’?
I created about 10 cover ideas.
How was the artwork made? Was it based on a photo?
It’s based on a photograph given to me by The Michael Jackson Estate; it’s a fairly recent image of Michael but like I say, it’s based on that image and uses parts of it.
Was there anything in the design process that you particularly wanted to achieve?
It was really important to everyone (including myself) that the cover felt like a new Michael album, something he might have done today, rather than a retrospective image that may have looked like a best of. I really wanted to capture the magic and power of MJ but also his vulnerability.
Where did you draw inspiration from for the ‘Xscape’ artwork?
I wanted to evoke a contemporary and quintessential incarnation of Michael as an artist who constantly injected new blood into his music and also to focus on both the intriguing and futuristic aspects of MJ. As well as being a tribute, I hope that it will inspire reflection on a man who continues to stimulate and offer unique creative musical possibilities to so many today. I also tried to say that Michael is all around us, in our universe and beyond, on earth and in outer space.
How long have you been an MJ fan for?
30 years.
What’s your favourite album cover from Michael’s back catalogue?
‘Dangerous’ because it was such a knowing image that acknowledged and commented on the world Michael had created for himself, good and bad. It kind of carried on the theme of the ‘Leave Me Alone’ video as that was the last track on ‘Bad’ and then this was the album after that. It has so much detail in it which was unusual in the times of simple CD covers (although the eyes held your attention). Also, I like that it was true to Michael’s vision whereas on ‘Bad’ (and ‘Invincible’) the label stopped him from using the images he wanted. Actually, coming back to the eyes, this was a big influence on the cover I created for ‘Xscape’ – the magnetic stare, always looking at us.
How does it feel that your artwork is about to be owned by millions of people around the world and will be a part of iconic pop history for years to come?
It’s been a lifelong dream to create a sleeve for Michael Jackson and I feel honoured to be asked to do it. Even if I wasn’t a fan it would have been amazing but as a huge fan it makes it even more special. I hope that the fans like the cover. I’ve heard the album and it’s really amazing!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/02/exclusive-interview-with-xscape-artwork-designer/
How did it come about that you worked on the ‘Xscape’ album?
Word must have got out that I was a huge MJ fan! We (Big Active, design co) were approached by Sony.
How many designs did you create for ‘Xscape’?
I created about 10 cover ideas.
How was the artwork made? Was it based on a photo?
It’s based on a photograph given to me by The Michael Jackson Estate; it’s a fairly recent image of Michael but like I say, it’s based on that image and uses parts of it.
Was there anything in the design process that you particularly wanted to achieve?
It was really important to everyone (including myself) that the cover felt like a new Michael album, something he might have done today, rather than a retrospective image that may have looked like a best of. I really wanted to capture the magic and power of MJ but also his vulnerability.
Where did you draw inspiration from for the ‘Xscape’ artwork?
I wanted to evoke a contemporary and quintessential incarnation of Michael as an artist who constantly injected new blood into his music and also to focus on both the intriguing and futuristic aspects of MJ. As well as being a tribute, I hope that it will inspire reflection on a man who continues to stimulate and offer unique creative musical possibilities to so many today. I also tried to say that Michael is all around us, in our universe and beyond, on earth and in outer space.
How long have you been an MJ fan for?
30 years.
What’s your favourite album cover from Michael’s back catalogue?
‘Dangerous’ because it was such a knowing image that acknowledged and commented on the world Michael had created for himself, good and bad. It kind of carried on the theme of the ‘Leave Me Alone’ video as that was the last track on ‘Bad’ and then this was the album after that. It has so much detail in it which was unusual in the times of simple CD covers (although the eyes held your attention). Also, I like that it was true to Michael’s vision whereas on ‘Bad’ (and ‘Invincible’) the label stopped him from using the images he wanted. Actually, coming back to the eyes, this was a big influence on the cover I created for ‘Xscape’ – the magnetic stare, always looking at us.
How does it feel that your artwork is about to be owned by millions of people around the world and will be a part of iconic pop history for years to come?
It’s been a lifelong dream to create a sleeve for Michael Jackson and I feel honoured to be asked to do it. Even if I wasn’t a fan it would have been amazing but as a huge fan it makes it even more special. I hope that the fans like the cover. I’ve heard the album and it’s really amazing!
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/02/exclusive-interview-with-xscape-artwork-designer/
Incredible Way Michael Jackson Wrote Music
The news of ‘Xscape,’ a posthumous album of Michael Jackson’s archive material
‘contemporized’ by Epic boss LA Reid, has arrived the same week that an old demo
of ‘Beat It’ has been doing the rounds. It shows Michael’s extraordinary process
of writing songs by building each element of a track with his voice – every note
of every chord, harmony, melody, bass and even the rhythm through beat-boxing.
The full harmonies will blow your mind.
As well known to his fans, Michael couldn’t read or write music at all. Contrary to received wisdom, he could play instruments a bit – he’s credited as playing keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, drums and percussion on ‘HIStory’ – but none proficiently. He didn’t have any formal composition training, though one could say he was trained harder than any other performer by his father.
But just as Mozart could hear whole symphonies in his head, Michael fully realized his songs before they were put down on paper. During the ‘Dangerous’ court case of 1994, Michael explained,
“The lyrics, the strings, the chords, everything comes at the moment like a gift
that is put right into your head and that’s how I hear it.”
A top team of engineers and producers would work on the tracks that he brought into the studio but even they were wowed by his genius. Rob Hoffman, sound engineer, describes the process (h/t Rhythm Of The Tide):
“One morning MJ came in with a new song he had written overnight. We called
in a guitar player, and Michael sang every note of every chord to him. “’Here’s
the first chord, first note, second note, third note. Here’s the second chord
first note, second note, third note’, etc etc. We then witnessed him giving the
most heartfelt and profound vocal performance, live in the control room through
an SM57.
He would sing us an entire string arrangement, every part. Steve Porcaro once
told me he witnessed MJ doing that with the string section in the room. Had it
all in his head, harmony and everything. Not just little eight bar loop ideas.
He would actually sing the entire arrangement into a micro-cassette recorder
complete with stops and fills.”
One of the most interesting and revealing interviews about the way Michael crafted his work is the audio from the ‘Dangerous’ court case. Songwriter Crystal Cartier took him to court for plagiarism and during the trial Michael was asked to describe his song-writing process. “I’ll just sing the bass part into the tape recorder,” he said between snips of sung melody, totally pitch perfect. “I’ll take that bass lick and put the chords of the melody over the bass lick and that’s what inspires the melody,” he explained, before beat-boxing in court.
On ‘Billie Jean’ he says:
“Listen, you’re hearing four basses on there, doing four different
personalities, and that’s what gives it character, but it takes a lot of
work.”
At this point he had written a couple of hundred songs and said he’d usually
be working on five songs at any one time. It’s well worth listening to the 10
minutes of the trial in the video above if you want to know more.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/06/the-incredible-way-michael-wrote-music/
April 6, 2014
‘contemporized’ by Epic boss LA Reid, has arrived the same week that an old demo
of ‘Beat It’ has been doing the rounds. It shows Michael’s extraordinary process
of writing songs by building each element of a track with his voice – every note
of every chord, harmony, melody, bass and even the rhythm through beat-boxing.
The full harmonies will blow your mind.
As well known to his fans, Michael couldn’t read or write music at all. Contrary to received wisdom, he could play instruments a bit – he’s credited as playing keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, drums and percussion on ‘HIStory’ – but none proficiently. He didn’t have any formal composition training, though one could say he was trained harder than any other performer by his father.
But just as Mozart could hear whole symphonies in his head, Michael fully realized his songs before they were put down on paper. During the ‘Dangerous’ court case of 1994, Michael explained,
“The lyrics, the strings, the chords, everything comes at the moment like a gift
that is put right into your head and that’s how I hear it.”
A top team of engineers and producers would work on the tracks that he brought into the studio but even they were wowed by his genius. Rob Hoffman, sound engineer, describes the process (h/t Rhythm Of The Tide):
“One morning MJ came in with a new song he had written overnight. We called
in a guitar player, and Michael sang every note of every chord to him. “’Here’s
the first chord, first note, second note, third note. Here’s the second chord
first note, second note, third note’, etc etc. We then witnessed him giving the
most heartfelt and profound vocal performance, live in the control room through
an SM57.
He would sing us an entire string arrangement, every part. Steve Porcaro once
told me he witnessed MJ doing that with the string section in the room. Had it
all in his head, harmony and everything. Not just little eight bar loop ideas.
He would actually sing the entire arrangement into a micro-cassette recorder
complete with stops and fills.”
One of the most interesting and revealing interviews about the way Michael crafted his work is the audio from the ‘Dangerous’ court case. Songwriter Crystal Cartier took him to court for plagiarism and during the trial Michael was asked to describe his song-writing process. “I’ll just sing the bass part into the tape recorder,” he said between snips of sung melody, totally pitch perfect. “I’ll take that bass lick and put the chords of the melody over the bass lick and that’s what inspires the melody,” he explained, before beat-boxing in court.
On ‘Billie Jean’ he says:
“Listen, you’re hearing four basses on there, doing four different
personalities, and that’s what gives it character, but it takes a lot of
work.”
At this point he had written a couple of hundred songs and said he’d usually
be working on five songs at any one time. It’s well worth listening to the 10
minutes of the trial in the video above if you want to know more.
Source: http://www.mjworld.net/news/2014/04/06/the-incredible-way-michael-wrote-music/
April 6, 2014
Is the Upcoming Album Xscape Moonwalking over Michael's Legacy?
The Cue discuses how they think the demo's should be left alone and not contemporized. Watch the discussion here:
Michael Jackson and His Legacy Is Still Alive
Michael Jackson is still alive in the hearts of many. Five years after his unfortunate passing, a new album will be released by the King of Pop entitled XScape. The online world is buzzing with news about the new record which will drop May 13th 2014.
The new album cover is absolutely stunning and simple. Jackson gives off a stare that peeks out of his futuristic see-through glittered outfit, the look in those eyes, it is an intense glare which says “I’m still here” and ”I’m not going anywhere.” Hard to believe even five years later that Jackson is no longer here performing.
Jackson is more than just a musical icon, he is a force which everyone will never forget. His range was like no other and his dancing was insanely original for its time. His music spanned generations and infected pop culture with its hauntingly good vocal work.
When Elvis passed away there were many fanatics hoping he never really died. Maybe they thought he just took a vacation or went into hiding. It gave birth to the slogan “Elvis Lives,” and as Jackson’s fans gear up for the release of these eight new songs re-worked by L.A. Reid, perhaps a new slogan will be born. Thanks to Reid, it’s as though Jackson never really left, that he is still here fighting for love and for the love of making music for the world. In many ways, Jackson is still alive. Online, and in the memories and hearts of the people who loved him.
Reid had an exclusive grab of Jackson’s musical archives. Songs which never got released. Only eight songs were re-worked with a handful of hit making producers to help Reid design a new modern sound to Michael’s vocal work. Only eight. Imagine the gold mine of other secret tracks available to only a few ears? This begs the question: How many songs are in the archives to keep Jackson’s legacy going?
Music in an intangible and everlasting source of joy for many. Jackson set out to write songs which not only hit the top of the charts, but moved people, gave people a sense of belonging, or comfort. Hopefully the new album will hold the same purpose in at least some of the tracks.
Two songs fans can look forward to hearing on the new album are the title track, Xscape and Chicago, produced by Timbaland. Reid calls the re-tooling of the album a “Contemporizing” new take on Jackson’s original ideas.
These days, people talk about stories “breaking” the internet. Jackson broke the charts with recording Thriller, the highest selling album of all time. The video for Thriller was one of the most influential music videos ever in terms of creativity and slick choreography.
It is too bad there will not be any new videos featuring Michael Jackson to go along with the new music. Those would have been something to see! Jackson took pride in being a perfectionist who delivered the whole package, not just the songs. However, there is nothing to complain about now that word of the new album has come out online. More than just promotional material has popped up, but stories about why Jackson’s music still matters to the world. It’s through these shared stories that will help keep Jackson alive forever.
Opinion By Katie Sevigny
Source: http://guardianlv.com/2014/04/michael-jackson-is-still-alive-online/
April 4, 2014
The new album cover is absolutely stunning and simple. Jackson gives off a stare that peeks out of his futuristic see-through glittered outfit, the look in those eyes, it is an intense glare which says “I’m still here” and ”I’m not going anywhere.” Hard to believe even five years later that Jackson is no longer here performing.
Jackson is more than just a musical icon, he is a force which everyone will never forget. His range was like no other and his dancing was insanely original for its time. His music spanned generations and infected pop culture with its hauntingly good vocal work.
When Elvis passed away there were many fanatics hoping he never really died. Maybe they thought he just took a vacation or went into hiding. It gave birth to the slogan “Elvis Lives,” and as Jackson’s fans gear up for the release of these eight new songs re-worked by L.A. Reid, perhaps a new slogan will be born. Thanks to Reid, it’s as though Jackson never really left, that he is still here fighting for love and for the love of making music for the world. In many ways, Jackson is still alive. Online, and in the memories and hearts of the people who loved him.
Reid had an exclusive grab of Jackson’s musical archives. Songs which never got released. Only eight songs were re-worked with a handful of hit making producers to help Reid design a new modern sound to Michael’s vocal work. Only eight. Imagine the gold mine of other secret tracks available to only a few ears? This begs the question: How many songs are in the archives to keep Jackson’s legacy going?
Music in an intangible and everlasting source of joy for many. Jackson set out to write songs which not only hit the top of the charts, but moved people, gave people a sense of belonging, or comfort. Hopefully the new album will hold the same purpose in at least some of the tracks.
Two songs fans can look forward to hearing on the new album are the title track, Xscape and Chicago, produced by Timbaland. Reid calls the re-tooling of the album a “Contemporizing” new take on Jackson’s original ideas.
These days, people talk about stories “breaking” the internet. Jackson broke the charts with recording Thriller, the highest selling album of all time. The video for Thriller was one of the most influential music videos ever in terms of creativity and slick choreography.
It is too bad there will not be any new videos featuring Michael Jackson to go along with the new music. Those would have been something to see! Jackson took pride in being a perfectionist who delivered the whole package, not just the songs. However, there is nothing to complain about now that word of the new album has come out online. More than just promotional material has popped up, but stories about why Jackson’s music still matters to the world. It’s through these shared stories that will help keep Jackson alive forever.
Opinion By Katie Sevigny
Source: http://guardianlv.com/2014/04/michael-jackson-is-still-alive-online/
April 4, 2014
Michael Jackson's Family Has Mixed Views on the Xscape Album
The 8-track collection has been worked on by the likes of Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and a number of other prolific r&b producers, and also comes as part of a new Sony promotion for their Xperia phones. Understandably, members of Jackson's family have spoken of their misgivings about the new record.
"I have mixed emotions because as an artist and as his nephew I know he'd want a final listen before anything he did was released to the public," says TJ Jackson, a member of boyband 3T, in an interview with The Sun newspaper. "Saying that though, that's my uncle and I want him and anything associated with him to be successful."
The album has been tipped by bookmakers as being the biggest selling record of the year, but their assumptions have been made without hearing any of the tracks includes on the record.
Xscape combines original Jackson material with a "fresh sound" - courtesy of producer Timbaland - with Epic Records' LA Reid granting access to four decades of Jackson's vocal material.
The album is the first posthumous release from Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, since 2010's Michael, which was widely panned by critics and even faced allegations from fans and the Jackson family an impersonator had been drafted in to record some of the vocals.
Source: http://www.gigwise.com/news/89890/michael-jacksons-family-have-mixed-feelings-on-new-album-xscape#qyqeBUzcWtJCFVIp.99
April 3, 2014
"I have mixed emotions because as an artist and as his nephew I know he'd want a final listen before anything he did was released to the public," says TJ Jackson, a member of boyband 3T, in an interview with The Sun newspaper. "Saying that though, that's my uncle and I want him and anything associated with him to be successful."
The album has been tipped by bookmakers as being the biggest selling record of the year, but their assumptions have been made without hearing any of the tracks includes on the record.
Xscape combines original Jackson material with a "fresh sound" - courtesy of producer Timbaland - with Epic Records' LA Reid granting access to four decades of Jackson's vocal material.
The album is the first posthumous release from Michael Jackson, who died in 2009, since 2010's Michael, which was widely panned by critics and even faced allegations from fans and the Jackson family an impersonator had been drafted in to record some of the vocals.
Source: http://www.gigwise.com/news/89890/michael-jacksons-family-have-mixed-feelings-on-new-album-xscape#qyqeBUzcWtJCFVIp.99
April 3, 2014
Michael Jackson New Album has Child Sex Abuse Track
A track on the new Michael Jackson album Xscape reportedly features lyrics about sexual abuse.
The song, titled Do You Know Where Your Children Are?, is one of the eight previously unheard tracks recorded before the singer's death in 2009. The unreleased songs were unearthed from Jackson's archive of recorded material by L.A. Reid, the chairman and chief executive of Epic Records.
The lyrics tell the story of a 12-year-old girl who runs away from home and turns to prostitution.
Jackson reportedly sings: "She wrote that she is tired of step-daddy using her/ saying that he'll buy her things, while sexually abusing her."
The phrase "Save me from this living hell" is said to be repeated several times throughout the track, prompting speculation among fans that Jackson wrote the song about the battle to clear his name after he was accused of child molestation.
Jackson was cleared of all charges following a trial in 2005.
Jackson died at age 50 in Los Angeles from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol given to him by his personal physician while he was rehearsing for a series of 50 comeback concerts in London.
The unreleased tracks have been re-produced by the likes of present-day hitmakers Jerome "Jroc" Harmon, who has helped produce hits for Beyonce and Justin Timberlake, and Norwegian duo Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen, who work under the name Stargate and have produced hits for Rihanna and Selena Gomez.
Top pop producers Rodney Jerkins and John McClain were also enlisted to make the songs sound contemporary in style, Reid said.
Xscape will be released on May 13.
Source:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/new-michael-jackson-album-xscape-has-sex-abuse-track-20140403-36158.html
April 2, 2014
The song, titled Do You Know Where Your Children Are?, is one of the eight previously unheard tracks recorded before the singer's death in 2009. The unreleased songs were unearthed from Jackson's archive of recorded material by L.A. Reid, the chairman and chief executive of Epic Records.
The lyrics tell the story of a 12-year-old girl who runs away from home and turns to prostitution.
Jackson reportedly sings: "She wrote that she is tired of step-daddy using her/ saying that he'll buy her things, while sexually abusing her."
The phrase "Save me from this living hell" is said to be repeated several times throughout the track, prompting speculation among fans that Jackson wrote the song about the battle to clear his name after he was accused of child molestation.
Jackson was cleared of all charges following a trial in 2005.
Jackson died at age 50 in Los Angeles from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol given to him by his personal physician while he was rehearsing for a series of 50 comeback concerts in London.
The unreleased tracks have been re-produced by the likes of present-day hitmakers Jerome "Jroc" Harmon, who has helped produce hits for Beyonce and Justin Timberlake, and Norwegian duo Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Eriksen, who work under the name Stargate and have produced hits for Rihanna and Selena Gomez.
Top pop producers Rodney Jerkins and John McClain were also enlisted to make the songs sound contemporary in style, Reid said.
Xscape will be released on May 13.
Source:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/new-michael-jackson-album-xscape-has-sex-abuse-track-20140403-36158.html
April 2, 2014
NEW Michael Jackson album "Xscape"
It was announced today that on May 13th Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid. After mining by the Estate of Jackson’s archives, Reid was granted unlimited access to the treasures spanning four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals. Reid then teamed up top producers to “contemporize” the songs while retaining Jackson’s essence and integrity, creating the best music you’ve never heard.
The list of producers include global hitmakers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain.
The new album will feature eight brand new recordings. A Deluxe Edition of XSCAPE will include a selection of the recordings in their original form. Both the standard and Deluxe Editions are available April 1st for pre-order on iTunes and elsewhere.
The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”
XSCAPE
LONG AWAITED NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON
OUT ON EPIC RECORDS MAY 13
EPIC CHIEF L.A. REID TEAMS UP WITH TOP PRODUCERS TO “CONTEMPORIZE” SONGS FROM ICONIC ARTIST’S ARCHIVE
March 31, 2014 — New York, NY — On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The XSCAPE standard and Deluxe Editions are available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.
XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.
Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporizing.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.
“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked L.A. Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”
The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project. Written by Michael Jackson and Jerkins, and produced by Jackson and Jerkins, “Xscape” has further significance in that it is the one track on the album that was ‘contemporized’ by the producer who recorded it originally in the studio with Michael.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”
XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of XSCAPE, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony’s strengths and consumer reach.
"Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Starting with the release of ‘Off The Wall’ in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael’s recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael’s latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services."
More news about Michael Jackson’s upcoming album will be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep visiting www.michaeljackson.com for new details.
Source:
www.michaeljackson.com
March 31, 2014
The list of producers include global hitmakers Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate and John McClain.
The new album will feature eight brand new recordings. A Deluxe Edition of XSCAPE will include a selection of the recordings in their original form. Both the standard and Deluxe Editions are available April 1st for pre-order on iTunes and elsewhere.
The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”
XSCAPE
LONG AWAITED NEW MUSIC FROM MICHAEL JACKSON
OUT ON EPIC RECORDS MAY 13
EPIC CHIEF L.A. REID TEAMS UP WITH TOP PRODUCERS TO “CONTEMPORIZE” SONGS FROM ICONIC ARTIST’S ARCHIVE
March 31, 2014 — New York, NY — On May 13, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release XSCAPE, an album of new music by the internationally beloved music icon and King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The XSCAPE standard and Deluxe Editions are available for pre-order beginning April 1 on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.
XSCAPE is executive produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.
Reid curated the final list of recordings to deliver to the producers, who retooled the production to add a fresh, contemporary sound that retains Jackson’s essence and integrity. It’s a process Reid calls “contemporizing.” The album’s lead producer, Timbaland was one of a handful of producers Reid believed had the gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson’s work. Additional producers include global hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome “Jroc” Harmon and John McClain.
“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked L.A. Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”
The title of this album honors Michael’s album naming process. He always chose a song from the album to name his projects and, beginning with THRILLER, used only one word titles, each with an edgy quality to them. This is true of the new project. Written by Michael Jackson and Jerkins, and produced by Jackson and Jerkins, “Xscape” has further significance in that it is the one track on the album that was ‘contemporized’ by the producer who recorded it originally in the studio with Michael.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of the Estate of Michael Jackson said, “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision.”
XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world’s most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time. In conjunction with the release of XSCAPE, Epic / Sony Music will launch an unprecedented global campaign with the One Sony sister companies, Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications, and Sony Network Entertainment International drawing from all of Sony’s strengths and consumer reach.
"Michael has long been a treasured member of the larger Sony family," said Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation. "Starting with the release of ‘Off The Wall’ in 1979, Sony Music Entertainment has since released all of Michael’s recordings. We are thrilled and privileged to be collaborating as One Sony to celebrate Michael’s latest legacy, and bringing his fans an exclusive experience through our upcoming initiatives with our products and services."
More news about Michael Jackson’s upcoming album will be revealed in the coming weeks. Keep visiting www.michaeljackson.com for new details.
Source:
www.michaeljackson.com
March 31, 2014
M.I.A Compares Flipping Off Fans at Half Time is like Michael Jackson making Genitalia Adjustments
The fallout from M.I.A's middle finger gesture during the half time show at the 2012 Super Bowl continues.
The rapper has long been in argument with the NFL as the league seeks "damages".
And now it seems the league's bosses are seeking over $16 million after claiming that the hip-hop star breached her performance contract and "tarnished the NFL's reputation" when appearing alongside Madonna and Nicki Minaj in 2012.
The long running legal battle has been keenly fought by both sides, and M.I.A is continuing to fight her corner however.
As reported by the Edmonton Sun, in recent arbitration documents she argues:
"The claim for restitution lacks any basis in law, fact, or logic,
"Continued pursuit of this proceeding is transparently an exercise by the NFL intended solely to bully and make an example of Respodents for daring to challenge the NFL."
The outspoken music star also cites the behavior of the league's own players, management, and team owners as having already sullied the reputation of the National Football League.
In light of Jim Irsay's recent arrest and the Miami Dolphins' bullying inquest she may have a point!
The argument began almost as soon as M.I.A had lifted her middle finger to the television cameras and the NFL have since come down hard on the artist.
But in these latest remarks, the singer argues her gesture is far from the first shocking moment associated with the famous half time entertainment at football's showcase event.
Reports show her to reference Michael Jackson's 1993 performance and his "genitalia adjustments", while also citing Prince and the provocative dancers used in the Madonna show itself.
When it comes down to it, it all seems fairly petty.
Fair enough M.I.A probably shouldn't have raised her middle finger in such of such a wide audience, but to seek $16 million in response seems extreme especially onsidering the league's own issues.
Source:
http://www.givemesport.com/443577-mia-cites-michael-jackson-nfl-demands-16-million-in-super-bowl-row
March 18, 2014
The rapper has long been in argument with the NFL as the league seeks "damages".
And now it seems the league's bosses are seeking over $16 million after claiming that the hip-hop star breached her performance contract and "tarnished the NFL's reputation" when appearing alongside Madonna and Nicki Minaj in 2012.
The long running legal battle has been keenly fought by both sides, and M.I.A is continuing to fight her corner however.
As reported by the Edmonton Sun, in recent arbitration documents she argues:
"The claim for restitution lacks any basis in law, fact, or logic,
"Continued pursuit of this proceeding is transparently an exercise by the NFL intended solely to bully and make an example of Respodents for daring to challenge the NFL."
The outspoken music star also cites the behavior of the league's own players, management, and team owners as having already sullied the reputation of the National Football League.
In light of Jim Irsay's recent arrest and the Miami Dolphins' bullying inquest she may have a point!
The argument began almost as soon as M.I.A had lifted her middle finger to the television cameras and the NFL have since come down hard on the artist.
But in these latest remarks, the singer argues her gesture is far from the first shocking moment associated with the famous half time entertainment at football's showcase event.
Reports show her to reference Michael Jackson's 1993 performance and his "genitalia adjustments", while also citing Prince and the provocative dancers used in the Madonna show itself.
When it comes down to it, it all seems fairly petty.
Fair enough M.I.A probably shouldn't have raised her middle finger in such of such a wide audience, but to seek $16 million in response seems extreme especially onsidering the league's own issues.
Source:
http://www.givemesport.com/443577-mia-cites-michael-jackson-nfl-demands-16-million-in-super-bowl-row
March 18, 2014
Cirque du Soleil's hit Michael Jackson show making its way to Tampa
Tickets, which range from $50 to $125, so on sale Friday.
The spectacle created with Cirque du Soleil debuted in October 2011 and features 25 set pieces using 60 of Jackson's songs. It has become one of the top 10 highest-grossing music tours of all time, earning more than $340 million and playing to 2 million-plus fans worldwide, according to Billboard.
The production is presented in a rock concert format that combines Michael Jackson's music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil's renowned creativity.
Tampa is part of the second round of U.S. dates that launched earlier this year.
This show uses multiple screens, visual effects and pyrotechnics to feature Wanna be Startin' Something with acrobats, a pole dancer for Dangerous, and aerial hoop performers dressed in flickering LED suits perform against a backdrop of constellations to the song Human Nature. There are a lot of medleys and mashups of songs such as Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Rock With You and even an alternative version of The Jackson 5 song ABC.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson and Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Source:
http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/stage/cirque-du-soleils-hit-michael-jackson-show-coming-to-tampa/2170558
March 17, 2014
The spectacle created with Cirque du Soleil debuted in October 2011 and features 25 set pieces using 60 of Jackson's songs. It has become one of the top 10 highest-grossing music tours of all time, earning more than $340 million and playing to 2 million-plus fans worldwide, according to Billboard.
The production is presented in a rock concert format that combines Michael Jackson's music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil's renowned creativity.
Tampa is part of the second round of U.S. dates that launched earlier this year.
This show uses multiple screens, visual effects and pyrotechnics to feature Wanna be Startin' Something with acrobats, a pole dancer for Dangerous, and aerial hoop performers dressed in flickering LED suits perform against a backdrop of constellations to the song Human Nature. There are a lot of medleys and mashups of songs such as Thriller, Smooth Criminal, Rock With You and even an alternative version of The Jackson 5 song ABC.
Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson and Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000.
Source:
http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/stage/cirque-du-soleils-hit-michael-jackson-show-coming-to-tampa/2170558
March 17, 2014