A newly remixed version of Michael Jackson’s unreleased track “Slave To The Rhythm” has appeared online, first via Soundcloud and then all over YouTube, featuring new vocals recorded by Justin Bieber.
The track, for which Max Methods is given production credit, has been re-imagined as a duet between Justin Bieber and his idol, the King of Pop.
Reaction among Jackson fans hasn’t exactly been positive, with many of them suggesting a protest to an official release.
“I think we the MJ fan community need to rally together and protest against this disaster of a song before it gets officially released. Why don’t we all contact the estate and show our disapproval? This is disgraceful!” said one fan on a Michael Jackson discussion board.
“I’m gonna be sick,” added another.
At this stage there has been no official word from The Michael Jackson Estate or Sony Music as to whether; a) the duet is official or not, or b) it is being considered for release or not. However, Jackson fans were quick to note that Michael’s vocals on this new version seem to be clearer than on the solo version that leaked in December 2010 (see below), and that the a cappella has been used to create this new mix.
Above: Tricky Stewart’s 2010 production of “Slave To The Rhythm” which was considered for release on the Michael album. Ultimately it did not make the final track listing. Click here if the video does not display for you.
No a cappella of “Slave To The Rhythm” is publicly available, so the person who compiled this duet version with Bieber likely had direct access to the original Jackson vocal track. That seemingly eliminates the possibility that this could merely be a fan-made remix.
Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, a producer who collaborated with the King of Pop for two years straight, between 1999 and 2001, has recently been working with Justin Bieber.
Jerkins, who produced Jackson’s “You Rock My World” and Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me,” stated that he felt a Jackson / Bieber duet is something he could have arranged had Michael not passed away.
“I think if Michael [Jackson] was alive I would have been able to make a meeting happen and actually get them to do something together,” said the producer.
Could Jerkins have helped arrange this posthumous duet? (The answer is: No. See update further down) If so, it wouldn’t have been the first time Jerkins has teed up a feature from the grave.
In fact, Michael Jackson’s 2001 Invincible album includes a song called “Unbreakable” – produced and co-written by Jerkins. “Unbreakable” features a verse by Notorious B.I.G – four years after the legendary rapper’s death!
Furthermore, back in late 2010, around the time that the first posthumous Michael Jackson album was released by Sony Music, there was talk that the next MJ project would be a complete album of newly crafted duets.
Teddy Riley, who produced music for Jackson on a number of occasions during his life (including tracks for 1991’s Dangerous album and 2001’s Invincible) stated that because much of Jackson’s unreleased work was incomplete, duets would be built using what was available.
“He would do is go in and do the first verse, and the chorus, and he would not do a second verse,” said Riley of Jackson’s habits when writing or recording demos. “It’s just to get the idea down. So the next album that’s coming, and I don’t want to say too much, but the next album that’s coming is a duet album with a lot of great artists, because he only did first verses.”
This is the way Jackson worked in order to decipher which tracks he felt good about, and which he didn’t.
“What I do when I write is that I’ll do a raggedy, rough version just to hear the chorus, just to see how much I like the chorus,” explained Jackson. “If it works for me that way when it’s raggedy, then I’ll know it will just work … I do that same process with every song. It’s the melody. It’s the melody that’s most important. If the melody can sell me then I’ll go to the next step.”
One of the main sticking points for Michael Jackson fans is that “Slave To The Rhythm” is a track Jackson completed during his life – recording all the lead and backing vocals himself.
“Michael finished it on his own when he was alive. There’s no reason for Justin to be singing on it,” said one fan.
“No future Michael Jackson songs should be released as duets unless the duet was actually recorded with Michael when he was still alive. Slapping modern singers on these unreleased songs is just really disrespectful,” agreed another.
Despite the resistance from the more hardcore Jackson-enthusiasts, if the track were to be released it would almost certainly be a global hit. Justin Bieber’s fans around the world will undoubtedly support anything he puts out, as will many of the King of Pop’s fans.
UPDATE: Shortly following the publication of this article Justin Bieber tweeted the following…
Excited for what is to come. MJ set the bar. Not only for music but for being an entertainer and how u treat the fans. Wish he was here…
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 16, 2013
All of it is not always easy but it is a blessing. We can change the world. I’m up for the challenge. Big things ahead! #greatness. love you
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 16, 2013
Is Justin’s acknowledgement of the situation a confirmation that the track is official and coming soon?
UPDATE: Rodney Jerkins has confirmed that he had no involvement in the recording, production or leak of this track.
Jerkins was kind enough to offer me the following insights about the track, which was recorded way back in 1990:
“‘Slave To The Rhythm’ was produced by LA Reid and Babyface. I remember MJ played me that song along time ago. It was originally recorded for the Dangerous LP.”
Although Jackson brought the song to Jerkin’s attention during the Invincible recording sessions, the pair did not re-work the track and it was not considered for the album.
“He played it for me one day just to see what I thought. I like the song, but what Michael song don’t I like? I love all his music!”
Regarding the newly remixed version, Jerkins recalled Jackson’s views on the style of music used:
“Michael Jackson didn’t like techno music at all.”
It also appears the producer of the track, Max Methods, has addressed the issue via Twitter. IF the account is legit, the DJ stated the following:
Wow.been getting hit up abt this @MichaelJackson Ft. @Justinbieber record all day. I have so much respect for the Jackson Estate and…
— Maxmethods (@MaxMethods) August 17, 2013
it was an honor to work on this record….but its unfortunate that the record leaked before it was ready.
— Maxmethods (@MaxMethods) August 17, 2013
FYI: Until today, the @MaxMethods Twitter account had not posted in more than two years, since February 20, 2011. The account is not verified and only has 268 followers.
To clear things up The Michael Jackson Estate, via their mouthpiece, The MJ Online Team, issued the following statement:
“For those who have been asking about the recently posted recording of “Slave 2 The Rhythm” by Michael and Justin Bieber, this recording was not authorized and has been taken down.”
To give further clarity they later added the following:
“It is unauthorized and therefore there is no intention to release it.” – August 16, 2013
Sony Music Entertainment is continuing to work around the clock to remove dozens of video uploads of the track from YouTube.
EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Max Methods, the DJ / producer who remixed Michael Jackson’s “Slave To The Rhythm” as a duet with Justin Bieber, has revealed exclusively to me how the track came to be.
“I work with Tricky Stewart. He signed me to his label Red Zone Ent, and had me re-produce the record,” the DJ told me.
“He also had Justin [Bieber] record new vocals. I do not know how it leaked.” – August 20, 2013
Listen to the Michael Jackson & Justin Bieber duet version of “Slave To The Rhythm” below:
Click here if the video does not display for you.
How would YOU feel if this song was officially released? Discuss below…
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personally, i don’t think the duet should be released- but the original. The original song is an amazing masterpiece with meaning and emotion. Michael’s vocals showcase how passionate he was about women’s rights and how much heart he gave in to this song. I hope to God that people do not just dismiss the original song because as a person who lives and breathes the song Slave To The Rhythm, i believe that Justin Bieber did not do it justice whatsoever. The song was recorded in 1998, but when i heard it i thought it had been recorded shortly before he died. He was so ahead of his time, and it’s so very unfortunate that the world may not get to see that in this context. I guarantee if the song was released, it would be a very very strong contender with all the material in the industry today- and Michael isn’t even alive. Bieber probably doesn’t even understand the meaning of the song, and yet continued to meddle. I just hope that the estate releases the song before Justin has a chance to make a further mockery of Michael’s legacy.
-@Jacksinspired
Somebody just kill me, this is disgraceful.
All through MJ life he had poor management and now his executors are making poor decisions too. Michael’s fans want authenticity! I want a copy of the original…it is perfect as is!!!!
This remix is a disgrace.
Lets face it, most people would be upset because its Mr Bieber. No one from the MJ era’s would understand or even comprehend how this lad is actually talented. Screaming young ladies would love it. Its actually a good club track for the common british chav. If it was Lauren Hill, Stevie Wonder or Janet Jackson, even the most critical of MJ’s songs would probably like it because it matches the era (and vocal quality) in which MJ was alive.
People ask on youtube why it wasnt released, but seriously? SERIOUSLY? A good vocal doesnt make a good song. Overall its not a good song. Techno-house-euro-pop in the ilk of Vengaboys and 2Unlimited.
omg what are you talking about its overall not a good song….a good vocal doesn’t make a good song? its infectious pop…..get over yourself…..and yes it should have been released when it was written just like Hollywood tonight another missed opportunity…….and not forgetting Hold my hand which so should have been released when it was written that its criminal looking back…….
Do you realize that the techno production was added by Tricky Stewart? It’s not how the song was originally intended to be.
That’s the thing though – Stevie Wonder and Janet Jackson have worked with Michael numerous times – they know what Michael may have liked. Justin Bieber though, and other contemporary artists who have only worked with Michael for remixes (e.g. Kanye West, Fergie and Jay-Z), are just fans – they don’t necessarily know what Michael may have liked.
Plus, and you cannot deny this, the original ‘Slave To The Rhythm’ is much better than the newly-remixed ‘Slave 2 The Rhythm’. The remix is good, but it’s not as good as the original.
I actually freakin love it…..its better than the original even with bieber…..and im not even a bieber fan.
OH PLSSSSSSSSSS!
You need to go re-listen to to original.
link removed…
My thoughts:
Why can’t they just let Michael’s talent shine above all else? Why pimp out his art with all these unnecessary embellishments, features, remakes, edits etc.? Why? Michael didn’t aim to achieve immortality by binding his soul to his work for it to be given the bubblegum treatment by people he never knew.
It’s like sending a modern-day artist to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel to embellish Michelanglo’s work with Copic Markers…
Thank you Damien. These people think it only a matter of talent on the line, but they are actually setting a ‘below the belt’ precedence. Ethics are really at hand. If it is okay for Bieber to do that to Michael, then it is okay for someone to do that to Bieber, or anyone else for that matter. If this is acceptable, does that mean Bieber can do this again? Many have said that Michael would have liked Bieber. Bieber was not on his list at all, Lady GaGa was, however. I am sure that Michael had seen Bieber perform, he did not ask him to work with him on any occasion. I think Bieber violated the sanctity of Michael’s art. I say sanctity because Michael always said his art was given to him by God.
First of all why in TEH Hell was this song not on the Michael album!?!? Really the Cascio songs that MUCH better that they couldn’t take ONE song of theirs off and replace it with Slave To The Rhythm LAME!!! Anyway got that off my chest, NOW this Justin Bieber version of the song I must admit I like it and I feel this will bring MORE people to Michael’s music. I definitely can hear this music on today’s radio station like NOW lol. I kinda see the Estate’s business side to this ask to get alot people into Michael music as well…
The song as Michael recorded it is perfect for release. JB ruins it. His “vocals” are no match for Michael’s. I will boycott this if it is officially released with everything I have. I will not sleep, not eat, but campaign against it. It is a disgrace how JB tries to rub off some of Michael’s fame on himself.
I hope this absolutely does not happen. Justin Bieber claims MJ is his idol, he’s a huge fan. He is not and never will be the artist that Michael was. Michael would never disrepect himself or his fans by doing the idiotic, disgusting things that twerpy Bieber has done publicly. I certainly won’t buy anything with Bieber’s name attached to it. I agree with people who say releasing something like this would be disrepectful to MJ and his music. Obviously, I’m not a Bieber fan.
What do you mean Justin “claims’ he is MJ’s fan.
He is a fan, always has been.
I think you’ll find Michael is allowed more than one.
With respect, you comment is why MJ fans have a terrible reputation. Reason eludes them. Everything’s a competition, who’s bigger, badder.
Michael is gone but his music lives on. Let others who also loved him bring him to life so the new ones can hear him. Of course it won’t be like the original, how can it be. The original was taken from us by a murderer.
But Justin Bieber loves Michael, and frankly, the media are treating him precisely as they treated Michael from 1993 onward. Don’t you remember people saying, ‘well, all these accusations, can’t be smoke without fire.’
Lets show JB some love, the same way Michael would have.
we need to show Michael`s music to the younger generation…this is good
Difference of opinion…everyone’s entitled to have one.
Yup. That they are!
The fact is this: justin added his voice, even on verses where there was already MJ’s voice. No one ever did that before.
To me this is not respectful.
and it should be MJ feat JB not viceversa.
Just to clarify the Biggie inclusion on “Unbreakable”.
“Unbreakable” contains influence and interpolation of Biggie’s “Unbelievable” and the verse was lifted from a previously released rap he did on a Shaq track called “Can’t Stop The Reign”.
Thanks for that mate 🙂
“Michael didn’t aim to achieve immortality by binding his soul to his work for it to be given the bubblegum treatment by people he never knew.”
THIS!
This is completely disgusting. The radio stations in the UK are calling the new version of “Slave To The Rhythm” Justin Bieber’s like Michael doesn’t exist and like it was never his song in the first place. If Bieber wins any awards for this piece of crap thing they call a “song”/”remake”, then I will never support the Estate ever again. Bunch of pricks.
I really don’t get why they’re doing this…..
They should release the original pre-2010 version instead of this stupid shit….
the song win nothing to have bieber on it… not even to be remixed.
It was perfect in its original state.
I have nothing against bieber.;-)
Make this kind of duo is touching directly to the work of Michael Jackson and is not as well as it transmits his artistic legacy.
This title is finalized, as we listened to him long ago, and although it was perhaps not what Michael wanted it to become, it was a mark in the stage of development of a song. As such, perhaps, had it the legitimacy to be presented as a work under construction and therefore marketable in this sense. Bad 25 titles have been felt like this. And we thank Sony’s not there touching.
Suggest this title in duo is remove the presence of Michael on her song so remove a part of his art. In itself this is regrettable, and therefore harmful to the transmission of his art. What is an incomplete table of an artist will be completed by another artist or worse, is part of an array of a painter is erased and repainted by another artist?
There is only one and unique way to preserve the artistic legacy of Michael, is to publish its gross work. Then, be on a same album, offers an additional version to the original and presented as a virtual Duet is something that I could understand, in the same way as a remix which in fact distorts the original but with a laudable intention or not, you want to do well.
All, is proposed to the listener, the original song.
Sorry for my english, i’m from France.
I AM OK WITH THE ESTATE RELEASING THIS VERSION TO EXPOSE THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO MJ’S MUSIC, AS LONG AS THEY RELEASE THE ORIGINAL MJ SOLO VERSION AS WELL 🙂
Is not this the right way to expose the younger generation to MJ’s music. This song was finished by MJ and the original version should be released. Respect for MJ’s work!
I could get behind your suggestion but never as a duet on its own without the original. When I heard it this morning I felt a little sorry for Justin because Michael sounded so much better. But, the duet would sell hugely because Justin, a diehard MJ fan himself, has a lot of fans who spend money to buy his releases. They are as passionate about Justin as we are about Michael. Justin Bieber has always publicly declared his love of all things MJ.
Exactly. I will certainly buy it if it’s released.
Love Bieber and I love MJ.
if u knew Michael..u would know that he did not like remixes and so on…he said so himself.
The original sounded complete to me and should be released as is.
ok, but they won’t release the original version, they will destroy the michael jackson work like usual.
listen what they did to hollywood tonight !!!!!
the tv version wasn’t good, the album was perfect.
C’est du saccage !!!!! J’espère que l’Estate va arrêter ce massacre!!!! pourquoi ne pas nous sortir cette chanson en single et version originale qui est parfaite!!!! Bieber la veut la place du King of Pop! mais il peut s’accrocher, sa voix est bof bof. Perso, elle m’apporte aucune émotion!!!!! LOVE KING OF POP MICHAEL JACKSON
so, tell us, Damien, where’s your exclusive article on this? you did not know about this?
you didn’t want to shock fans?
or you simply have no exclusive info as usual? man, we all know, you aren’t an insider
Hi Lotus 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Lotus, with sincere love, you are an ignorant fool. Damien, I appreciate this article and all your articles. I, for one, did not know about this and I sure as hell didn’t hear about it from Lotus.
I wonder why people who doesnt have interest on the articles come to spit their poison! Ag…
just skimming comments and saw this arrogant one……i guess u missed the last month worth of storys?
the remix is good, but this song doesn’t need justin bieber.
overall, i prefer the new version, but, it could have been perfect WITHOUT Bieber.
But i’m sure they just want to make the buzz, and it’s done.
I feel it will be a future n° 1 but i felt it before they touch it.
LA Reid and Babyface wrote this song, MJ recorded this in 1989 when Bieber was not yet on this planet to terrorize us.
Lol
This version is SHIT. Sorry.
It was perfect in its original state.
LONG LIVE THE KING
Michael recorded duets, but they were of HIS choosing. This is a duet he never had a chance to approve of. Unfair, immoral, and insulting. Think of a famous singer, any singer, and how they would feel if they were mashed up with another voice with no say in the matter? The original is much better.
Duets that Michael never finished!
I think it sounds great. I am a Michael Jackson fan and so is Justin Bieber. He adores MJ, has for years and has consistently said he is the greatest artist of all time throughout his career.
I am really quite sick and tired of certain fans second-guessing what Michael would have wanted. It’s pretty obvious he and Bieber would have been friends if they had met and if Rodney Jerkins is cool with it so am I.
I hope M,J fans can put aside their belligerence and support an artist who has always loved Michael and wants to do nothing more than honor him and sing with him, even if it is posthumously.
“It’s pretty obvious he and Bieber would have been friends if they had met”
Wow at your prophetic and psychic powers…
What disgrace! First, Michael never liked remixes! He told it in an interview and from his point of view, young people didnt like them neither. He told it: the way he made his art, that is the way he wanted them to be released!
Second, BIEBER!? Michael doesnt need him or other to reach teenagers hearts… Michael was always refresing and his REAL music always kept a young spirit all time! He was a visionary… My nieces are really young (older is 12 years old) and love HIS REAL style!
$ony and the fake executors of that fake last will spat on Michael honorable name and REAL LEGACY before and now again? Fake songs, songs Michael NEVER released, shortfilms he never finished while $ony gave him the back… Whats the next!? MICHAEL WANTED THOSE PEOPLE ($ony and those in MJ Estate executor position) OUT FROM HIS LIFE, when will they understand it? It seems some fans never realized Michael FIRED that people for some dirty reason and established HE DIDNT WANT ANYTHING WITH $ony mafia!
I think you are wrong about MJ and remixes. He has tons of officially released remixes approved under Mijac and Sony. Bad, Dangerous, History and BOTDF albums have officially released singles with 4-6 remixes per single. In The Closet remixes are awesome with one even on the Ultimate Collection. There is a lot more to the remix story than most people know.
Michael never wanted to release remixes but Sony made him. Black & White magazine interviewed MJ in LA in April 1998. He said he had wanted to put out new music but Sony told him the kids wanted remixes, not original material.
Sony twisted his arm to make remixes…….yeah, sure they did…..!
he said so himself.
Honestly, I think the re-mix is fine. I’m pretty if MJ was alive, he would have done a duet with JB. JB has always stated his love and admiration for MJ. I think people need to back off of JB vocals. JB can sing, but we all know he’ll never be MJ. There will never ever be another MJ. MJ set the bar and no one has been able to touch it and never will. Atleast he’s trying to keep MJ’s legacy alive.
I don’t like it when people make declarations in Michael’s name like “I’m sure he would have worked with JB”. What makes you sure? JB is nowhere near to his level as an artist.
What about the duet he did with Eddie Murphy, that was truly horrible. Yet he did it. He also did a duet with Rockwell and it did very well on the charts. The duets he did with Mick Jagger and with Paul McCartney also did very well. It also helped MJ to become more of a crossover artist, etc…… I don’t remember Paul McCartney’s fans complaining when Paul did his duets with MJ…..
The track sounds horrible with Justin bieber!!!!
The Original was Awesome!!!!
I will boycott the release!!!!!!!
This is wrong on so many levels. Whoever did it knows it too.
To be a fan of MJ is no excuse to be featured on his song, half of the planet is. Its wrong because of the song itself, historically and artistically . I have nothing against JB , I think its great what he has accomplished for his age, but as an artist he is not in Michaels league. I hope they will see their mistake before the release. If not I hope an alternative quality solo mix will be made without JB.
This is a disgrace. I love the original track. I have no idea why it hasn’t been released yet. As for JB I don’t like his music so I would not like the song with him singing on it. Everyone has their preferences. I don’t hate JB but he tries to hard to act like Michael in certain ways. Other ways he is completely different from him. I don’t hate him. I don’t believe that Michael would have wanted that. Michael fans should show their love for Michael by not be haters of JB. Remember what Michael went through with the haters and unfortunately his kids are inheriting.
You don’t “Modernize” Citizen Kane by getting some popular, modern film director to slap in a few new scenes and CGI. Citizen Kane is a product of it’s time, and it’s how it’s creator (Orson Welles) intended it.
Exactly the same situation here.
Slave To The Rhythm was an excellent, catchy pop song with a great hook, and fantastic vocals with depth and emotion. Bumping up the BPM, and polluting it with Bieber’s pubescent voice is not only completely unnecessary, but disrespectful.
Having said that, With Branca in charge, i’m not even slightly surprised.
I’m truly and utterly disgusted over this and I do hope it’s not what’s being reported. The MJfan community needs to come together and protest loud and clear to Rodney Jenkins, the Estate over our utter disgrace of MJ work being used in this manner and to the likes of a obnoxious twit Beiber. MJ unreleased work needs to be heard to benefit HIS legacy and that of his children, not used as another opportunity from others to gain noteriety for themselves because their work is poor and mediocre. I’m sick and tired of the divison in the community over MJ products while it allows others to capitlize on his name, image and artistry. Enough is truly enough and we need to stand behind any attempts to use MJ work in this manner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgzD3qMZIWs Unacceptable!!!!!!!!!
I am disgusted at the thought of a possible release of this posthumous duet. Michael NEVER collaborated with Justin. The two simply should NOT be on the same track. It’s insulting. If the Michael Jackson Estate executors, Sony and/or Justin Bieber’s camp are planning on authorising this song release, it will be an insult to MJ as an artist and his fans. Adding new production to an unreleased Michael Jackson song and REMOVING completed MJ vox to add some popstar of the moments vocals as a duet is unthinkable! MJ’s art is so culturally significant that it should be treated with the utmost care and respect. I’m sick of posthumous Michael Jackson releases being all about money. Why not respectfully release products/material whilst valuing authenticity?
Ever since the insane nightmare that was the ‘Michael’ album and the Cascio Tracks, I’ve put a lot of thought into this. I think the Michael Jackson Estate executors should adopt a similar policy once and for all. Unreleased MJ songs should ONLY ever be ‘completed’ or ‘reworked’ by the original production team who worked on the song with Michael. In the case that these individuals will not or are unable to work on the tracks, they should be released in their latest and fullest state before Michael died. Also, should a song be ‘completed’ and released, then the demo should also be released with it as an additional track. This is all for the purpose of respectfully valuing authenticity, Michael’s vision and the fans. The problem here is that no value or care is being placed on Michael’s art, something that he spent nearly half a century cultivating and producing. Michael does not NEED Bieber to add value to his art. The song was basically already complete and needs nothing more than the Michael magic that is already there to be appreciated by fans.
Even the leaked non-Bieber ‘Tricky Stewart’ version insults me. Michael never worked with him. To me the production of that version sounds NOTHING like what Michael would have wanted for the track and when I hear it, it just doesn’t feel right.
“MJ’s art is so culturally significant that it should be treated with the utmost care and respect. I’m sick of posthumous Michael Jackson releases being all about money. Why not respectfully release products/material whilst valuing authenticity?’
Exactly!
The MJE executors are in damage control mode but its too late.
The only thing they can do now is release Michaels version asap and forever try to get JBs version down.
Now I see why JB was invited at the handfootprint ceremony at the Graumann theatre last year , which at the time seemed kind of random to me. It was all to establish a connection between MJ and JB. Big fail.
I agree. This song was made in 1989. It was not meant to be techno, but probably R&B/New Jack Swing, so I’m not particularly fond of the Tricky Stewart version either. But the Bieber version is the lowest of low in terms of disrespect – replacing Michael’s vocals with a teen bopper’s…
I think that Justin Bieber is a little more talented than Eddie Cascio and Jason Malachi or whatever that guy’s name was….the one who sings like a goat.
Atleast he’s trying to keep MJ’s legacy alive.” What? Huh? Stop!
Great music and artistry lives on regardless, Bieber is no more interested in Michael legacy than the man on the moon. He jumps at every opportunity to snatch and steal every little thing about Michael that he can. I don’t see him nor anyone else besides MJ fans and TMEZ speaking out about Michael. What I do see is his fan base making excuses about his bad and obnoxious behavior . I see them lying about how he is greater than MJ while spouting off fake stats while being in this constant state of delusion about him being the King Of Pop. I dare him or his fans to try this with Prince, his music or his fans. We need to stand behind not allowing or supporting this type of mess. There’s too much silly division in this community and we will all regret it sooner or later. The Estate is not the enemy, you need to look at those who are trying to once again undermine MJ work for quick cash.
As far as Michael legacy is concerned ,it’s kept alive by his fans loyalty and dedication to him. Let’s not be gullible into thinking those who love to copy & pinch off of MJ isn’t using his artistry to win over MJ “fans “and to help their weak, sagging and fleeting careers. As soon as these celebrities arrive to where they think they need to be, loving MJ is nowhere to be seen. I’ve seen it too often, when it comes to Michael.
“This version is SHIT. Sorry.
It was perfect in its original state.
LONG LIVE THE KING” – MorningGlow
Yes, Long Live The King!
I just wonder if Prince,Paris and Blanket had any say in this, if he was my dad, I wouldn’t want some young punk wannabe kid, on my fathers material. FULL STOP. After all when Elvis passed over ,did any one see any of his material in a duet with any young teeny bopper upstarts back then. NO. The Elvis Estate wouldn’t allow it.
I think MJ’s draw is being underestimated. I would happily purchase a cd of demos just to get a glimpse into his process and I think the power’s that be might be very surprised at how many others would do the same. MJ is loved internationally. I think a cd of this nature would sell like hot cakes.
You would but would the general public???
Damien, thank you for this article. So the Slave to the rhythm was for sure recorded is 1989? right? So why the heck we all thought it was recorded during Invincible era?!
Same here I want to know why alot of people including myself thought that it was a RJ work??
I love, love, love this song! Justin has tried to make it his own….but its MJs! I say the original should be released!! It is a great dance beat and MJ just gave me goosebumps with his beautiful passion of song! Bless you Justin….but this song belongs to Michael amen!
I think the new song is fine, Justin’s fans are going to snap this baby up……the song needs a little more work, but overall it sounds really good imo….. I can hear it playing in clubs……and on the radio.
The original should be put on a future album for the MJ fans……
Just one sentence. Never meant as a duet Justin!
I wish JB die I want to die I want to kill him and then shoot myself
Get some help…
Seriously?
As one of these “hardcore fans,” my view is that people have attacked Michael’s career, his character, his family, and his fans. Messing with his music is bringing it to an all time new low. Don’t touch his music. Especially since he is no longer here to even give permission.
I love you, Mikey. You are always in my heart. <3
Do ppl understand the TRUE meaning of DUET ?
Duet , means sharing an audio recording studio room and decide to sing together in a song.
Duet , does NOT mean assembling a song, erasing already recorded verses, sang originally by an artist and putting over them the voice of a modern era artist !!
A Michael Jackson demo is like an unfinished priceless work of art , you leave it untouched.
No-one can add his touch to a priceless artwork to complete it…..you admire it in its incomplete form.
The most “interesting” conversation of my life has been when chatting with a “Sony/Michael Jackson Estate” Representative on MJStar forum about the need to leave Michael Jackson demos untouched, the way Michael Jackson left them for us, instead of adding to them NON MJ music, voice, choruses:
“
@Marco,
wake up… I mean for real what planet you on? Sony are releasing a Michael Jackson album that can be played over and over again on the radio in a …car or bar/club. The album will also hopefully get the attention of a younger generation.
Sony haven’t paid $200m to create an album full of unfinished demos for hardcore fans to listen to before shelving.
Because lets face it… its only the hardcore fans who would be willing to purchase an album with incomplete/demos only…
“
Unfortunately that’s a reality we have to face no matter how unfair or unethical it is. Had they found an unfinished painting by Da Vinci, no one would say some modern painter should finish it. That would be considered blasphemy, and totally disrespectful to Da Vinci as an artist. Apparently the same standards do not apply in popular music, though they should in my opinion.
Sony is only interested in making money. I think the best posthumus project so far (apart from the Cirque shows) was Bad 25. That was done in a respectful way, but unfortunately it did not sell outside of the hard core fan community, so for Sony it was a failure. So they probably say now “f*ck hard core fans, we are going to appeal to the general public now” and then come despicable projects like this Bieber crap and the butchering of MJ’s music and associating him with cheap, “hot for the moment” current artists. A really sad situation. Money talks, unfortunately.
I wish they’d at least release the original demos. I’m only interested in how Michael meant a song, not someone else’s interpretation of it. If they release the originals they can release modern remixes for the general public, but please, please by NO means “duet” with “artists” below a certain level – like Justin Bieber. That’s disrespectful to MJ!
Absolutely awful. The production is terrible and Justin Bieber, who sounds like a child, does not suit the maturity of these lyrics. I do think Justin is talented and have always, but he should not be singing with Michael Jackson on a song which already has a song with such passionate lyrics and vocals. I would love to hear the song in its original form without the dance music.
Agreed!
I have no words to express how I feel about this. The beat is ok, the part thats dreadful is Biebers vocals, his voice sounds strained tryna hit those notes. In my opinion he ruined it and the original has more soul.
#ForeverMichael
Why oh why dont people understand. Michael Jacksons career is HIS OWN, and noone can take that away from him, even is someone dresses up, dances and speaks like MJ they wont be him. Mike died before his comeback tour, his comeback album, there are many many unfinished tracks, with two or three verses a chorus, a beat, a melody, so rather than leave them to rot away, its a good tactic to use these unifinished tracks using modern day singers that are still alive, to create a comeback album, that will be played in the mainstream of radio and broadcast, once again playing Michael Jackson tracks, feat whoever they want!. Mike is an artist and with revivals, remixes, etc, is legacy is maintained if not strengthened by current artists who are willing to work with unreleased tracks for the public to hear.
Without such efforts, we might not be able hear hundreds of incomplete music, whereas in this manner we are able to hear the track in its demo form by michael jackson, and still be able to enjoy the demo in the remixed duet form.
Whats the problem?….
Mjs legacy is set in stone, no one can change that.
THIS! THIS THIS THIS! Exactly! Couldn’t have said it better!
I like the new version of the song. No, Justin’s vocals aren’t nearly as strong as Michael’s are, but Michael recorded this track when he was in his thirties, having been in the industry longer than Justin’s even been alive. Justin is only 19 years old but I think has the potential to become a powerful artist. I don’t see anything wrong with releasing a remixed track. It’s just like adding your own flavor to an already amazing recipe. Both pies taste amazing. And so ends my corny metaphor…
Michael said in 1998 that he wasn’t fond of remixes… That was FIFTEEN YEARS AGO! He was an ever evolving artists who created trends as well as followed a few. I think that it is unfair to state that he would have absolutely hated this concept without knowing exactly what kind of artist he would have been like today. Further, I think it’s safe to say that Michael would have embraced Justin as a young artist. He did it to everyone that modeled their careers after him, Justin Timberlake, Usher, to name a few. I won’t speak on whether or not Michael would have been in favor of this “duet/remix” because I really have no idea. The face of the music industry has changed so much since 1998. But if anything is disgraceful, it’s the way you all are bashing another young fan who wants to walk in the shoes of someone great that came before him. Michael would have never advocated the bashing of Bieber. Any Michael fan knows that. He was loving and supportive of people in general, but especially of fans of his music and of young artists who aspired to be like him. And all of you making rude and disrespectful comments about Bieber who claim to be MJ fans should be ashamed of yourselves. This type of behavior surely would have hurt him.
I love the song, both versions!
You all do realize that the youtube video was pitched up/sped up? people do that to youtube videos so that they can bypass the copyright and keep a video uploaded.
thats why vocals and music sound so “chipmunk-sih”…. you should find another source of the song, one that is not sped up or pitched up, and then make your comments….the song sounds really good
I heard the song last year and thought WOW this is great.. why wasnt it on Michael…are they saving his best stuff for last so people keep buying it? He probably has 100 unfinished songs in the vault…you’re telling me MJ recorded this shit in 1989 WHAATT? I really dont like the Bieber remix so much, the song is great enough without him he don’t have the pain in his voice or crescendo..if you’re going to hop on a song with a legend at least make the remix better.. yea go make duetts with all the unfinished material
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Jerrod,
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but
I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
fuck u bieber
MJ is truly the king. Anytime i listen his records i feel as he is still alive. Definitely one of the best music superstars ever!
MJ was perfectionist. If he wanted another person to join him in a song, he’d have asked them. Too many hangers on even after he has gone. Let him rest in peace and let’s enjoy his authentic music. Love lives forever. Miss you Michaelxxxooo