Yup, you heard that right! The late King of Pop has an album due to release in May, featuring eight new tracks from the late artist’s archive, will be released on 13 May.
Titled Xscape, the track listing was chosen by Epic Records chairman LA Reid, who trawled through four decades of Jackson’s demos and off-cuts. The tracks were then updated by the likes of Timbaland, who works with Justin Timberlake, and Stargate, who have produced for Rihanna and Beyonce.
Reid called the process of reworking the songs “contemporizing”. “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,” said Reid. “We are extremely proud and honoured to present this music to the world.”
A deluxe edition of the album will also feature the eight tracks in their original form alongside the remixed versions. “Xscape” is the only track on the album to be updated by its original producer – Rodney Jerkins, who worked on the sessions for Jackson’s final studio album, Invincible, in 2001.
John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Jackson’s estate 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 LA Reid for his vision.”
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