Singer/producer Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas joins the chorus of outraged Michael Jackson family and fans protesting Sony’s decision to release an album of unfinished songs by Michael.
Will.i.am recently spoke out against the release by saying, “Whoever put it out and is profiting off of it, I want to see how cold they are,” he said. “He just wasn’t any ordinary artist. He was a hands-on person. To me, it’s disrespectful. There’s no honoring. Michael Jackson songs are finished when Michael says they’re finished. Maybe if I never worked with him I wouldn’t have this perspective. He was very particular about how he wanted his vocals, the reverb he used … he was that hands-on.”
The album, entitled Michael, consists of tracks featuring Lenny Kravitz, 50 Cent and Akon. It will be released on December 14, just in time for Christmas.
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“Hold My Hand” is one of the tracks produced by Akon back in 2007 that leaked online in 2008. “Hold My Hand” was one of many that were left unfinished so Michael could concentrate on his scheduled concert dates at the 02 Arena in London in 2009.
That was his main priority, and he was so excited about it,” said Akon. “He was like, ‘Man. We sold this out in a minute. My fans are still there. They still love me. They’re alive.’ ” That motivated him more than anything.”
When Jackson died of a cardiac arrest, Akon was asked what he would do with the music he and Michael created together:
Right now they’re pretty much all ideas, but if there is anything to be done to them, of course I would let the family make all those decisions. I think it’s their right to figure out how they want his music distributed or finish these records before we move on with it. I wouldn’t ever take it upon myself to try to release any of his music without working with the family. Source
