Michael Jackson is returning. Well, not literally, but the signature sounds of the late King of Pop will be available for purchase in May. The posthumous set from Michael Jackson called Xscape will feature eight new songs from the King of Pop. And the offering is coming thanks to the efforts of Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid who was granted unlimited access to MJ's archives by the estate of Jackson. According to an announcement, Reid’s access is golden with “treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals."
The offering will include 40 years of material on which Jackson’s vocals were complete. The eight selected tracks were reworked by producers like Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and Jackson estate executor John McClain for contemporary consumption. Reid says he only included producers who had “the gravitas, depth and range” to maintain the “essence and integrity” of Jackson’s work. “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 in the press release. “We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”
Reid says the title track Xscape, produced by Jerkins, is the only song on the set that will feature the producer who originally recorded it. Xscape is slated to be available to fans for purchase on May 13. But iTunes opens up preorders Tuesday, April 1.
The King of Pop was one of the greatest entertainers the world has ever seen and was a consummate business man as well. Since his death at age 50 on June 25, 2009, this will be a second posthumous album. Michael was released in 2010 to mixed reviews going platinum in the United States and the UK.