Posthumous albums are notoriously difficult to execute. They frequently risk feeling like cheap cash-ins or disjointed patchwork. To avoid this trap, L.A. Reid sought out producers who shared a musical lineage with Jackson, appointing Timbaland as the executive producer. Alongside Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, StarGate, and J-Roc, the team was given a specific directive: retain the essence of Michael’s vocal performances while anchoring the production in the sonic landscape of 2014.
Recorded in 1999 during the Invincible sessions.
Xscape was released to largely positive reviews compared to its predecessor, with critics praising the "contemporized" production for honoring Jackson's legacy rather than ruining it. However, the debate remains: Should posthumous music be reworked, or should the original demos stand alone?
Unlike its fragmented predecessor Michael (2010), Xscape succeeded by implementation of a clear, dual-narrative concept. This execution is best experienced through the Xscape (Deluxe Edition) . The deluxe version does not just offer bonus tracks; it serves as a critical musicological archive. It pairs contemporary "contemporized" remixes with the raw, original studio demos recorded by Jackson between 1983 and 1999. The Concept of "Contemporization" Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
The core philosophy behind Xscape was distinct from Michael . Instead of simply finishing incomplete vocals with soundalike singers or adding generic beats, executive producer L.A. Reid, CEO of Epic Records at the time, curated a list of A-list producers to "contemporize" Jackson’s archival recordings. The producers—a team called the "Dream Team"—included Timbaland, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, Rodney Jerkins (a longtime Jackson collaborator who worked on Invincible ), Stargate, and John McClain.
Xscape was met with surprisingly positive reviews, a stark contrast to the skepticism that surrounded the 2010 posthumous album Michael . Critics praised the Deluxe Edition specifically, noting that the inclusion of the original demos showed immense respect for Jackson's artistry and protected the estate from accusations of altering his vision.
Recorded in 1998, this track is a reimagining of the folk-rock band America's 1972 hit "A Horse with No Name." Posthumous albums are notoriously difficult to execute
Written during the Bad and Dangerous eras, tackling the heavy, socially conscious themes Jackson frequently explored.
When Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, he left behind a vast archive of vocal tracks spanning several decades. In May 2014, Epic Records and the Estate of Michael Jackson tapped into this treasury to release Xscape , the King of Pop’s second posthumous studio album. While the standard release offered a modern reimagining of his archival work, it was the Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014 that truly captured the hearts of purists and casual listeners alike. By pairing contemporary reinventions with the unaltered original recordings, the deluxe package offered an unprecedented, transparent look into Jackson’s creative evolution. The Concept of "Contemporization"
The promotional campaign for Xscape culminated in one of the most talked-about moments in awards show history. At the on May 18, 2014, a lifelike hologram of Michael Jackson took the stage to perform "Slave to the Rhythm". Using Pepper's ghost technology, the performance featured a digital Jackson in a gold military jacket, moonwalking across the stage with a full troop of dancers, dazzling lights, and pyrotechnics. The performance, produced by the Estate of Michael Jackson, was met with a standing ovation and tears from many in the star-studded audience. However, it was not without its legal hurdles, as a federal judge had to dismiss a lawsuit just days before the show from a company claiming ownership of the patented hologram technology. Reid sought out producers who shared a musical
| | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Release Date | May 9, 2014 | | Label(s) | Epic Records, MJJ Music, Sony Music Entertainment | | Executive Producers | L.A. Reid, Timbaland | | Production Team | Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain | | Recording Period (Original) | 1980–2001 | | Recording Period (Reworked) | 2013–2014 | | Running Time (Standard) | 34:25 | | Running Time (Deluxe) | 73:43 |
is the second posthumous album from the King of Pop. Curated by Epic Records chairman
: The primary eight tracks updated with a fresh, contemporary R&B and pop sound. Original Demos