More New Music From Michael Jackson's Xscape

Two songs from the King of Pop's second posthumous LP release, and Usher talks details about the L.A. Reid-helmed collection.
     
Two new tracks from the King of Pop were revealed Thursday (May 8). "Slave to the Rhythm," a dance track, and "Blue Gangsta," a rambunctious Timbaland-produced joint, serve as the latest off Xscape, the second posthumous Michael Jackson album since his passing in 2009.

Both songs were originally recorded in 1991 with L.A. Reid and Babyface during the Dangerous sessions. While "Slave to the Rhythm" is snare-heavy, upbeat and full of color, "Blue Gangsta" taps into MJ's darker side, as he sings "What cha gonna do/You ain’t the friend of mine/Look what you put me through/Now that I'm the blue gangsta."

Like the other eight tracks on Xscape, "Slave to the Rhythm" and "Blue Gangsta" feature Michael Jackson's signature ahs and woos and infectious hooks, which evoke a classic MJ feel over the modernized beats.

The first taste of Xscape was unvelied last week, when Usher premiered  "Love Never Felt So Good" in a dance tribute. The "Good Kisser" singer stopped by REVOLT Live on Wednesday and revealed more about the tracklist for the new MJ album.

"I wish I would have been able to contribute, but no artist is actually singing along with Michael, its all his original recordings," Usher explained. "This is an authentic album, even though it is reproduced in some type of way ... they respected him [MJ] and his brand."

Usher is excited about the album, which he said was a passion project for his friend and mentor L.A. Reid, who produced Xscape.

"I've always been a fan of Michael, he has always been an inspiration, he was a friend of mine … We miss and love his music and we love everything that he did then and now."
Xscape drops May 13.