What if I told you a treasure trove of Michael Jackson’s unreleased music was hiding in an abandoned storage unit for decades? And now, it’s finally been uncovered—but you might never get to hear it.
Gregg Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer turned treasure hunter, stumbled upon one of the most shocking finds in music history—a collection of cassette and DAT tapes with 12 unreleased Michael Jackson tracks. These songs, recorded during the Dangerous era, reveal a side of MJ the world has never seen. But there’s a twist: despite the discovery, legal barriers could prevent these tapes from ever being shared publicly. Stay with me as we explore the mysterious story behind these tapes, their jaw-dropping content, and why they might stay locked away forever.
The story begins in Van Nuys, California, where Musgrove bought a storage unit once owned by Bryan Loren, a music producer who collaborated with Michael Jackson. Inside, he found a dusty collection of tapes labeled with intriguing titles like Don’t Believe It, Seven Digits, and Truth on Youth.
But the moment Musgrove realized what he had stumbled upon, he faced a problem: how could he legally bring these tracks to the world? The Jackson Estate holds all copyrights, meaning Musgrove has no right to distribute or profit from the music.
So, while these tapes are a historic find, they’re caught in a legal limbo. But before we dive deeper into the legal side, let’s talk about what’s actually on the tapes.
The tapes are a treasure trove of Michael Jackson’s artistry, containing 12 full songs and snippets of unreleased tracks that offer a rare glimpse into his creative process. Among them is Don’t Believe It, a powerful response to the relentless rumors that followed him, revealing both his vulnerability and resilience. Then there’s Seven Digits, a haunting piece inspired by the identification numbers assigned to bodies in morgues, confronting the fragility of life. Perhaps most surprising is Truth on Youth, a groundbreaking rap duet with LL Cool J, where Jackson himself takes a turn at rapping. LL Cool J had long confirmed their collaboration, but this track was thought to be lost forever—until now. Each song tells its own story, adding new layers to the King of Pop’s genius.
Musgrove described the experience of listening to the tapes as “chilling.” Hearing Jackson’s voice, not just singing but casually joking and discussing his vision for each song, brought goosebumps.
The Legal Battle
Musgrove contacted the Jackson Estate to verify the authenticity of the tapes. The Estate confirmed that while these are copies, the master recordings are already secure in their vaults. They issued a letter clarifying that Musgrove cannot commercially exploit the tapes. Essentially, he owns the physical copies but not the music itself.
But here’s the kicker: this means fans might never hear these tracks, as the Estate has shown no interest in releasing them. It raises a frustrating question—why keep such treasures locked away?
The Auction Plan
Despite the legal hurdles, Musgrove plans to auction the tapes. Experts estimate their value could reach seven figures, especially given the intense demand for Michael Jackson memorabilia. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, who once bought 55 MJ items at auction, could be potential buyers.
But even if a collector purchases the tapes, they’ll face the same restrictions. The music can’t be shared, streamed, or sold. It will remain a private treasure, locked away in someone’s vault.
Imagine this: You’re holding a piece of history—a cassette with Michael Jackson’s voice, singing songs no one else has heard. But you can’t share it. You can’t even play it publicly. This is the bittersweet reality of Musgrove’s discovery.
These tapes represent a rare glimpse into the genius of Michael Jackson, a window into his creative world during one of his most transformative eras. Yet, due to legal red tape, they may never see the light of day.
The discovery of these tapes is both thrilling and heartbreaking. On one hand, it’s incredible to know that such a treasure exists. On the other, it’s frustrating to think the world may never experience it. This story highlights the complexities of music ownership and the delicate balance between preserving a legacy and sharing it with fans.
What do you think about these unreleased Michael Jackson tapes? Do you think they should ever see the light of day, or should they stay private? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
