Hey MJ fans! You think you know everything about the King of Pop? Think again! Today, we’re diving into some of Michael Jackson’s most surprising and unexpected collaborations. These are the tracks and projects that flew under the radar but showcase Michael’s genius in a whole new light. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!”
From teaming up with the legendary Quincy Jones to surprising collabs with Bill Wolfer, Michael worked with some of the greatest and coolest artists of all time. We’ve uncovered five incredible collaborations that didn’t make it into mainstream pop culture but deserve your attention.
So, buckle up and get ready to be amazed as we count down the top 5 Michael Jackson collaborations you didn’t know about. Number 1 will definitely blow your mind!
No. 5: “The Dude” feat. Quincy Jones (1981)
Kicking off our list at number 5 is ‘The Dude’ featuring Quincy Jones from 1981. This track has that irresistible groove bass that just screams disco! Michael Jackson’s smooth vocals shine through, making this song an unforgettable hit.
With lines like, ‘Who is it/ That ain’t got time for foolish talkin’? (It’s the dude)/ Who is it/ That looks so clean you can’t ignore him? (That’s the dude),’ (song here ) Michael’s voice takes the song to another level.
The album ‘The Dude’ was a huge success, getting nominated for twelve Grammy Awards and winning three! But there’s a bit of drama here too. After Michael’s death, Quincy Jones had some legal battles with Michael’s record label. He claimed they found ways to avoid giving him proper credit and payment by remixing Michael’s songs.
No. 4: “So Shy” feat. Bill Wolfer (1982)
Coming in at number 4 is ‘So Shy’ featuring Bill Wolfer from 1982. Michael Jackson only provided the background vocals for this track, but his voice adds that special touch that makes the song truly shine.
So Shy’ is an underrated gem, a nostalgic reminder of how Michael’s vocals could elevate any song to new heights. He had that magic touch to turn any track into a commercial hit.
Bill Wolfer was a go-to musician in the industry, working with legends like Stevie Wonder and many other A-listers. Fun fact: he played the keyboard on Michael’s iconic hit ‘Billie Jean.’
No. 3: “Save Me” feat. Dave Mason (1980)
At number 3, we have ‘Save Me’ featuring Dave Mason from 1980. Michael Jackson was truly a master at his craft! Even as a guest artist, he knew how to make a song shine without overshadowing the main artist.
The lyrics go, save me/ From this wicked world I’m livin’ in/ She said: save me/ I don’t wanna lose, I wanna win/ I can’t run and I can’t hide.’ These lines almost sound like they could be a part of Britney Spears’s life soundtrack.
Michael adds his famous yells, ad-libs, and screams to give ‘Save Me’ that grandiose oomph only he could deliver. This song should have been a much bigger hit!
No. 2: “We Be Ballin'” feat. Ice Cube (1998)
Sliding in at number 2 is ‘We Be Ballin” featuring Ice Cube from 1998. Who said Michael didn’t appreciate Hip Hop? He sure did! Besides annoying Chris Tucker by humming 50 Cent’s ‘In Da Club,’ Michael actually joined Ice Cube on the remix of ‘We Be Clubbin’
Michael absolutely nailed the hook with lines like, ‘Nothing you can say/ Nothing you can do/ We’ll be ballin’ you/ We’ll be ballin’ you/ No one to defeat/ You’ll see what we can do/ We’ll be ballin’ you.
This is exactly how you make a Hip Hop song for the masses —get a Popstar on the hook, and you’re set. Phenomenal work from both artists!
No. 1: “There Must Be More To Life Than This” feat. Freddie Mercury (1985)
And at number 1, we have ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ featuring Freddie Mercury from 1985. This collaboration between two legends is both powerful and heartbreaking.
Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury deliver a poignant message with lines like, ‘There must be more to life than this/ There must be more than meets the eye/ Why should it be just a case of black or white?/ There must be more to life than this.
This song hits hard, making us reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. Despite being from 1985, its message about discrimination and unity is still incredibly relevant today.
There Must Be More To Life Than This’ is a beautiful record that captures our human struggle and the hope for a better future (mj +f edit). A true masterpiece from two of the greatest artists of all time.
And there you have it, the top 5 Michael Jackson collaborations you probably didn’t know about. Each of these tracks shows a different side of Michael’s incredible talent and his ability to elevate any song he touched. From disco grooves to heartfelt ballads, Michael’s collaborations with these amazing artists are truly unforgettable. They remind us of his versatility and his unwavering commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
We hope this blog post gave you a deeper appreciation for these hidden gems in Michael Jackson’s career. If you enjoyed discovering these tracks, don’t forget to share this blog with other MJ fans! We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below about your favorite Michael Jackson collaboration or any hidden gems we might have missed.
