A stunning discovery of unreleased Michael Jackson songs has surfaced from an abandoned storage unit in San Fernando Valley, according to an exclusive report from The Hollywood Reporter.
What Was Found?
- 12 tapes (cassette and DAT) dating back to 1989–1991 were uncovered by former highway patrol officer Gregg Musgrove while exploring a friend’s newly purchased storage unit in Van Nuys.
- The tapes reportedly contain 15 unheard tracks, including a collaboration with LL Cool J, “Truth On Youth”. While LL Cool J acknowledged their work together earlier this year, he stated the songs were never released because they weren’t “good enough.”
- Some tracks have had snippets leaked or teased, but several remain completely unheard.
Legal Wrangling with Jackson’s Estate
- Ownership Dispute:
Jackson’s estate clarified that the tapes found are DAT copies rather than master recordings. The master tapes are securely housed in the estate’s vault. - Statement from the Estate:“Ownership and rights of exploitation to the recordings remain vested in MJJP Records… nothing commercial or otherwise can be done with the DAT copies.”
- Auction Plans:
While the tapes cannot be released or sold commercially, Musgrove and his attorney plan to auction them privately, estimating they could fetch seven figures.
Michael Biopic Delayed
In related news, Jackson’s highly anticipated biopic, Michael, has been delayed to October 2025 in the U.S., with international release dates still pending.
- The film’s first trailer, screened exclusively at CinemaCon 2024, was reportedly well received but has yet to be made public.
Key Takeaways
- While the tapes cannot be commercially exploited, they represent a treasure trove of unheard music for private collectors.
- With the upcoming auction, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to captivate fans and collectors worldwide, even as legal constraints ensure the recordings remain private.
Source: NME
