Michael Jackson's Brother Randy Unleashes on Sony and Shady Posthumous Album

By Zach Dionne Posted Nov 18th 2010 07:50AM

Michael Jackson's youngest brother, Randy, took to Twitter last night for a self-scheduled pseudo press conference tackling his brother's first posthumous album, a shady affair by some accounts.

In a massive stream of tweets, Randy attacked Sony, the rift between the Jackson family and the executors of Michael's estate, and, most directly, the new record, 'Michael,' landing Dec. 14.

"I became suspicious about the album, when I heard when armed guards were involved since my brother's passing, may he rest in peace. John McClain [executor of MJ's estate along with John Branca] insisted that no family members were allowed at his studio where the project was being completed," Randy Jackson wrote. "My first thought was, what are they trying to hide?"

Randy Jackson Twitter

Randy isn't the first Jackson to express skepticism or anger over the posthumous release. LaToya Jackson told TMZ, "That doesn't sound like him."

Tarryl and TJ, Michael Jackson's nephews by brother Tito, have both bashed Sony and cast doubts on tracks like 'Breaking News.' Tarryl wrote on Twitter: "I will not support 'Breaking News' and a few others [off the album] because it simply is not him. I KNOW my Uncle's voice and something's seriously wrong when you have immediate FAMILY saying it's not him. Sounding like Michael Jackson and BEING Michael Jackson are two different things."

Here, the rest of Randy Jackson's extended discussion of the 'Michael' conundrum:

News hit last week that Sony hoped to breeze past controversy with a verified unreleased MJ recording with Akon, 'Hold My Hand,' the first official single from 'Michael.' In addition to the Akon collaboration, Lenny Kravitz and 50 Cent are featured on two tracks on the new collection -- all living artists who have shared their memories of working with Jackson, seeming to lend authenticity to at least some of the material on 'Michael.'

Howard Weitzman, a lawyer for the Jackson estate, released a detailed letter offering proof that the vocals are legit. Weitzman said that six former producers who worked with Jackson had listened to an a cappella version of the song and "all confirmed that the vocal was definitely Michael."

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Tags: Michael Jackson

Comments

(23)

Thursday 18 November

By KT

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OMG !! Even in death his family still fighting over a piece of Michael.Did`nt sony let the brothers sing background on This Is It ??

Sunday 09 January

By Bonebag

That is a typical response. When are you folks gona realize that None of his brothers are making a dime off him! That's just a lie made up by Sony to sell records. All the money will go to Katherine and the kids, ... If Sony doesn't attempt to steal that too!

By don

i think michael jackson did some bad things but i can not help feeling sorry for him. i think what ever in life he was looking for he never found. and to die the way he did is just plain wrong. i pray for the whole jackson klan.

By BTDT

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"Weitzman said that six former producers who worked with Jackson had listened to an a cappella version of the song and "all confirmed that the vocal was definitely Michael."

Sorry, I'll have to believe his family. This is worse than Millie Vanilly.

Friday 19 November

By Malcy

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What do you mean MJ did some bad things ? Like contributing to charities? Like helping sick children regain their confidence? Like not abusing the media with foul language for the vile things they wrote about him? Like not being an abuser of women,children and the like? Like singing songs with message for the good of the public? Like not using filthy language in his songs or in his speech? What bad things are you talking about? Don't believe the filthy tabloid press!

By JRWolfe

First of all,there is an old saying that too many cooks spoil the soup. Having watched the Jackson brothers reality show and their failure to get on the same page and record a new Jacksons CD.Its pretty obvious as to why the estate kept the family out of being involved with the new Michael Jackson CD. They can't agree on anything.

By betty

your right about his brothers thats why michael not want to work with me and went on his own.

By jamey

Hmmmmm. I dont know. So much can be said about the money and who wants it. But lets just put that aside for the moment, hypothetically. If Jackson family members do not believe it is Michael's voice, then i am going to believe them. After all, they would know. Personally? I think they have "sampled" Michael's voice and created songs with it. And i have to agree with what wil.i.am wrote.... it wasnt finished until Michael said it was finished. Michael never released anything mediocre. I'm not buying this. Now, that DVD set Vision, that is a possibility.
Just sayin....

By thedevinemsd

I think the only ones trying to profit here are the brothers themselves. From the failed reality show, to their sudo press conferences, they just need to fade into the back ground like they did when he was alive. I bet they miss HIS money don't they?

Monday 22 November

By Tell It Like It Is

How can brothers "profit" when money belongs to estate? Monies willed to children, mother, charity. Certain brothers get royalties from J5, Jackson tunes, etc. Reality series NOT FAILED, episodes CONCLUDED. Anytime brothers perform again, would pack house. Guaranteed. Jacksons are FAMILY. Most people have one. Perhaps because some would mistreat their loved ones for material objects, is reason enough for them to believe that everyone else would. Simply not so. Janet stated concisely what Michael means to his family. Deceased cannot approve, or agree to anything obviously. Family signed greatest contract in music HIStory w/ Sony, they are the ones to deal with such issues. Purchase? Fans decide. Most important thing is to keep Michael's legacy thriving, for future generations. To honor KOP, always. Also for family's sake. I'll bet Sony more money hungry than family any day.

By Regina

I say Howard Weitzman is full of crap because it appears that anybody can be brougth for money.Everybody that said those are Michaels vocals on Breaking News is a liar. The he hes don't even sound like Michaels he hes.They are to flat sounding.And may Michael RIP GOD BLESS

By Francesca Fine Jewelry

I don't know if it's his voice or not because I'm no expert. However, Michael Jackson was a perfectionist. I think it's disrespectful to sell these songs without his approval. Perhaps he wouldn't have liked the way they turned out.

By rose

breaking news to me is not MJ"s kind of music.It has so much loud music its hard to tell who"s singing.If it is his voice why did they have to add the real loud music.I hope the rest of the album is better.RIP michael miss and love you

By salmo60

I believe Sony Music owns the Michael Jackson catalog. So they could do anything they wanted to if they choose. May I remind of what was done to dead artists, Elvis, Sinatra, John Lennon, Steve McQueen for example. The garbage they used these four to sell was beyond belief. It hasn't even started with Jackson yet.
His brout they are mplain all they want but they are very low on the food(money) chain.

By redbonesess

This is outrageous! His real fans will be able to detect whether or not it is his voice! Anyways why cant the man rest in peace????

By shortcup

I happened to catch this pseudo-press conference live. I checked in on Twitter last night to find Randy updating every 30 seconds it seemed. I feel bad for him, all of the family really. Still, I don't understand their motive. Why are they shocked when there's a long running history of bad blood and greed between Michael and well... anyone. Was it Lisa Marie that was interviewed and referred to those magnetized to Michael as "Leeches?" Same old song. Cheers, r. Life After Michael

By CK

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Randy: Let the fans listen and decide if they like the album. Are you bitter because you can’t sponge off your brother any more?

CK, no disrespect, but don't you think such a matter would be family business? All we know is Janet TOLD public, Michael is FAMILY TO Jacksons, Icon to world. Randy is his brother. As family, has a RIGHT to air view. Regardless of what Sony, or anyone else thinks. Sheesh! You wouldn't want anyone to speak like that if it were YOUR brother.

Saturday 20 November

By Rico

I really don't blame the family. If a corporation was bilking my dead brother's estate I would be furious. And for those who bash the brothers, there would be no Michael without his brothers and that early catalogue of hits they wrote and played on. There would be no MJ without Joseph either. I really hate when people refer to Jackson albums/songs as Michael Jackson songs. They were a team and a family and in the end we watched them all mourn him deeply, just as anyone else would who lost a sibling. It is disrespectful, greedy and disgusting to flaunt and manipulate his music without so much as consulting his family.

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