Atlanta, GA 12/21/2010 11:02:16 PM
Ne-Yo doesn't want to hear the posthumous Michael Jackson album.
The 'Beautiful Monster' singer had written a number of tracks destined
for the late star's comeback album - none of which were recorded before
the singer tragically passed away last June of acute Propofol
intoxication - and said he doesn't believe the singer would approve of
the 'Michael' album, which was completed after his death.
After confirming he hadn't heard the album, Ne-Yo added: "He was
definitely a perfectionist. If Michael was still alive - I don't think
the album would be out yet. I'm gonna stick to my old Mike."
Of his writing for the star, Ne-Yo has previously said: "Michael told
me the songs had to be magical. 'Magical' was a word that kept coming
up. He chose about ten of my songs for his new album."
Black Eyed Peas singer and producer will.i.am also worked with Michael
before his death and also didn't want the tracks they worked on
together to be released.
He explained: "Because he was a friend of mine, I just think that's
disrespectful. You don't disrespect someone when they're gone. How much
can you suck from his energy? Freaking parasites!"
Members of Michael's own family have also voiced their concerns about
the album, speculating that not all of it is his own voice, while his
friend and ex-producer Quincy Jones said he thought the record should
have "stayed in the vault".
Rapper Akon, who appears on the album and had worked with Michael,
producer Teddy Riley and the executors of the late star's estate have
come to its defence, however, saying the record and singer's voice are
authentic.
Akon said: "We all did records that we actually worked on together on
the album. These records would have come out whether he was alive or
dead, so I think this actually helps to keep his legacy alive."
