Released on May 13, 2014, by Epic Records and MJJ Productions, Xscape is the second posthumous album of original material by Michael Jackson. Unlike its predecessor, Michael (2010), which was met with controversy regarding the authenticity of some vocals, Xscape was built on a clear, respectful, and technologically sophisticated premise: take eight unreleased tracks spanning Jackson’s most creative periods (1979–2001) and “contemporize” them without erasing his core essence.
Released on May 13, 2014, is the second posthumous studio album from Michael Jackson. Curated by Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid , the project focused on "contemporizing" unreleased vocals with modern production from heavyweights like Timbaland , Stargate , and Rodney Jerkins . Album Overview & Structure Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
: The primary eight tracks updated with a fresh, contemporary R&B and pop sound. Original Demos Released on May 13, 2014, by Epic Records
: The lead single, originally a 1983 demo with Paul Anka, was transformed into a disco-pop anthem. Curated by Epic Records chairman L
Xscape was more than just a collection of songs; it was a multimedia event. The 2014 Billboard Music Awards featured a "hologram" performance of "Slave to the Rhythm," which sparked both awe and ethical debate regarding the use of technology to resurrect deceased performers.
is often cited by purists as the superior experience. It includes: The Original Demos
The project was spearheaded by Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid, who was tasked with curating an album that respected Jackson’s legacy while introducing his genius to a new generation. The result was a dual-pronged release: the Deluxe Edition of Xscape offered fans both a modernized “contemporized” version of each song and the original demos, allowing for a fascinating musical archaeology of the late artist’s process.