Xscape: Michael Jackson’s new album to be released on May 13

Michael Jackson’s new album, Xscape, featuring eight tracks from the late artist’s archive, will be released on May 13.

Xscape’s track listing was chosen by Epic Records chairman LA Reid, who trawled through four decades of Jackson’s demos and off-cuts.

The tracks were then updated by the likes of Timbaland, who works with Justin Timberlake, and Stargate, who have produced Rihanna and Beyonce.

LA Reid called the process of reworking the songs “contemporizing”.

“Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with,” said LA Reid.

“We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”

A deluxe edition of the album will also feature the eight tracks in their original form alongside the remixed versions.

Xscape is the only track on the album to be updated by its original producer – Rodney Jerkins, who worked on the sessions for Michael Jackson’s final studio album, Invincible, in 2001.

John Branca and John McClain, co-executors of Michael Jackson’s estate said: “Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds.

“He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank LA Reid for his vision.”

Other producers involved in the project include John McClain and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50 from an overdose of the powerful anaesthetic propofol.

One previous album of unreleased material, titled Michael, was issued in 2010.

Among its better tracks were Hold My Hand, a duet with R&B singer Akon which was almost complete at the time of his death, and a cover of Yellow Magic Orchestra’s Behind the Mask, which dated from the 1980s.

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