Michael Jackson's hidden tapes reveal his response to media rumors

In the United States, a significant discovery was made when Gregg Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer, found a trove of unreleased Michael Jackson tapes in a storage unit in the San Fernando Valley. This storage unit was previously owned by producer Bryan Loren, who had collaborated with Jackson on his 1991 album 'Dangerous.' The tapes contain approximately 12 unreleased tracks that Jackson worked on during the late 1980s to early 1990s, capturing a unique glimpse into his creative process and musical journey during that period. Among the tracks are songs that reference rumors about Jackson's life as well as a rap duet featuring rapper LL Cool J. Some of these recordings have been rumored to exist among fan communities, while others are entirely unknown, adding to their potential historical and cultural value. Musgrove shared that listening to these recordings was an emotional experience, as they allow fans to hear Jackson's voice during informal moments. Despite the excitement surrounding the find, there are complications regarding ownership and copyright. Jackson's estate chose not to purchase the tapes but did provide a letter clarifying that it does not claim ownership of the recordings. This statement underscores the complexity of copyright laws, as anyone purchasing the tapes will not own the copyright to the original compositions, effectively limiting their ability to release the music publicly. This situation raises questions about the rights of collectors and how unpublished works should be treated in the legacy of iconic artists like Jackson. Moving forward, Musgrove intends to take the tapes to auction houses, anticipating potential interest from die-hard fans or private collectors. While the estate has opted out of ownership, the tapes still hold intrinsic value, serving as a vital part of Michael Jackson's artistic legacy. The death of Jackson in 2009 and Quincy Jones, a key collaborator, in November 2021 has led to a renewed interest in their body of work and the historical context of their music.