Rodney Jerkins has confirmed that he had no involvement in the recording, production or leak of this track.
Jerkins was kind enough to offer me the following insights about the track, which was recorded way back in 1989:
“‘Slave To The Rhythm’ was produced by LA Reid and Babyface. I remember MJ played me that song along time ago. It was originally recorded for the ‘Dangerous’ LP.”
Although Jackson brought the song to Jerkin’s attention during the ‘Invincible’ recording sessions, the pair did not re-work the track and it was not considered for the album.
“He played it for me one day just to see what I thought. I like the song, but what Michael song don’t I like? I love all his music!”
Regarding the newly remixed version, Jerkins recalled Jackson’s views on the style of music used:
“Michael Jackson didn’t like techno music at all.”
In response to the leak The Michael Jackson Estate, via their mouthpiece ‘The MJ Online Team’, have issued the following statement:
“For those who have been asking about the recently posted recording of “Slave 2 The Rhythm” by Michael and Justin Bieber, this recording was not authorized and has been taken down.” – August 16, 2013
It also appears the producer of the track, Max Methods, has addressed the issue via Twitter. IF the account is legit, the DJ stated the following:
Wow.been getting hit up abt this @MichaelJackson Ft. @Justinbieber record all day. I have so much respect for the Jackson Estate and…
— Maxmethods (@MaxMethods) August 17, 2013
it was an honor to work on this record….but its unfortunate that the record leaked before it was ready.
— Maxmethods (@MaxMethods) August 17, 2013
FYI: Until today, the @MaxMethods Twitter account had not posted in more than two years, since February 20, 2011. The account is not verified and only has 268 followers.
Sony Music Entertainment is continuing to work around the clock to remove dozens of video uploads of the track from YouTube.
http://www.damienshields.com/michae...-rhythm-remixed-as-a-duet-with-justin-bieber/