The album also reignited interest in Jackson’s most creative periods—the mid-80s to late-90s. Young listeners who discovered Xscape on Spotify would often dive into the original demos, then back into Thriller , Bad , and Dangerous , creating a new generation of fans.
The creation of Xscape was a passion project spearheaded by L.A. Reid, the then-chairman and CEO of Epic Records. In a surprising turn, it was Reid who approached the Michael Jackson estate to curate a new album, rather than the other way around. He was given access to decades of archival material, containing hundreds of unreleased tracks. Reid’s mission was clear: to present Jackson's vocal performances in a fresh, contemporary context while maintaining the essence of his artistry.
The Deluxe Edition’s structure is its core innovation. Disc 1 features eight tracks “contemporized” by executive producer L.A. Reid and Timbaland. These versions are not mere remixes but complete structural overhauls—adding trap hi-hats, orchestral swells, and modern EDM drops (e.g., "Love Never Felt So Good" featuring Justin Timberlake). Disc 2 contains the “Original Versions” from 1983–1999, raw in form with Jackson’s guide vocals, incomplete lyrics, and dated synthesizers. This bifurcation allows the listener to compare producer intervention against source material, creating a transparent audit trail.
: A documentary on the making of the album and the song "Love Never Felt So Good," which became a massive hit featuring Justin Timberlake .
The CD version includes a fold-out poster featuring exclusive art by Mr. Brainwash. Full Tracklist Song Title Producers (Modern Version) Love Never Felt So Good Jackson, McClain, Tuinfort, Anka Timbaland, J-Roc Loving You Timbaland, J-Roc A Place with No Name Slave to the Rhythm Timbaland, J-Roc Do You Know Where Your Children Are Timbaland, J-Roc Blue Gangsta Timbaland, J-Roc Original Versions (Original demos of tracks 1-8) Love Never Felt So Good (Duet) Jackson, Timberlake, Anka Michael Jackson Xscape -Deluxe Edition- 2014
, the project features eight tracks originally recorded between 1980 and 1999 that were "contemporized" by a team of elite producers including Rodney Jerkins John McClain Why the Deluxe Edition?
To achieve this, Reid recruited Timbaland as the executive producer. Timbaland, renowned for his avant-garde rhythm structures and work with Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliott, brought a team of elite hitmakers on board. This roster included Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (who had originally worked with Jackson on the Invincible album), Stargate, J-Roc, and John McClain.
| | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Release Date | May 9, 2014 | | Label(s) | Epic Records, MJJ Music, Sony Music Entertainment | | Executive Producers | L.A. Reid, Timbaland | | Production Team | Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain | | Recording Period (Original) | 1980–2001 | | Recording Period (Reworked) | 2013–2014 | | Running Time (Standard) | 34:25 | | Running Time (Deluxe) | 73:43 |
The of the album offered fans a rare glimpse into Michael’s creative process. It included: Contemporized Versions : The new, modern remixes. The album also reignited interest in Jackson’s most
The songs on Xscape originate from various recording sessions between 1980 and 2001:
Typically includes a fold-out poster and a booklet with lyrics and liner notes by Joe Vogel. Track-by-Track Production Guide Track Name Original Year Contemporized By Original Production Love Never Felt So Good John McClain, Giorgio Tuinfort Michael Jackson, Paul Anka Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson, Cory Rooney Loving You Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson A Place with No Name Michael Jackson, Dr. Freeze Slave to the Rhythm Timbaland, J-Roc L.A. Reid, Babyface Do You Know Where Your Children Are 1986–1990 Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson Blue Gangsta 1998–1999 Timbaland, J-Roc Michael Jackson, Dr. Freeze Rodney Jerkins Michael Jackson, Rodney Jerkins technical details on specific tracks, or would you like to know where to a copy of this edition?
The producers stripped the original demos down to Jackson’s solo vocal stems and rebuilt the instrumentation from scratch. The result was a lean, eight-track standard album that bridged the gap between Jackson’s classic rhythmic sensibilities and mid-2010s electronic and trap-infused pop. Track-by-Track Analysis: The Dual Experience
Timbaland morphed it into a modern, bass-heavy slow jam. He replaced the analog rock elements with industrial synths and a snapping trap-influenced drum beat, accentuating the pain in Jackson’s aggressive vocal delivery. 3. "Loving You" Reid, the then-chairman and CEO of Epic Records
The guiding philosophy behind Xscape was unique. L.A. Reid assembled an all-star team of producers—Timbaland (who served as the album’s executive producer), Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, John McClain, and Jackson’s longtime collaborator, Michael Durham Prince. Their mission was not to complete unfinished songs but to take what Jackson had left behind and "contemporize" it.
The Deluxe Edition exclusive is an alternative, orchestral version of "Chicago" that strips away much of Timbaland’s beat, leaving a breathtaking string arrangement behind. It serves as a bridge between the raw demos and the polished final cuts.
Written and recorded by Jackson in 1985 between the Thriller and Bad eras.
A high-energy track produced by Babyface, reworked with a modern dance-pop edge.