Justin Bieber, Michael Jackson Duet ‘Slave 2 The Rhythm’ Pulled From Internet
Justin Bieber’s electro-dance version of Michael Jackson’s “Slave 2 The Rhythm” has been pulled from the web after it leaked on Friday (Aug.16).
The duet featured original vocals from the late king of pop and added vocals from the present prince of pop. Despite airplay on UK radio station Capital FM, the leak quickly raised authorization questions amid online fury and a petition from Jackson fans.
“Slave 2 The Rhythm” was recorded by Jackson before his death in June 2009, surfacing online in December 2010.
Either before or after the song’s leak (it differs in reports), Bieber took to Twitter to post several Jackson-centric tweets.
“Excited for what is to come. MJ set the bar,” the 19-year-old wrote, seemingly suggesting the duet would be released. “Not only for music but for being an entertainer and how u treat fans.”
Despite this, YouTube and Soundcloud posts of the remixed “Slave 2 The Rhythm” were unceremoniously yanked on Friday and over the weekend.
Following take down notices sent by The Michael Jackson Estate, YouTube clips were replaced by a message saying, “The video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by SME.”
Billboard notes: “With Sony entering a copyright claim questions on the song’s authenticity have now gone away. Various versions of the clip still appear online at deadline, but for how long is anyone’s guess.”
On Friday, Max Methods — credited as the remix producer — posted statements on Twitter that more than hinted at behind the scenes disappointment in Bieber’s camp over the leak.
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
It’s currently unclear how Justin’s team came by the track. Over at Showbiz 411, Friedman speculates that a member of the Jackson family may have handed over a copy of the unreleased song.
No doubt Bieber was delighted to finally sing with his musical hero on “Slave 2 The Rhythm,” but for now it seems the duet’s destiny is under wraps.
One day after the leak, the teen star tweeted:
He set the bar pic.twitter.com/gCMGHWLK4t
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 17, 2013
Some people inspire us to dream. Some hate that we dream too big. Others dream with us. No matter what…never stop dreaming. #DreamBIG
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) August 17, 2013
