Music
Pharrell Says Justin Timberlake’s ‘Justified’ Album Was Originally Written For Michael Jackson
The Virginia producer shared the news on a recent ‘Drink Champs’ episode and also shared MJ’s reaction to the original songs. …
Pharrell almost had a shot at working with Michael Jackson in the early 2000s. The Virginia producer reflected on that moment during a recent interview on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s Drink Champs podcast. Jackson came up after Pharrell revealed that Prince rejected one of the songs he sent to the legendary singer. It was here that Pharrell shared that almost all of Justin Timberlake’s debut solo album, Justified, was originally written for the King Of Pop.
“John McClain was his manager at the time,” Pharrell said. “We sent him pretty much all the stuff y’all are hearing on the Justified album. That’s all the Michael stuff.” He added, “All but one song, they were all written for Michael.”
Unfortunately for Pharrell, Michael Jackson and his team were not too fond of the music that was sent to him. “John McClain was like, ‘Man Michael don’t want that sh*t,’” Pharrell recalled. “‘He want that sh*t you’re giving Noreaga….he want that ‘Superthug,’” referencing Pharrell and N.O.R.E.’s iconic 1998 track from the latter’s self-titled debut album.
Elsewhere in the podcast, Pharrell shared his feelings on Drake and Pusha T’s beef. “It still breaks my heart to this day, because I would’ve loved to have heard those guys on a song together or heard a joint project together. I would’ve loved to twist that,” he said.
You can watch the full Drink Champs interview with Pharrell in the video above.
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“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley evokes a soulful odyssey of timeless classic dreams and optimism
Breathing new life into its familiar melody, Claire Littley’s reimagining of “Wishing on a Star” transcends its origins, transforming a timeless classic into an intimate, deeply personal narrative. Written initially by Billie Rae Calvin and recording popularized by Rose Royce, this song has always been a beacon of hope and dreams. However, Littley’s version delves into uncharted emotional territory, offering a vulnerable and soulful spin that feels like a heartfelt whisper to the universe.
Claire’s vocal performance stands out the most when she starts singing. Her delivery has a distinct emotive softness, a deliberate fragility that underscores the yearning at the song’s heart. Every word feels imbued with intention as if she’s not just singing about wishes but living them, shaping an atmosphere of intimacy that draws you in and holds you close.
Her production choices are equally thoughtful. Stripping the track to its emotional core, Littley creates a chilled, soulful arrangement that complements her vocals without overshadowing them. Delicate layers of instrumentation glide effortlessly, balancing nostalgia with innovation.
This version is unique because Claire connects with the song’s personal yet universal themes of hope, longing, and love in a way that resonates with generations. Her interpretation taps into these emotions, making it feel as relevant today as it did when the song was first released. It reminds listeners that the idea of “Wishing on a Star” is a metaphor we all share, a quiet act of defiance against life’s challenges.
“Wishing on a Star” by Claire Littley is more than a cover single; it’s a reinvention that will linger in the minds of listeners long after the final note fades, inviting everyone on a soul-stirring journey to dream and hope a little bigger. It’s proof that even the most familiar stars can shine in new and beautiful ways.
For more information about Claire Littley, please visit [website].
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Artist Spotlight
Caplin & Massiah stirs a heartfelt dance through heartbreak in its new single, “Shaped Like You”
Caplin & Massiah have proven their artistic prowess significantly with their latest single, “Shaped Like You.” The composition masterfully transforms heartbreak into a rhythmic, genre-blending masterpiece. Rooted in a dancehall vibe of blues and soul flourishes, it exemplifies the duo’s talent for merging heartfelt storytelling with irresistibly upbeat soundscapes, creating an emotionally impactful and sonically captivating experience.
The introductory segment of the song instantly commands attention through infectious groove-inspired rhythms and coaxing movement from the first beat. However, beneath the vibrant pulse lies a poignant narrative. Born from a deeply personal place of pain, initially inspired by Zeeteah Massiah’s struggles with her daughter, “Shaped Like You” evolves into a broader exploration of how loss manifests in many forms but still finds expression in joyful yearning. The lyrics, “Everybody sees this hole in my heart, and everybody knows it’s shaped like you,” strike an emotional chord that reveals a story of love lost even as the production encourages listeners to dance despite feelings of sorrow. The duo has adeptly reimagined this sentiment into a broader tale of romantic loss.
What distinguishes “Shaped Like You” is the duo’s capacity to marry lyrical sensitivity with sonic innovation. Influenced by an eclectic range of sources, from Ella Fitzgerald’s classic sophistication to Billie Eilish’s avant-garde style, Caplin & Massiah craft a timeless and contemporary sound. Their genre-defying methodology ensures the track resonates with a diverse audience, bridging generations and musical tastes.
This auditory evolution, transitioning from personal grief to heartbreak, manifests prominently in this work, resulting in a nostalgic celebration of resilience and reinvention. By translating a profoundly personal story into an uplifting anthem, Caplin & Massiah affirm their artistic proficiency and versatility, inviting listeners to simultaneously engage in a multifaceted experience encompassing movement, emotion, and healing. “Shaped Like You” is a testament to the power of music to convert sorrow into strength and pain into possibility. Audiences may find themselves inclined to hit repeat, not solely for its rhythmic appeal but also for the poignant story it articulates.
For more information about Caplin & Massiah, please visit [website].
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