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.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Amanda Fagan unveils lost love and regret on latest release “Forever Yearn”

Amanda Fagan‘s latest release, “Forever Yearn,” is a tragic love story of pride, lost opportunity, and the harrowing knowledge that some mistakes can never be undone. A young couple at heart, wild and almost in love, but whose pride prevents the relationship from flowering. Their story doesn’t end with seeing what went wrong. It hurts more because you don’t see it for years.

“It’s a song about breaking cycles, but the characters are caught in the consequences of their choices. They learn from their mistakes, but knowledge cannot change the past. What remains is the longing for each other, which gives the song its emotional weight and its title, “Forever Yearn.”

Inspired by Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, the song feels like a love story that never gets old. Fagan’s premise blends regret and longing, showing how pride can linger long after an alternative decision could have changed everything. So “Forever Yearn” is less about lost love than about two people wondering what might have been.

Connect with Amanda Fagan on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

iLLLACAT brings sharp bars and catchy production with latest release “Like Dat”

iLLLACAT drops “Like Dat,” a Hip-Hop cut with punchy production, percussion, and synths that give the record movement. Bookie comes on the track and sets the tone immediately with the hard lines, “Get out of my face with the gas, we’re on the chase for the cash, if you’re moving fake I’ll pass, I’ll pack it, and I’ll put it in a bag.” The delivery is right there in the money, the movement, and staying away from anything fake.

The production leaves plenty of space to land those words. Percussion powers the track with synths adding another layer to the beat, a backdrop for the straight-up vocal approach. “Like Dat” maintains tight energy and, instead of overcomplicating its message, lets the verses do the work in terms of personality.

The line, “Steady making money while smoking a pain killer” provides another memorable moment and an insight into the attitude that runs throughout the record. iLLLACAT brings us “Like Dat”, a pure hip-hop joint with Bookie on the track. A catchy production that stays sharp, an assertive voice, memorable lines, and enough rhythmic punch to keep the record moving.

Connect with iLLLACAT on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube