Imagine stumbling upon a piece of music history while treasure hunting. That’s exactly what happened to Gregg Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer turned stay-at-home dad, who unearthed a vault of unreleased Michael Jackson songs in an abandoned storage unit in the San Fernando Valley.
The storage unit, which once belonged to music producer and singer Bryan Loren, contained 12 tracks Michael Jackson worked on during the lead-up to his iconic Dangerous album, spanning the years 1989 to 1991. Musgrove, tipped off by an associate about the unit, had no idea he was about to uncover a goldmine of unheard material from the King of Pop.
What’s on Michael Jackson’s Tapes?
The tapes include some fascinating insights into Jackson’s artistry. Among the standout tracks is “Don’t Believe It,” a song that appears to address the relentless rumors and tabloid headlines Jackson faced throughout his career. Another track, “Seven Digits,” offers an eerie exploration of morgue identification numbers, with Jackson breaking down the song’s chilling inspiration.
Perhaps the most unexpected find is “Truth on Youth,” a rap duet with LL Cool J. The rapper has previously confirmed collaborating with Jackson, making this track a rare gem for fans and music historians alike.
Is There a New Album Coming?
Musgrove and his attorney contacted the Jackson Estate to share their findings. Surprisingly, the estate declined to purchase the tapes, though they provided an official letter stating they do not claim ownership.
The catch? While the tapes might go to auction, copyright laws ensure that whoever buys them won’t own the rights to distribute or reproduce the music.
In short, these songs might remain tantalizingly out of reach for the public—unless a diehard fan or private collector steps in with a winning bid.
While the unreleased tracks may never see the light of day, their existence offers a glimpse into Jackson’s creative process during a pivotal moment in his career. Whether they end up in the hands of a private collector or locked away indefinitely, these songs reaffirm why Michael Jackson remains a cultural icon whose influence continues to resonate.
