Michael Jackson, Remixed: Akon Takes on 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

abdoulie Fri, May 16, 2008 at 08:08 AM EST

like

Loreen Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

First version was much better in my opinion.. Akon sounds so fake.

k6 Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 09:52 AM EST

nice song !

KG Fri, Feb 1, 2008 at 08:12 AM EST

It's a nice tribute, but I really don't think you can top the original -this is a bit too 'slow jam-esq' for my taste -

Kita Thu, Jan 31, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

I would like to say that I LOVE this song. I am too young to know the original by Micheal but I plan on listening to that one too. I love Akon and I think it was the GREATEST COLLABORATION EVER!!! :)

Dlive Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

I think it is really good. Those that don't like it, there is the original to listen to. You guys are acting like the original song will never be heard again. Most of you are people that dislike mike so chill.

kofi Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

Not only will they play this at hip hop clubs but they will play this anywhere where people will go to dance! Great move, like a game of chess!

kofi Tue, Jan 22, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

I think it is a great remake. I think they will play this in hip hop clubs unlike the original. I think this will get to some fresh ears. This was a great way to put MJ back in the musical thoughts of people. Collectively thriller 25 will do great things for MJ's future endeavors.

This song is NOT a remix Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 09:24 PM EST

WANNA BE STARTIN SOMETHIN' is NOT a remix, according to MJ blog on MJ's official myspace ----

"This first single from Thriller 25th Anniversary, is a new track produced by Akon and Michael, featuring Akon's vocal and a brand new 2008 Michael Jackson vocal track. Not a remix but a new version of this classic!"

Truth about Girl is Mine Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

Jackson and McCartney Will Continue To Thrill

by Paul Cashmere - December 30 2007

Reports that Michael Jackson has dumped Paul McCartney's voice from his 2008 25th anniversary reissue are clearly wrong.

Yesterday, a tabloid reporter in the USA reported that Michael Jackson had stripped Paul McCartney's vocals for 'The Girl Is Mine' on the forthcoming 'Thriller' reissue and replaced Sir Paul with will.i.am.

That is simply not true.

Yes, will.i.am has recorded new vocals for a remix of 'The Girl Is Mine' minus McCartney but the original version is still going to be on the anniversary album.

Sony's official site for the reissue, michaeljackson.com is also streaming the Jackson/McCartney original and clearly states McCartney's name on the tracklisting as 'The Girl Is Mine' (with Paul McCartney).

The tabloid journalist fabricated this "new" McCartney/Jackson feud, roger that!

McCartney certainly doesn't have any musical issues with Jackson....

whoa there... Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 09:13 PM EST

This remix is very good and even MJ's critics like it. Regarding Girl is Mine, MJ did not remove McCartney. McCartney will be heard on the 25th anniversary album. So chill with the criticism of Mike folks!!

Phil Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

Regardless of of what you think of this Akon "remix", or even the current Rihanna single which samples "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' ", the fact that the phrase "Mama say, mama sa, mama mu sa" from the refrain is as BIG no as it was 25 years ago is a testament that at some point, Michael Jackson was truly the King of Pop and that now he is a washed up joke, more known for his legal transgressions than his musical output!

monkeyboy Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

Actually, the refrain, "Mama-ko, mama-sa, mama-ma-ko-sa" (or something akin to that), was stolen from an early seventies African song that subsequently became a huge disco hit,
"Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango. His lawyers won a settlement from the record company for the outright thievery.

Winona Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:09 AM EST

Like I needed further proof that Jacko is indeed Wacko... and I'm QUITE pissed that he eliminated Paul McCartney out of "The Girl is Mine" - what, are you upset that you might actually have to return the Beatles catalog back to him?!?!?

GeeMoney Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

Awful. Just awful.

PDub Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 05:03 AM EST

hey Vivi...guess what? you don't HAVE to listen to it. and the original still exists for your listening pleasure. just a heads up...

Vivi Wed, Jan 16, 2008 at 01:32 AM EST

Why the f*ck did they up and do this? My favorite song of ALL TIME and these idiots decides to remix it. I mean, Akon?!!! Will.i.AM?!! And Micheal agreed to this bullsh*t? I am heated. So unnecessary.

PDub Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM EST

not going to set the world on fire or anything, but it's alright...

Tino Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 08:44 PM EST

Um, the lyrics is actually:
"I was saved by the sound of Michael's song."

Thought everyone knew that by now.

ger Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:39 PM EST

In this new version, it should be 'mama POO sa'

escargot Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 07:28 PM EST

I believe it's "mama say mama sah, mama COO sah." My sister had the album.

TL Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

This reminds of people who think you have to pick sides on the UK "The Office" and the U.S. "The Office." You do all realize that the original and the remix can co-exist, right? It's not like this is replacing the classic - just a fresh take. I like it.

Scotty Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 06:47 PM EST

Isn't this doubly redundant considering Rihanna's current single Don't Stop The Music samples that song (and that lyric)? And is probably a thousand times better than this crap will end up being?

Queen of Disrepair Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

The strings make no sense - where is a real percussive section with the build-up to the end? The synth soounds cheesy. It's okay but the original is better. I was MORE EXCITED about the Cloverfield bump before the song. I wish Michael wasn't such a freak - he made awesome music.

Cali girl Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

That was terrible! Please no remixing a classic. I hate Akon.

Thad Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:58 PM EST

yuk! what is the point of this again? Just re-release the cd with some bonus tracks. No re-mixes please

PoliB Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

What a bunch of crap. Totally pointless.