Darkchild on Michael Jackson Asking Him to Produce His Final Album 'Invincible' (Part 17)

Part 18: • Darkchild: Michael Jac...
Part 16: • Darkchild Reached Out ...
Part 1: • Rodney "Darkchild" Jer...
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In this clip, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins talked about the contentious studio session he had with George Michael while working on his duet with Whitney Houston. He also detailed his friendship with Michael Jackson and described the first time in the studio with the King of Pop. Darkchild said the two developed a near familial bond over the course of working together. So much so, Michael would randomly drop by his parents' house for dessert.

[@TheShadowrun.]

The production on you rock my world is still fresh to this day.

[@daboymajik8829]

That is a confirmed fact. I just listened to it again just before clicking this video.

[@adam-hp6qt]

Also i feel the same about "Who is it" or "remember the time" from 1991 Dangeorus album

[@MetaITurtle]

I feel like Michael created that early 2000's sound with Invincible. And apparently this was started in 1999 so he was already ahead of everyone

[@adam-hp6qt]

@@MetaITurtle big part of this sound was actually Rodney, he produced all of those hits arpund that time with different artists. I listenned to an interview with one of MJs producers/engineers from that time, and he said that on Invincible MJ was more hands off compared to all the previous albums, like most of the songs were already written by someone else, he would pick asong, sing it and perfect it. Where on for example HIStory, he was the main writer and producer on all of the songs.

[@connie8116]

@@adam-hp6qt I heard that interview too with Brad Buxer.

[@destroytmusicagan2476]

Invincible was a classic. Butterflies, You Rock My World, Whatever Happens, Break of Dawn. You Are My Life, Don't Walk Away and Threatened were great songs too. The emotion in You Are My Life is strong. So many genres on one album.

[@trentrama2645]

Whatever happens was the best record hands down

[@t.o.o.smooth5870]

I loved Invincible at the time, but it doesn't have that timeless feel like Off the Wall and Thriller. I think even Bad and Dangerous are better than Invincible.

[@destroytmusicagan2476]

@@trentrama2645 It's a classic. MJ's soulful vocals mixed with that Latin flavor Carlos Santana brought to the track. The whole production.

[@mauricerockingham3782]

@J Crash No way yall forgot HEAVEN CAN WAIT

[@MikeyJae777]

I never really got into the album but I like you rock my world, butterflies, and 2000 watts plus all of the demos that's on youtube that were recorded for the album.

[@nicoolio_gp]

The work MJ and Rodney did on Invincible was way ahead of its time. Incredible work.

[@mistahmst]

It’s crazy how Mike was still making hits in his 40’s after already having decades worth of hits since he was literally a child. Who else has that type of longevity?

[@PetarMilanZijic]

No one. That's why hes the goat. Possibly Justin Bieber and Chris Brown will have that type of longevity when it's all said and done.

[@mistahmst]

Petar Zijic those two are not in the same caliber as Michael Jackson, especially not Justin Bieber. It’s possible that they could still make top charting singles when they’re older, but Mike was in a completely different class and I don’t see them ever getting to that level. A lot of Bieber’s music already sounds old.

[@Ghostkilla773]

You will have to find someone who been in the biz since a kid and still relevant. Only one I can think of is Stevie

[@bathsaltzombies8855]

@@PetarMilanZijic L

[@PetarMilanZijic]

@@mistahmst not saying they're nowhere near as talented. Just saying they might have similar longevity

[@stillfree98__60]

Invincible is criminally underrated

[@DougieLikeSamurai]

Lowkey his best project plus it was a Neo Soul project on top of that and he killed it 💯

[@Entertainer145]

@malusi ntsele 💫 It Was His Best Creative Project...He Was 42 At The Time...With Each Project He Did Hid Thaaang & Went Higher 💫

[@Entertainer145]

@malusi ntsele " Dangerous" Is My #2...HISTory Is 3 Then Bad..."Thriller" Is Just An Project Full Of Hits...I Can Understand Where You Coming From But "Invincible" Do Go Crazy Though Even The Tracks That Didn't Make The Final Tracklist Go Crazy 💫

[@Entertainer145]

@malusi ntsele 💫 Not Taking Away ANY Credit From Sir Mike, I Just Really Am Stating That The Older He Got The More Creative He Has Gotten...He Gained More Experience, More Openness To Himself & His Spirit...Tracks Like "Morphine" & Songs Like "We've Had Enough" "Can't Let Her Get Away" "Tabloid Junkie" "Remember The Time" Portrayed That...I Know What Thriller Did & As A Jackson Stan From Him & Queen Ms. Janet, I Appreciate Works That Truly Are Outside Of The Mainstream Efforts Cuz That's Where The Creativity Truly Lies At....He Knew What He Was Doing When He Wanted To Create & Master The Best Selling Album Of All Time & He Did That I'm Just Saying His Most Creative Efforts Truly Happened After 1982's "Thriller" ❕❗️💫

[@mizztree81]

Very much so!

[@ikexbankai]

Teddy said the same thing. That Michael was college for him. Ppl don’t realize just how talented Michael was off the stage and in the studio and with his pen and his ear

[@theuniqueoneable]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 they don’t wanna have that conversation that want to keep MJ limited but he was more than a sing ,dancer, and entertainer he is more than that !!!!

[@chasehadley5230]

They definitely don't want to have that conversation. But, MJ was incredible.

[@OmarScruggs]

MJ LITERALLY was in the music business his whole life

[@ikexbankai]

His whole fucking life. It’s crazy when you think about it. The man performed for 45 years out of his 50 year life. It’s mind blowing. And the thing is he actually deserves all the “greatest of all times...” names ppl give him.

[@OmarScruggs]

@@ikexbankai did what he was born to do

[@12-Jewels]

And he deserves the benefit of doubt, because if my 6 year old became a super star at Mike's level today, he would never be the same.

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@OmarScruggs Michael Jackson wasn't only "in the" music business...he was LITERALLY a huge part of the music industry itself...

[@oemisc2880]

@@SmartRobot-wc2fb He was arguably THE music industry itself at one point, but of course people couldn't let it be so, sadly.

[@pree9876]

Rodney is the type of guy that’s so humble bout his shit like he didn’t get the memo he’s goat status

[@Awillii]

Lol right!

[@pillowjones]

But that’s what puts him at GOAT status. Confident yet humble. He lets the Work speak for himself. Kanye should take note.

[@pree9876]

Pillow Jones he talks about his accolades in passing like oh yea I forgot bout that and your right Kanye could use a lesson

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

@Pree Yes, he stayed humble thanks to his parents, Rev.Fred and Mrs. Sylvia Jerkins. My late grand-mom used to live next to them before Rodney was born and babysat his older siblings. Right before she passed back in 2006, Rodney came back home (Pleasantville,NJ) and was with his mom, and they ran into my grand-mom at the bank. He didn't remember her, but his mom told him who she was, and he was very humble and said " nice seeing you again 'Mame". Of course she started with I used to "watch Fred Jr. and your sisters before you were born!" lol.

[@pree9876]

johnsonzz2016 beautiful 💪🏾💪🏾

[@amanmuhammad14]

Michael Jackson album from 2001 was underrated

[@becky977]

A- MONEY facts it’s one of his best vocally imo.

[@crews-lj3ph]

Butterflies’ heaven can wait’ and break of dawn my favorite from that album

[@aeriedens144]

crews 1212 Butterflies is one my favorites in general idk what it is but there’s a Ora to that song that’s undeniable

[@LAWLESSTHA5150]

He went 2x platinum and they called it a flop. Anybody else would have been considered very successful.

[@crews-lj3ph]

@@aeriedens144 I heard he's supposes to a video for it but michael sue sony

[@OmarScruggs]

Invincible was very much slept on. Dope album!!!!!

[@BigWilt2000]

Right. 2001 was a good ass year

[@KV9599]

So he buys his parents a home in the neighborhood they always wanted to live in, bought his mother a Mercedes, brought Whitney Houston to sing at his father’s church, and brought Michael Jackson over for dinner with the family. There are no parents that could be more proud than his. Lol 😂

[@yungatown]

Idk if you follow his brother, Fred Jerkins, but he’s also a giant in the music industry and he, just a few days ago bought their mother YET ANOTHER brand new Benz! Lol. I agree...idk if there could be any parents more proud than the Jerkins lol.

[@theartistmind7028]

@@yungatown yupoften ppl only see rodney but fred was on a lot of those songs co producing along with LaShawn BIG SHIZ Daniels(RIP)

[@Amit_l92]

Invincible is MJ’s underrated album. Some great tracks on it.

[@LAMONTWILLIAMS21]

Michael Jackson is the king of pop forever

[@ElkGroveRob]

Amazing. These are the stories we need of MJ..

[@FATEEMS]

Exactly

[@g.o.efamily5992]

“Dark Child i like that” mann if yall dnt know about tht then yall too youngg🐐🐐💯

[@steviecritiquenewby7874]

The greatest entertainer ever The King Of Michael Jackson and the greatest underrated album ever Invincible Album...

[@kaafaa5944]

im fan of Mj and if Mj took all the neptunes production, would be better,

[@steviecritiquenewby7874]

@@kaafaa5944 Exactly said it a long time ago at that time the Neptune's had a game on lock during that time

[@slimthizzle11]

This clip is so 🔥🔥🔥🔥 like the relationships he's built with legends... and to know what it's like to kick it with MJ, and im sure MJ let his guard down, and was being himself.. that's pure gold 💯🖤

[@Dutch3k5]

This dude just acts like it’s nothing when you mention his accolades. So you worked with Michael jacksom? Yup

[@aharonjones8287]

MJ gifted him a red truck, everybody in our hood knew about it, his studio was a celeb hangout

[@user-qd6im2hp2e]

Because it’s 20 years later

[@becky977]

He’s just incredibly humble and knows that God gave him that gift and he embraced it. Plus he doesn’t see MJ as godlike like a lot of fans

[@TheFreshSoundsFlorida]

Rodney Jerkins interview is probably the best music related interview I've watched since Dallas Austin's.

[@user-qd6im2hp2e]

Facts

[@DougieLikeSamurai]

FACTS

[@MK-zz5qe]

Yea man. Love hearing the Older guys interviews. More history

[@kidperk3347]

For real.....they are both dope.....brings back some nastolgia for the records they produced

[@kristuti1]

Listen to MJ podcast with studio guys or look for Brad Sundberg he also did interviews.

[@char_d.0908]

Interesting, hearing his experiences with MJ and his initial feelings of intimidation when they started working together

[@MisterFoxx]

I definitely need more of these MJ stories of MJ doing “normal” stuff or doing things that has nothing to do with music because those are some of the best stories.

[@chelsearogers1289]

Michael Jackson was not that musically talented. That was why he hopped from one producer to the next. Michael was a business and marketing genius who knew how to sell the product, but was not good at putting it together.

[@MisterFoxx]

@@chelsearogers1289 Who the hell asked for this information? Lmao We know all about his talent. He wasn’t some highly skilled musician, but his ear for music was next level and knew exactly how he wanted his music sound What you told me isn’t new lol.

[@kristuti1]

@@chelsearogers1289 Well, listen to mj podcast with studio guys who worked with him and you will hear a different story. Watch Brad Sundberg's videos. They say Michael was a genius, he absolutely knew what he wanted and he challenged everybody to achieve that. He recorded parts with his voice what was later given to musicians sometimes it was all parts, sometimes the main melody with bass and percussion and then collectively with others they composed full melody. Al capone is a demo of smooth criminal and John Barnes said that Michael pushed hard on that song and turned into smooth criminal... you can find many stories.

[@aplace5791]

@@chelsearogers1289 bullshit. Singing, writing, composing, choreographing, instrumentation, beatboxing, etc encompass his skill as a musician you asshats just live to downplay him

[@christophersavart5589]

Rodney and Michael created Dubstep with Heartbreaker. Go and listen if you don't believe me.

[@xabun]

to y'all who dont know .. on Invincible album on 1st track "Unbreakable" raps Biggie ... generally, i'd say, that album is absolutely underrated ... the track Heartbreaker is probably one of the first dubstep tracks ever ... the song Threatened has one of the sickest beats i've ever heard .. overall stunning album .. if this album was not an MJ album but from another artist, it wouldve gotten incredible positive critics, but since it's "MJ" people didnt appreciate it ... it has been awarded as the album of the decade some years ago. one more thing: that album has the only song ever where MJ sings in his original deep voice on the track "2000 Watts".

[@codychavarria6088]

Every album Michael Jackson is always ahead of his time invincible album is so underrated but like you said dubstep before there was even dubstep.. Which is why Billboard named it album of the decade

[@clxs8091]

Greatest. Entertainer. Ever. Michael Jackson 🐐 🏆

[@princethemack]

I finally know why he said “darkchild” on the beginning of You Rock My World😂

[@MikeyBharj]

Hahah yes

[@MikeyBharj]

And Toni Braxton's wasnt man enough for me. She says dark.child. at beginning. Now i know

[@SmartRobot-wc2fb]

@@MikeyBharj Whitney also says "darkchild" in her "Get It Back" track from her "My Love Is Your Love" album...

[@anjelheaven]

Y'all must be young as hell! Lol

[@MikeyBharj]

Just before Genisis in the bible...you can hear dark child being whispered at the beginning.

[@topshelfp]

This dude talented as hell!

[@aharonjones8287]

He's from my neighborhood, Pleasantville NJ

[@juswolf22]

Invincible was a sleeper classic album

[@PetarMilanZijic]

Go back and listen to the production on You Rock my World. So complex and intricate. Absolute masterpiece in that regard

[@lifeoftkae6817]

Been waiting for y’all to talk about Michael 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jasonh.2439]

Whitney and MJ on a record. That woulda been fire.

[@MikeyJae777]

You Rock My World, Butterflies,and 2000 watts are my favorites from the invincible album. I've heard some of the demo songs that didn't make the album as well and they were great....

[@paulharding1972]

2000 watts. Whatever happens. Privacy.

[@MikeyJae777]

@@paulharding1972 now I gotta listen to the album to hear those two songs lol

[@paulharding1972]

@@MikeyJae777 when I first bought and listened to Invincible in 2001 I was a bit disappointed only really liking 2000 watts and whatever happens. During lockdown I revisited Invincible and I realised there were quite a few good songs on it. 2000 watts is a great tune to dance to.

[@DougieLikeSamurai]

Heaven Can Wait was a sleeper as well 💯

[@MikeyJae777]

@@paulharding1972 yeah 2000 watts is that joint fr but there's also some demos on here that you may want to hear as well

[@chisomagbara6780]

I love how at one time, Invincible was considered criminally underrated and now it’s getting more attention and more love. MJ and Rodney did the damn thing on the Invincible album 💯. By far my favorite album of all time

[@darrellsadler2848]

Here, I finally got to meet the man behind the INVINCIBLE album! Great Work!

[@bwilliamsadhd]

And Dark child produced some songs on Xscape MJ’s final project that was released

[@novalove4790]

Vlad is eating up this interview... I am too! Hands down one of my favorite interviews, right along with Dallas Austin.

[@dragonballsuper1519]

The way Michael would accept invitations to a person's house to do the most mundane things like eating 'peach cobbler' shows you how lonely he was (and how easily that could be exploited by the wrong people) because he was at Denzel Washington's house as well, and loved hanging out with Chris Tucker just to do 'normal things'. He even rented out a whole supermarket and filled it with his staff as 'ordinary shoppers' just to experience the feeling of doing groceries.

[@Optimism211]

Rodney was working on Brandy’s Full Moon album at the same time. Legendary!!

[@mssha1980]

Yea he sure was. I think invincible and full moon has similarities

[@realamericannegro977]

😯

[@user-qd6im2hp2e]

I wanna see Darkchild vs Dallas Austin in a Verzuz battle !!!!!!!

[@truquetv4582]

Invincible is Michaels most underrated album

[@trentrama2645]

George Michael was perfectionist. He wanted things his way ask narada

[@JNo-sk5mz]

Narada is such a legend, he doesn't get enough credit among the David Fosters, BabyFaces etc

[@pae242002]

I am really enjoying this interview. Rodney Jerkins is a Boss!

[@durrelllevy196]

Dark child is sooo damn talented!!!!! Respect!!!!

[@britbritnicole]

One of the best songs he’s produced

[@TheRomanticTruth]

Yes KING STATUS! He said it MJ had to be his milestone! All the producers said that. I would love to work with Rodney Jerkins man... dope

[@MrEOM41]

He did a hell of a job too… not an easy task to produce for MJ I can imagine.

[@kaylenejantjes8113]

FINALLY!!! THE PART WITH MJ. 😩❤️🔥

[@theuniqueoneable]

I wish they would’ve did two more albums together and I wished MJ would’ve did a album with some soulful producers like DJ premiere ,9th wonder type beats that would’ve been dope asaf !!!!

[@DougieLikeSamurai]

FACTS 💯💯

[@theuniqueoneable]

@@DougieLikeSamurai 💯💯💯

[@msappolonia]

Thank you Rodney loving him as a person and not using him like many people around him🙏🏾

[@viewfromthemancave1092]

Invincible was an incredible album. Most people slept on it.

[@seand67]

Love these interviews with Rodney

[@Idontlikethatshit.]

The label didn't push Invincible like it should've.."Heaven Can Wait" is my joint on the album

[@Mr.Wayne.1]

Darkchild also produced some dope tracks for Tyrese back in the day

[@alixmichel104]

Fascinated interview thank you Rodney J.

[@MCCABEWORLD]

That´s some greatness working with MJ. unbezahlbar

[@kisahgisimms]

Thank you Vlad for being such a great interviewer and for interviewing Rodney Darkchild he is such a great artist/producer and a King and I am grateful to have witnessed such an inspiring and insightful interview.

[@dennism1344]

Get him to talk more about Michael Jackson and the Publishing game

[@patricktuggles4815]

I've been waiting on this one

[@Rich_Daniel78]

I LOST IT when 🙃😉😊 Rodney said at 1:50 that Whitney went Ghetto when George Michael wanted to change the melody to "If I told you that". R.I.P Whitney & George.

[@MrCamwilliams7]

Wish I could’ve met Michael. He’s been the only celebrity I’ve ever truly wanted to meet

[@BossLineForevermusic]

I had the blue album cover version of invincible I loved how he had different colors

[@roderickminor6165]

Next interview (part 18) VLAD: Would you let your child spend the night with a GROWN MAN⁉️ Dark child: WTF ⁉️🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@kaylenejantjes8113]

Vlad will probably be that unnecessary.

[@Entertainer145]

💫 "Invincible" Michael Was 42 and Honestly My 1st On The Top 3 Projects From Sir Mike..."Break Of Dawn" "Heaven Can Wait" "You Rock My World" "Butterflies" All Go 🔥💫

[@semiribrahim8956]

He was 43

[@Entertainer145]

@@semiribrahim8956 💫 You're Right, My Apology Fellow MJ Fan ✊🏽🙏🏾 💫

[@bas7467]

When i saw the first part of this interview, i was waiting for this subject. But darkchild is very versatile!

[@Forevermally]

Whitney and Michael on If I Told You That! Would have been amazing!! But George Michael killed it too!

[@williamcooper6274]

UNBREAKABLE was the Best song Rodney Jerkins ever did... A STRAIGHT BANGER that Never got its due.

[@joshuajohnson5693]

Thank you Rodney, my entrepreneur brain just learned something very valuable.

[@1985Photos]

Hey mom my friend Mike is coming over for dinner... Mom:sure no problem In walks Michael Freaking Jackson

[@realamericannegro977]

Mike was wise to get Dark Child to produce that album

[@michjesto2038]

Butterflies is cold!

[@DeionSardines]

Just googled his net worth, he worth about 30 m’s, nice.

[@freezhollywood]

should be 300 million all the hits he made

[@DeionSardines]

Yung Hollywood true, but more money, more problems.

[@muhammedshanfari5469]

@Krunchy Vurn Bictim true lol

[@JeromeGigante]

Krunchy Vurn Bictim THANK YOU !

[@DeionSardines]

Krunchy Vurn Bictim well yeah of course I guess, I bet net worths At least show you where they are around the ball park though.

[@nahzierjames3087]

Their work together sounds better than music that’s out now. We miss you MJ

[@calebhobbs8419]

Darkchild gotta be the smoothest nigga alive. Head been leaning the whole video. Too chill

[@fujisamasensei7314]

the GOAT...rest in peace:((..what a loss

[@georgebanks7347]

Love ya dude..Michael till this day.....the king..!!..

[@Gagasfave_itsniaa]

George Michael was a great songwriter as well. Im sure his version was just as awesome

[@kenn_k]

No wonder both versions of Xscape are so good and top tier songs in my book. Dude produced the epic original version (which instrumentally has that classic MJ sound yet was made around 2000) and then flipped it 15 years later with that irresistible trap-influenced beat. What a fucking GOAT

[@ruccireacts]

Invincible is my favorite Michael Jackson album

[@akamach1nez611]

Misss youuuuu Bro!

[@brajonomari]

The greatest ever. Long. Live. The. King.

[@peterscoop2647]

wow what an amazing story

[@kayescott4243]

What an amazing story. I wish that had would have happened to me, in the personal private space, in the Recording Studio with my sweet heart MJ, my Love to me.

[@LonelyChild11]

It’s crazy that Michael Jackson selling 7M units on his Invincible album was considered a flop from the fans 🤯.

[@koulor315]

I know about dark child and I listen to everything but I’m very surprised of the songs he produced that I never knew he did

[@keystonekakoma4889]

Dark child should make a sequel

[@christianc1317]

He started working with Mj in 99 not 2001. It’s was about two years working on invincible until coming out in fall of 01.

[@jdnwritingmachine]

Rodney Jerkins was burning hot before he started working in Invincible with MJ. However, that record took forever to get made and by the time it was released, Rodney’s heat had cooled off. Facts.

[@UssyMustyYS]

Fxckin LEGENDARY

[@BlackWolf6420]

Michael is #1 👑

[@k.o.o.n4355]

Darkchild a GOAT 🐐

[@gone-by-the-light]

real ones respect mj

[@amanmuhammad14]

I hope he ask him about the allegations against Michael b/c I know Rodney Jerkins will talk about his innocence

[@lulugemnsk8960]

Love holler by the spice girls 🔥👍💯

[@Awillii]

I’m really for the full interview now lol

[@kokotheclown2588]

Invincible was immensely slept on apparently it was the least successful album MJ released but man all I can say it’s Rock My World slaps alongside the other great singles it wasn’t promoted right thx to Sony and MJ beefing around that time which it’s unfortunate cause that affected albums sales immensely

[@phillipwattsjr.4714]

To be fair, MJ's image had been so tarnished over the course of a few decades that he could've had material that was up there with OFF THE WALL & THRILLER and it STILL wouldn't have been enough.

[@chisomagbara6780]

If you noticed now though, it’s getting more recognition

[@kokotheclown2588]

@@chisomagbara6780 fr tho and it deserves it man that album it wayyy to go good to be slept on Rock My World be on my playlist jamming to it

[@melindamullins9971]

Awwwwwwwww amazing story 💛⭐💛⭐💛⭐💛⭐⭐🎶 🎶 🎶

[@ce.2037]

This was a great album

[@yazminfair6660]

Rock my world is a great song very underrated!!

[@Channel-lj1zx]

*Damn Michael patched him up with the pup talk*

[@user-bl1pw2th4l]

Vlad needs to get Brandy Jackson on here to spread some tea on that fool Wade ☕

[@kayescott4243]

"LIKE, WOWW GYUES!?" 'LIKE, INCREDIBLE THERE!!'.. '"DON'T YOU AGREE WITH ME ON THIS ONE!?"'