DRAKE, Michael Jackson, and Why Albums are Dead

[@Volksgeist]

INTERESTING POINT: if you translated Thriller’s worldwide sales into streams using Billboard’s counting method, it would need 87 BILLION streams to hit 70M copies sold in todays industry. So is MJ the goat or is the industry’s counting method broken?

[@DrumWild]

The counting method is as broken as how artists get paid. I'm not a good judge of this otherwise. I can't name ONE Drake song.

[@benbauer7866]

Oh cool, this adds more context to the title. I was initially thinking “king” as in “better artist” and was like “how’s that even a conversation?”

[@abk9203]

I mean 70 Million was a rough estimate of it. Earlier it had no caps. It was 65M to upwards 120 millions and counting because nobody kept track of it. And the RIAA etc thought it to be unreliable to keep it that high and the runner up album had half of it's sales... So they come up with humble 70M. Also point to be noted was for Thriller, each of it's singles:- Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller were one of the best selling singles of all times upwards 5-10 million. So how can you convert that (I mean each singles of the album) into streams right ??? The "Downloads" era was good as compared to Streams. Atleast it has clear track of Albums vs Singles sold and segregated math. But streams has disrupted the entire notion of the very existence of Album and Singles sales. So whatever formula RIAA or anyone comes with, it would never be as accurate and authentic and crystal clear segregated as Vinyl or CDs or similar other formats..... Sad truth of today's generation and the Internet ☹️😔😫😵😐

[@planej6315]

I think it's not that the counting method of streams is unfair, it's just that MJ was THAT GUY And selling 70 million physical copies is way more of an achievement than with Drake where even people who don't like his music check him out just so they've heard his album cause everyone's talking about it while not having to pay for it. If you didn't like MJ's music back in the 80s, you didn't spend money on it. That barrier is gone now.

[@ashley3k]

@@benbauer7866 same!!!

[@brown-eyedcheese5440]

If Drake stopped making music, he would lose his position at the ‘top’. MJ *stopped* making music and he *is* the top.

[@opinionatortv6457]

MJ has been dead for a decade and he is STILL the top

[@petertarentaal734]

Even today children born in 2016 are huge MJ mad

[@SIRHENNY1]

@@opinionatortv6457 he still on top because he’s dead. He spent the last 20 years of his life fighting pedo charges and rumors

[@jaydenbrockington4525]

@@SIRHENNY1 he spent the last 6 years of his life doing that, and it’s sad that he is remembered for those charges he BEAT. But it has no relevance on why he’s famous

[@lu881]

This is the best measurement.

[@ImK4Os]

It's really hard to describe to somebody from the modern era just how massive MJ was. It wasn't just That he had money and was selling records, the art itself was groundbreaking, perfect pop front to back. Musically, he was untouchable. Performing, he was untouchable. Music videos, he was untouchable. Mystique, he was untouchable. Nobody came close. Nobody ever will, and the fact that drake stans even think he's close is just funny

[@rwy-ug6pl]

The fact that his music was ‘perfect pop’, which I largely agree with, does not make it ground breaking necessarily, but he was still uniquely untouchable in many ways which was ground breaking in its own way.

[@ImK4Os]

@@rwy-ug6pl I guess the ground breaking aspects are difficult to understand nowadays. He was a black artist during a time in America where things were still very much segregated, yet all people of all colours and all ages loves him. That's astonishing. He single handedly made mtv recognize black artists. He pretty much pioneered the music video into what it is today. His music (mainly on thriller) was incredibly timeless, like it still blows my mind just how astonishing the mix is, or the fact that it uses stereotypical disco and 80s sounds yet doesn't sound dated at all. Idk I loved him since I was a little kid so I'm incredibly biased when it comes to his creative output

[@masonp4355]

Michael Jackson did not make perfect music lmao you are delusional

[@rwy-ug6pl]

@@ImK4Os he's groundbreaking as a person but the music itself wasn't groundbreaking or experimental which is what I thought by the 'art itself is groundbreaking'

[@poopgun]

@@masonp4355 some of his music absolutely was perfect. his vocal performances were untouchable. look at billie jean, watch him do it live.

[@calvinfolan1736]

Drake is a rapper, Michael Jackson is a cultural icon, end of. From Brooklyn to Berlin to Beijing, people know who Michael Jackson is, you simply cannot say the same for Drake.

[@Bongo_Bongs]

🔥Even here in south africa to a small town like mine, my parents still have his physical cds till today

[@viktortofte2121]

"7AM in Germany, can't believe that they've heard of me", either they know him in Berlin or Drake capping :( )

[@shennine7044]

I didn’t know who Drake was before I heard this controversy.

[@niceasf7038]

@@shennine7044 you lying

[@shennine7044]

@@niceasf7038 didn’t know him, and still don’t know a single tune by him..

[@ENUFF_]

Goosebumps when you said Thriller will stand as the best selling album ever, forever.

[@seyeolajuyin]

Unless the government forces people to buy an artist album i dont see anybody selling 40 miillion copies today.

[@JMTwhatiwasfeelin]

It’s not the most selling the eagles greatest hits is

[@Milkers777]

@@JMTwhatiwasfeelin not it isn’t that isn’t a album it’s a Greatest Hits album also it only passed Thriller in the United States not Worldwide Thriller Will Be The Best Selling Album Of All Time Forever!👑🌟

[@esotericasf]

@@JMTwhatiwasfeelin No it’s not. Thriller is the best selling album worldwide off all time.

[@Meg-cc6yc]

@@JMTwhatiwasfeelin I’ve never heard of the eagles LMAOOO

[@rodrigo.o0]

Are we ever going to talk about the fact 3 billion people watched MJ funeral live 3 BILLION 😳

[@whyisntitpossible404]

That's false, there's only 7 million people on earth

[@jthomas2345]

@@whyisntitpossible404 bro 😂

[@noname-nobody1247]

@@whyisntitpossible404 what? You were definitely born in 2000

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

Forreal? That's like 1/3 of the world, holy shit.

[@bobafett4457]

@@noneofyourbusiness1114 more like almost ½

[@Audioizel]

MJ might actually be the most famous artist to ever exist. I’m having trouble thinking of someone more well known.

[@rvfusjc9653]

I think he is tbh. People say he is the 2nd most know person besides Jesus Christ.

[@marvinbennett8384]

@@rvfusjc9653 u ain't lieing

[@yuampi5707]

In pop culture i only think about two artists who really are the most important of all time: The Beatles and MJ

[@iykejnr6296]

@@rvfusjc9653 Jesus is king

[@loverFIGHTER]

Queen?

[@vb2388]

Michael Jackson is an entity that transcends boundaries, religion and caste…even Kanye West is greater than Drake..

[@ayaanbretmitchell9830]

What nobody has mentioned is, the reason MJs streaming numbers are so low is because 80% of his original fanbase are in the 40-65 age bracket that maybe don't like the internet or dont use the internet. Drakes entire fanbase was brought up on streaming and that's why the figures are completely inaccurate.

[@kayshawn.]

^^^

[@esotericasf]

They’re not that low though, a lot of his streams are almost at billions, billie jean is over 1B and MJ fanbase has a lot of young people too since he’s timeless. They’re everywhere including twitter.

[@ayaanbretmitchell9830]

@@esotericasf yep I totally get you, but his streams should be much much higher for the artist he was. As streams is all people look at these days. Yes he has lots of new fans but his core fanbase are too old for streaming and internet. As they'll already have his albums etc so why stream?

[@esotericasf]

@@ayaanbretmitchell9830 Personally I don’t count streams as a form of “success” because streaming is quite lazy when it comes down to statistics whereas physical sales is all about motivation to go outside wait in line just to get an album which nobody does anymore because it takes more effort so I wouldn’t look too hard on why his streams aren’t as “incredible” as his physical sales even though they’re still amazing. I assure you if streaming did exist back in the 60,70,80,90s the numbers would be unimaginable but because MJ is from the era of physical albums sales him being the best selling artist of all time will never be broken and that’s all that matters tbh.

[@sawlty-suite5131]

Not really. I mean what does it say people like Chris Brown say MJ inspired them.I mean I was in China a couple of years ago and the cities I went to there were street dancers doing MJ moves or MJ themed karaoke . I mean just go on TikTok and search MJ and see what shows up

[@Sitback]

Michael Jackson Popularity despite the internet not really being a thing while he was around. Should speak volumes to his impact 😳

[@flux202]

People had to spend hard earned money to hear him. Streaming can be free if you have internet access somehow. MJ is on a way different level.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

And with the internet he's still huge and will always be. Little kids still listen to Michael Jackson and know who he is still.

[@AikiraBeats]

right because he is still being played till this day

[@kymanibrown8039]

Same can be said for Shakur and Biggie

[@dhruvkaushik6672]

I am from india , my mother never listened to English music but she knows MJ ... My father doesn't know English he knows MJ ... Every single person I know they know who MJ is ... That's how big he is .... Drake is no way near to him ... Most of the people who use internet doesn't know Drake but the people who don't use internet they know who MJ is ...

[@user-zu6ts5fb6g]

Popularity has no real meaning anymore due to Tik Tok, Twitter etc. To achieve what MJ has done in a non social media era is near impossible these days.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

Kids still listen to Michael Jackson too! Even in third world countries where there's hardly electricity. There will never be another MJ.

[@Meg-cc6yc]

@@noneofyourbusiness1114 yes no denying that but the original comment has a point. Western music nowadays is shit.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

@@Meg-cc6yc ths original comment never said modern music is shit though...

[@Meg-cc6yc]

@@noneofyourbusiness1114 I know that…I was just adding on to what they said. 😐

[@johncarlramirez609]

@@Meg-cc6yc You clearly didn't listen to enough modern albums and songs then lol.

[@endofthestory9412]

I’am from South Asia Sri Lanka and i didn’t even know who is drake till his last album ( no disrespect) but come here and ask anyone about Michel Jackson old people or kid’s they’ll tell you how much they love MJ he can walk around in any city in my country and people will tell oh that’s MJ even in our schools kids doing concerts dressing like him still and michael jackson never have even came to our country not even once and never have heard him say Sri Lanka yet he the most famous person on the planet 🌎 matter fact he was the only artist i knew from America when i was a kid. American people think who currently popular in there county is the most popular famous in the world that’s why they compare ever new artists with mj that’s really disrespectful even when mj died our news paper front line was about him and i remember all our country tv channel made 30 minutes tribute programs for mj talking about his life and even showed the live funeral on all channels so you can’t really compare mj with other not only from his music but as a person big celebrity who he was . ( excuse my grammar ) :)

[@iratze8552]

Im from Sri Lanka too. And i remember my neighbour telling my mother about his death and all of them doing that with wide eyes and sad expressions. I was just 9 years old. But i remember my school paying tribute to him. Even after that ask anyone do you know mj and they ll say, "yh he's the GOAT. " I've also got to add that, people living in countries like ours (the older generations) dont use apps like spotify. Even though they still listen to mj using other various methods that will not be counted.

[@mpofc]

Pull up in the Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

[@finnyjam8252]

This is pretty sad to see happen. I've always preferred a good album over a good single and I find albums more compelling to listen to than playlists.

[@dr.phylisphical9294]

Well to be honest drakes album wasnt even a good single or album it was very mid and got out shinned by timeless music and not one time hits by kanye west in the free hover concert.

[@flashgordon2732]

Listen to vinny aty dark child in the whim , really good music

[@budokhai]

There are plenty of good albums nowadays. Listen to Kendrick or Kanye album per example

[@thelyonking5812]

I honestly feel like Drake is very much a western artist. He is huge in North America, but he isn’t really worldwide. Michael Jackson is just on another level, he is known around the world in as an all time great artist, even in countries that don’t speak English. It also helps that MJ just has way better music than Drake.

[@jelle5859]

Drake is definitely worldwide. Have you seen his worldwide numbers?? If drake isn’t worldwide then no artist in the world is. MJ is on another level though

[@thelyonking5812]

@@jelle5859 When I saw worldwide I mean like if you got to even like Southeast Asia or something they’ll know MJ, old or young but only a select few young people will know Drake and not even a majority of the young people will know Drake. Sure he has some international fans but it’s not like he’s widely known among non English audiences.

[@moonrocked]

@@jelle5859 his worldwide numbers don’t even touch Justin Bieber, Adele, Taylor swift, or Ed shereen’s numbers. There’s a bunch of videos of people around the world being asked of western artist they know and drake is never brought up once.

[@alexandergrande]

@@jelle5859 Drake isn't worldwide, he may make it in Europe and his home country (Canada) but outside of that he's not touching worldwide basis

[@april-bloom]

Nice pfp lmao

[@sanaon7453]

From what I've observed, Drake relies heavily on the virality of singles. Such in this case for his songs like "Hotline Bling", "Work", "God's plan", "In My Feelings" and more. Sure he has the advantage of streaming platforms with the most advanced technology to date so far. However, when I went through his discography and his live performances, his line up of music isn't robust musically. Michael Jackson, on the other hand, kept innovating his music as he got older to remain relevant at a time when the internet was at its inception in the late 80's and early 90's. That was during the peak of his career. Likewise, Michael spends years creating music to ensure no song is left unturned to the listeners. This gave his listeners an incentive to listen to his entire album. He ensured to give the best musical experience through his albums, and in his live performances. Lastly, Michael is a consumate showman.

[@wisdom6133]

What do u mean by unturned?

[@marinaaaa2735]

It's outright disrespectful to even compare drake to MJ. At least do kanye vs MJ.

[@alancantu2557]

Nope. Kanye is leagues better than Drake, but Kanye cannot dance, sing, perform, or even act half as good as MJ.

[@YesVideosToTalkAbout]

@@alancantu2557 all respect to michael jackson, he’s one of the goats, but he didnt make my beautiful dark twisted fantasy

[@user-zu6ts5fb6g]

@@alancantu2557 Kanye can obv. not sing as good as MJ but i wouldnt discredit his ability there. And unlike MJ he doesnt need a team to produce songs. When it comes to true artistry MJ cannot do shit compared to Kanye. MJ excels at performing on stage. If both were alive MJ would've loved to have a Kanye beat and Kanye would've loved to make a beat for MJ and be featured on that song. They are on the same level, talented in different ways.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

Kanye is the closest thing to a modern MJ but even he is not as big has MJ and never will be.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

@@YesVideosToTalkAbout Youre right. He made THRILLER.

[@vendetta0770]

MJ is another level he's the greatest musical artist of all the time he was a genius. The GOAT

[@duncan3998]

Actually DOG 1958

[@irfaandavids6158]

Even musicians like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Madonna and 2Pac knew that MJ was phenomenal! He birthed a generation of artists that we see today like Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift , Kanye West etc. As they all drew inspiration from him and used him as their muse on their way to stardom

[@BlueNightfall03]

You forgot about another Pop Icon as well, who inspired a generation of Female Singers, Miss Mariah Carey

[@alancantu2557]

Why is this even a question? MJ was 10x the musician/performer that Drake will ever be. Drake could never come up with his own “Thriller” if he lived for 1000 years.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

10x? More 1000x times and I love Drake.

[@belindauo]

It is a question because there are people that refuse to accept reality. Drake isn’t and should never be mentioned in the same sentence as MJ or any legitimate legend.

[@unknown-pt9fk]

You should watch MJ arriving in different places around the world during his tours. It's not only his sales It's more how people, rich and poor, old and young reacted to him. How his art and person had an effect on people.

[@reeroow]

I feel like most people just know that Michael Jackson is the greatest artist of all time. We don’t need stats to prove it, it’s just something we all know deep down regardless of stats.

[@lmmjm10377]

Facts man 👏👏👏

[@jarrettcone8949]

Absolutely

[@hobosdominecraft1]

What Michael Jackson was able to achieve during his time is something that NOBODY will ever be able to do. He came from nothing starting in Gary, IN. That man was singing before 10. He had The Jackson 5 hits during the 1960s. The Jackson’s of the 1970s. The legendary solo transition with Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad. I mean, those three albums alone are some of the most recognizable not just in Western culture but around the world to this day. His iconography in his image through his music, dancing, widespread acclaim and respect from all walks of life makes him for many, the greatest artist/entertainer to live. He was seen as a literal King to people. There wouldn’t even be HALF of these artists you see today without MJ. Beyoncé? Kendrick Lamar? Jay-Z? Kanye West? Even Drake. You will never find someone actually debating he or she is greater then him. Even The Beatles or legendary artists such as Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Biggie understood his caliper. He was untouchable. If we’re just speaking numbers. It isn’t even comparable for two artists of completely different times of generation. Streams vs Physical copies isn’t a fair debate. Yet if we’re speaking lists of artistry, then that’s when we see a clear winner. Michael has topped many artists lists of all genres across all generations. If Drake can’t even make it in the top 10 for rapping/singing or however you classify him for our own generation, it goes to show that the music outlives the person behind it. Although records are meant to be broken, the sound behind them will always stay the same. That is why MJ is STILL to this day having strong streaming numbers that continue to keep him relevant even after death. I mean we had World Leaders comment on his death. He was and is still a King of Pop who understood the craft of music and made a legacy from it.

[@robseyharris6518]

The beatles were definitely greater than mj, so were queen, Bowie and prince

[@shakaj1525]

@@robseyharris6518 Cap but to each his own

[@robseyharris6518]

@@shakaj1525 no cap, all those people wrote everything they put out could play instruments and were more musically daring than mj

[@shakaj1525]

@@robseyharris6518 MJ wrote a lot too, produced, would have an idea in his head and would translate it to his producers via beatbox etc. He danced better than those artist u mentioned which is also a part of his artistry, music videos were also better. They all shone in different areas i guess, but MJ outshined all of those guys whether u like it or not fame wise bcause he was a different breed. He also sung and has a better voice than those guys i would argue what is a major factor ofc. Well maybe not as good as Freddie Mercury hehe but MJ voice is amazing

[@dr.phylisphical9294]

@@robseyharris6518 i never saw any man pass out over no beatles maybe queen but none of them are greater than mj nore will they ever be.

[@controversialgaming1364]

My parents are from Soviet Union Era and they knew Michael Jackson for decades . I am not American but you cannot imagine the influence Michael had , even on me a Gen Z . He wasn't just a musicians but a cultural phenomenon .

[@Jeff_2x]

This title is EXTREMELY DISRESPECTFUL to Michael Jackson

[@KillmongerX321]

Oh god, here we go

[@MYG]

Even if drake were to sell 10 times the albums as MJ he aint the king. MJ was untouchable in his prime, drake aint even a top ten rapper

[@lukecockburn1140]

Are you talking about the quality of the music or popularity?

[@theyfeeltheboy]

he is most definitely a top 10 rapper, but he'll never be on mj level

[@JayTechZM]

@@theyfeeltheboy not even close to top 10

[@archithbinoj24-89]

Unpopular opinion : drake is not top 30 As a pure rapper imo. But you could pretty much guess my stance on this based on my pfp

[@lukecockburn1140]

@@archithbinoj24-89 I agree probably barley makes top 20 of his generation

[@makerofmoney11223]

I would say that Kanye is actually closer to MJ than Drake is

[@jamalibrahim9427]

I agree 💯

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

Definitely yes

[@sads7999]

Bro honestly no. Kanyes in a diff leauge mj cant do w kanye did musically, mj isn’t close to kanye

[@makerofmoney11223]

@@sads7999 i was talking in terms of popularity and how well known they are

[@mar2smooth54]

@@sads7999 put down the crack mj definitely superior musically

[@makhiswinging302]

I love drake but MJ is on a different level. His impact on me and many other people in the world is unlike any other artist. The ability to have multiple generations still bumping your music and dominating streaming numbers when he's wasn't even in the streaming era is insane. Mj is literally the most popular celebrity and arguably human ever and my favorite artist.

[@dr3474]

There’s def humans more known than MJ like Jesus or Muhammad but ion think anyone ever peaked higher in terms of fame than MJ in the 80s

[@makhiswinging302]

@@dr3474 That's why I said arguably. Jesus is the most popular in my opinion🐐🙏🏾

[@Milkers777]

@@makhiswinging302 Nah you’re right there’s no human in history other than Jesus Christ that is Bigger Than Michael Jackson PERIOD!👑🌟🎯💯

[@iykejnr6296]

@@Milkers777 true Jesus reigns 4 ever

[@jokerjokejoe]

Michael is biggest artist of all time

[@emag1169]

Nobody will be better than Michael Jackson he was the pop king 🤴

[@M360-w6o]

MJ was a celebrity to celebrities

[@flux202]

I can't believe we somehow got Volkgeist to actually make this video. Y'all get Micheal Jackson has no equivalent right? That man is basically untouchable. We can't actually be thinking Drake is on par with MJ. If this video tries to justify the drake>mj debate that's gonna be an L on volkgeist side. It's always gonna be mj>drake. We live in an age that can't make stars on the level of mj anymore. No matter how talented you are, you can't. Beyonce is closer to Mj than drake. Kanye is closer even. I'm just saying, micheal jackson lived in a golden age. Even if you make something as good, the Mona Lisa will always be regarded as better. People are preparing to go to mars, it's not gonna get the same hype the moon landing will. Even if you make the best screenplay on earth, you can't ever touch Shakespeare.

[@iratze8552]

Wow, on point❤🌼

[@bobafett4457]

To quote Sir Isaac Newton "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”

[@yenypayajo8501]

This. 👌♥️

[@대천사-g6j]

이 글 쓰신분 배우신 분

[@w.kamaranjoku1712]

From a remote village in Nigeria, Africa. I knew MJ even before I knew what he looked like. Remember how excited I was when I got a first MJ album disc, I was running home to go and play the album. Everyone knows MJ.

[@fanboy3430]

Literally no matter who you ask they know Michael Jackson, no matter what generation they are in, when it comes to drake or any other singer these days it's not the same. I doubt any artist will ever reach that same level of fame Michael Jackson had world wide

[@Milkers777]

No Artist Will Ever Surpass Yet Get Close To MJ Period!🤷🏽‍♂️👑🌟🎯💯

[@qwerty1234234]

Same with people like Bob Marley

[@xae999]

Why does fame matter anyway?

[@MrGlanbia]

If Drake wants to be as big as Michael Jackson he still has to overtake Justin Bieber in terms of worldwide success

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Kanye west, and the weeknd I think are also all bigger than Drake even in the states alone.

[@sawlty-suite5131]

@none of your business Remove Justin Timberlake

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

@@sawlty-suite5131 JT sells out stadiums lol Drake does not.

[@jcdx87]

@@noneofyourbusiness1114 Let’s not forget JT was in one of the biggest boy bands of all time

[@petrolandcoffee]

in terms of both sales and impact its not even comparable, drake calling himself the new Michael Jackson reads more as him to stroking his own ego rather than being a star of the same caliber.

[@Dma118]

As if the Instagram and Twitter posts weren’t enough, this is just a whole nother level of disrespect

[@gogbone]

i also think the biggest sticking point of MJ vs Drake is that there are still MJ fans who STILL worship him to this day. he will most likely have one of the biggest and most lasting legacys in music history ever while drake will have much less so

[@kindsplash21]

As a mj fan I agree but I wouldn't say worship him becuase we dont I just think the fans care for him like he is our family unlike any other fanbase we can connect with him more and that's ok :)

[@eciruameciruam5674]

@@kindsplash21 I get what you're saying, but you never know, there probably are lots of fans who still can't get over his death and still idolize him.

[@peepnox7747]

MJ is obviously the KING 👑

[@zavionbarnaby453]

I dont think people realize just how groundbreaking thriller was, it only had 9 songs but three of them (thriller, bille jean, beat it) became all time decade defining smash hits while also having a no skip album and becoming the highest selling album of all time

[@Ultrafinpoint]

I love how you'll roast the shit out of Drake and then say, "don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Drake fan" lmao

[@timespace.productions7513]

Michael Jackson was already internationally famous for thirteen years before Thriller came out. The Jackson Five had a Saturday morning cartoon, he played the Scarecrow in The Wiz, & had already toured around the world before he went solo.

[@Meg-cc6yc]

EXACTLY. he was performer for so many decades!!!

[@tydoworld4904]

6:37 imagine if any of these artist released an album that was only available in physical copies and not on streaming platforms. That would be interesting to see... just how loyal are these fans to this new age of superstars. It would most likely never happen by the way record labels are set up

[@takemyhand1988]

Adele did it with 25 and sold 30 million.

[@Reddit2]

Thats a bad comparison. because everything today is set up for streaming. Your alexa or google dot doesnt accept CDs, most PCs dont accept CDs. A good comparison would be that the fans would have to pay $20 for the album to "stream" it. Because back then, you could use CDs anywhere, today they are near useless. But i get your point. Drake doesnt really have much die hard fans. However I could see Kanye selling good in that way

[@baronessvondengler]

Drake can compare himself to MJ (and say he has more hits than the Beetles) all he wants, but he will never have the cultural significance of those greats. Sorry.

[@sebastianheidarinassab6089]

I love Drake but no one compares to MJ. 3 world leaders commented on his death. MJ's impact on dancing, fashion, music videos, is light years ahead of Drake.

[@myemodiaries901]

I would like to also add: one made actual art and was trying to push the medium sonically, lyrically, and visually; the other makes product that will sell. And while having a nice product is nice thing, it's not shaking up culture and certainly not redefining it.

[@thatguy779]

I mean, if the fact that even now someone being able to accurately impersonate MJ’s famous performances/moves is considered an achievement globally that can garner you unreasonable levels of popularity doesn’t spell out how untouchable he is, then I don’t know what does.

[@zakur0hako]

whoever lived through the early 90s remember how HUGE he was. he felt like a messiah or something. he really united the whole planet back then. it was good vibes

[@awookieandagerman]

MJ once bought the rights to the Beatles back catalogue and there was nothing any living member of The Beatles could do about it. He was that untouchable. Drake ain't all that.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

He also owned half of Sony the corporation... One of three biggest corporations.

[@mediahernandez]

Drake isn't even the biggest artist in the world today. Not even a debate

[@devante_topdawg491]

Drake will never be MJ, the way of music has changed 😐

[@dessi-xx3gs]

The military in a foreign country would handle his security when he toured in there country. Drake is not and never will be on that level.

[@paf2639]

6:57 Let me tell you, there's more world outside the US...Many people in Europe and other parts of the world don't know Drake, especially older generations, while Ed Sheeran and the rest of artists who beat him in Spotify are more radiofriendly and appealing to every type of audience. Drake's fake popularity to the point he's compared to Michael is embarrassing to even mention. People should travel more and stop hyping Drake. He's just the most popular hiphop artist right now, that's it. But not even the best, Kanye is way better.

[@nameisamine]

I’m sorry there’s still millions of people on the planet who have never heard of Drake. I was shocked when my aunt didn’t even know who The Weeknd was…you can go the the most remote regions of Siberia or the depths of the Amazon rainforest. They all know Michael Jackson. He’s one of the most famous human beings to have ever lived.

[@jesusignaciohenriquezciste7243]

Yeah for me Michael Jackson is really another thing in terms of popularity, specially worldwide. I´m from Chile and I will say most people of my generation knows or have an idea of who Drake is, however everybody knows pretty well who Michael Jackson is and how he impacted music. I will even say here in Chile Justin Bieber is much moren known than Drake.

[@xSkadush]

Not watched the video yet, but imo no artist can ever top MJ. That man literally had so much influence on music and dancing

[@dessi-xx3gs]

Find me a video of someone passing out because Drake is on stage just standing still.

[@chelsea9641]

There’s none

[@mechajay3358]

Awesome video, and to be honest this debate people have started is just ridiculous. Many artist over the years have been compared to or proclaimed the Michael Jackson and while Drake is a great artist in his own right he just can't be compared to Michael.

[@YYui420]

Why are we even humoring the idea that Drake is even on equal footing with MJ?

[@mfspic]

you may not like it but he kinda is💀MJ is still bigger though obviously

[@moonrocked]

@@mfspic no he really isn’t lol. Not in sales or fame, it’s not even close.

[@Meg-cc6yc]

@@mfspic ew, the fact that you think that tells me how young and stupid this generation is. AND I’m 19. Michael is his own LANE. he paved the way for so many artists. Don’t disrespect the king of pop with that mediocre ass rapper who no one gives af about.

[@anuelbennyyy8820]

drake makes better music

[@chelsea9641]

@@anuelbennyyy8820 says who?

[@exosisyphus]

Amazing video. Really well made and criminally underrated

[@tendaimabingani5201]

The thumbnail says it all, in my opinion.

[@alvislarson7853]

WHY IS THIS EVEN A QUESTION!? 😂😂😂😂

[@sonicgoo1121]

One factor, I think, is that music simply doesn't play as big a part in society any more. And I think the reason for that is all the other new media, like games or KZbin videos like this one.

[@Anoculture]

Brilliant video. The way the music industry is set up there will never be another Michael Jackson or even Prince for that matter.

[@SideMike]

Such underrated editing and effort that goes into your videos. I love it keep it up.

[@Alexander-hi8bo]

Honestly I’m kind off glad we don’t have a single artist we all collectively worship anymore.

[@danimalwonderpants2123]

I agree. Unhealthy for us and him

[@abk9203]

The thing is "Fame" nowadays is a outdated, fickle and irrelevant concept. It's not like the 80s and 90s where if you are comming from a certain field such as:- Politics, Entertainment, Religion, Sports etc then only you would become famous or considered in the "Famous people/ Leaders" category. But fast forward to today, the Fame is controversial thing. Much of it is abused and thrown around like a piece of garbage or stuff that is only important to look or feel "Cool or Dope" as they say. But earlier Fame used to be a commodity or an asset that very few qualified individuals would get. But now any butt wiper with no skills or talent whatsoever could become famous. Just take the example of TikTok. It has made Fame so easily accessible that it has no value now. What to speak of it's influence or rather damage it has created to Music industry. And the point you were talking about that why nowadays albums don't sell ??? The reason is very clear.... Internet, TikTok, Streaming services, Napster, CDs etc etc. I think half of the views and popularity is stolen by TikTok and Tiktokers today so brutally and mercilessly. So that's it is...

[@danielmashanic5738]

Unlike Michael Jackson’s work, it’s hard to believe though people will care about albums like Certified Lover Boy and Scorpion and Views in 30 years

[@arjl880]

2:00 That point is a similar one I had about video games...and quite frankly anything now that can be downloaded and click of a button. Back then, when you waited for physical copies of something to come out, the most exciting experience was buying it and anticipating going home to finally use it. Now that practically anything media can be had in a matter of minutes from the comfort of wherever you are, the anticipation and experience is attenuated and thus the media may go less appreciated. No longer are we waiting to go to the store, waiting in line, waiting on your commute home. Also, just the sheer volume of what can be had with streaming makes it easier to switch off a new project if it doesn't blow you away in the first listen/watch/play meanwhile, back then we had more patience as we've already invested sometime in acquiring it. Not to say people don't appreciate media anymore but it becomes harder in this age of instant gratification, access and volume overload.

[@Milkers777]

MJ Legacy Is Unbreakable,His Music Is Timeless Long Live The King Of Music Michael Joseph Jackson My Idol Forever!🙌🏽👑❤️💕🔥💫(And to be quite frank MJ got more talent and success in his pinky than Drake Ever will have PERIOD! Nor any artist will MJ dominated from childhood to adulthood plus his career expands for 5 Decades he’s unmatched not to mention he sold over 100 Million copies when he was in the Jackson 5 before he even started his solo career and those are False Allegations that MJ was going through he was found Not Guilty of and has always been innocent also let’s be honest Eminem is bigger than Drake not just as a Hip Hop Artist but as a Music Artist In general he’s not only The Best Selling Rapper Of All Time He’s One Of The Best Selling Music Artist Of All Time! He’s Number 13 within The Best Selling Music Artist Of All Time via Chartmasters and Drake is nowhere to be found so MJ is on a stratosphere of his own and Drake shouldn’t be in the same breathe nor is any artist should be in the same breathe as Michael Jackson PERIOD!)

[@Bongo_Bongs]

This was a well put together video u highlighted many facts yes in our generation drake is big but he can't have mj bragging rights, i mean mj impact is like birthmark on your body or a tattoo

[@ironic.]

Great video. MJ will always be #1 for me though

[@khutsomontja3499]

Micheal Jackson was a recording artist for over 3 Decades, him being a part of the Jackson 5 to him transitioning to having a mammoth solo career, the amount of genres he tapped into, the numbers, the cultural impact and the influence, it’s hard to beat

[@sebastianstoica7724]

Michel is better

[@mario167100]

There probably won’t be another artist with the star power Jackson had in the next 60 years. Michael is god-level, he’ll be remembered for decades, if not, centuries, maybe even a millennia. Drake isn’t even emperor level.

[@musichere3287]

Justin Bieber is the closest thing we have to a Michael Jackson in terms of global fame and name recognition in the modern era. I don't think there's a single person who doesn't know who Justin Bieber is

[@popculturearchive]

I've always thought that too, but just in terms of global fame. And Britney Spears too.

[@noneofyourbusiness1114]

Michael Jackson in some ways was a modern Christ like figure. There will never be an artist on the level he was on ever again. Just like there will never be another prince.

[@dereklasker5350]

Albums nowadays are now structured to generate the most streams possible, artists load up tons of tracks onto an album regardless of quality. It ends up in albums having a ton of mid tracks with maybe a few standouts instead of a shorter album of consistent of high quality. Artists will now release two or three albums a year of these long mid albums instead of taking a year or two to narrow an album’s track list down to 10 or so good songs and leave the rest for deluxe editions. I guess I can’t blame modern artists for gaming the system and getting as much money as they can, but I wish more artists would stick to the classic methodology just so we get only the best possible music. Also never forget Michael Jackson has the biggest baller move of all time, buying the rights to the Beatles entire discography

[@prettierjesus3119]

Most modern artists usually never release more than one album in a year.

[@dereklasker5350]

@@prettierjesus3119 a lot of rappers drop like three in two years or something

[@mfspic]

drake and MJ are both some of the greatest artists ever wether you like it or not. MJ however is the biggest musician ever 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@mysticamoreli9627]

Dude, do you know who was Tupac? Well, Drake is not even bigger than him.

[@DavonDepp]

This was hilarious lolllll

[@InnanetSlatt]

They count an album “sale” as roughly 1,500 individual song streams from an album. Let’s say an album has 15 songs. Back when you’d buy albums, you might literally listen to each song 100 times each over the lifetime of that record because music was just much harder to come by and more valuable to the listener. Well that’s 1,500 plays. I actually think it’s a fair way to count. What the smaller numbers represent in my opinion is how diversified and oversaturated music is. You’d never listen to one album as much as you would is 2005.

[@zakur0hako]

thank you i was wondering how it works

[@brittanysrecordshop3991]

Thank you for setting the record straight.

[@amodernpoet]

Drake's appeal is his ability to make something for everyone, relatable lyrics and music that you can groove to. But MJ was just a master at everything - singing, dancing, creating publicity, fashion, iconic moves and outfits, and his music had something for literally everyone along with being brilliant in quality, with the art enduring over time

[@massculini]

In my own understanding as a musician , a drake and mj fan , nowadays everything is about digital numbers : social media likes , streams , comments , engagements and how many times an artists image is used in memes

[@dtjackson9176]

Micheal Jackson is a legend...there will no any one like micheal Jackson ever....

[@marvinbennett8384]

Mike music brought ppl together, he touched every emotion u could have; I still get a lil tear in my eye when I hear man in the mirror and I'm supposed 2b hard lol, let's see drake do that

[@naufrage0]

The question is how many people would go out and buy his physical album. If you couldn’t do it on the internet or aren’t already paying for a streaming service it wouldn’t even come close. You can’t compare. MJ’s legacy is written in stone never to be repeated. Theres so many ways numbers for “record” sales are inflated and manipulated that you can’t quantify how much he actually sold. Drake has his own legacy and it’s still very impressive, but it can’t touch Michael.

[@riri9087]

The Weeknd is releasing a Michael Jackson inspired Album this year and some people still questioning MJ's impact and influence in Music industry 👀 Imagine if some artist also try this after Drake die , he's gonna release Drake's Inspired Album with Album full of SAMPLED songs 😂😂😂

[@bigbobba9215]

love the animations! appreciate the effort u put into making these videos

[@Aloam_sa]

Mj is massive but in his era, he dominated Europe and America and maybe even asia like no one before him. But I can't compare him to Drake. It would be unfair on the both of them. Here in Southern Africa people know the name Michael Jackson. But most can't name 3 songs. Drakes music has had a bigger impact here. N the fact he actually worked with African artists helps too. For example its like how Americans call lebron the most famous athlete in the world. When take title goes to Football players like Ronaldo n Messi

[@argovisualz]

beautiful editing on this one good fucking job bro

[@Volksgeist]

Thank you

[@itsjustnaima]

Thriller sold 119+ million units and 500.000 only in the US in 2021 alone. Remember, it’s now 40 years old and still the biggest selling album. Many songs songs are on their way to get a billion streams like Billie Jean lol. Nobody could ever beat Michael Jackson. In any kind of way.

[@geminisam8937]

Michael Jackson's released Albums every 4-5 Years with 10-15 Songs per album only 😂 Beyonce once said : _"They Don't make Albums anymore. They just try to sell a bunch of quick singles and burn out and put a new one."_ ✅

[@joshuaatkins6452]

Why would you bring up those allegations that’s weird man. There was literally no reason for you to say that. Nothing has been proven against Drake or MJ for that matter, that was very irresponsible. Dislike and not watching the rest

[@prapanji9976]

I live in south east asian country, we're not really that exposed to western culture in the past, especially in the 80s. Majority of my country people lives in the traditional way except in big cities like Jakarta, but even though of that, Michael Jackson was really famous here because only media that expose him in this place was a TV, and not many people of that day own a TV. Even the language barriers, different culture, technology limitations he still really big in my place. Every single person i know, know who Michael Jackson is. He was really that famous.

[@Treyco]

I think artist should take music of streaming platforms make it back physical that way people have no choice to buy again

[@elenofficial3070]

You really think this is a question?

[@traplover6357]

Makes no sense. People looking at album sales graph will think people are listening to music less.

[@dceles3764]

Michael Jackson became a worldwide icon before the internet; just imagine if the internet was around during his heyday.

[@kasperruseng]

This shouldn’t even be a discussion haha…

[@Danledz]

When grown ass men, who are as straight as a pencil, jump up and down like fangirls and pass out when they saw Michael Jackson, it's enough to tell you Drake isn't close. Drake is phenomenal, but like every other artist nowdays seems to get his level of fame also. Sure, there is this group of 'most famous', but Michael was out of everybodys league. Everywhere he went to, either places had to be completely shut down from the public or 3-4 security guards + police AND barriers in some cases (when touring) where used to protect him. Thousands infront of the hotel and every place he visited. Not even Elvis had that much hysteria surounding him.