MICHAEL JACKSON PRINCE AND JAMES BROWN DOCUMENTARY

In 1983, an iconic moment unfolded when James Brown invited Michael Jackson to share the stage during a performance. At this juncture, Michael Jackson had already solidified his status as a pop icon, especially after the success of his album Thriller. Notably, this occurred just prior to Prince's significant breakthrough with Purple Rain in the following year, although he had already made waves with his 1982 album, 1999, featuring the title track and "Little Red Corvette."
During the performance, Brown initially called Jackson onto the stage, where he showcased his distinctive vocals and signature dance moves. Subsequently, Prince was also invited to join them, marking a historic moment. Brown urged Prince to contribute, stating, "Prince, you gotta do something." In response, Prince exhibited his musical prowess by playing guitar riffs before engaging in a dynamic stage presence reminiscent of Brown's own style. This collaboration, however, stands as the sole instance where Jackson and Prince shared the stage, as their relationship would later be marred by a prolonged rift.
Throughout the 1980s, both Michael Jackson and Prince emerged as pivotal black male figures in the pop music landscape. Their parallel success naturally led to comparisons, transforming what initially seemed like a professional rivalry into a protracted feud spanning decades. While the exact origins of their animosity remain unclear, tensions may have surfaced in 1985 when Jackson invited Prince to participate in the USA for Africa charity hit, 'We Are The World." Prince declined to be part of the supergroup's song, signaling an early divergence.
Efforts to collaborate between Jackson and Prince were met with challenges. Prince initially expressed interest, but a potential partnership faltered when he reworked an early demo of Jackson's "Bad" and sent it back along with an enigmatic box containing various items, including cuff links with Tootsie Rolls. Producer Quincy Jones, recounting the incident, noted Jackson's trepidation, perceiving potential voodoo elements. Jones also shared an anecdote suggesting Prince's attempt to run Jackson over with his limousine, an incident that Jones asserted Jackson was aware of and interpreted as intentional.
Despite the absence of public declarations of animosity, a palpable division of powers became evident between the two artists. This complex dynamic persisted throughout their lifetimes, shaping a narrative of professional competition and personal discord that left an indelible mark on the landscape of pop music history.

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Prince was a genious but michael was king