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The Unsettling Truth: 5 Times Drake Challenged Michael Jackson's Legacy And The Latest May 2024 Controversy

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The legacies of Michael Jackson and Drake are inextricably linked, forming one of the most fascinating and contentious narratives in modern music history. While Michael Jackson remains the undisputed "King of Pop," Drake has steadily amassed a career defined by record-breaking achievements, often placing him in direct comparison with the late icon. As of December 19, 2025, the conversation has reached a fever pitch, moving far beyond mere homage to include controversial lyrical disses and the pursuit of shared Billboard records.

This article dives deep into the five most significant connections and controversies between the two megastars, revealing how Drake has simultaneously celebrated and challenged the legacy of the man he once called an idol, culminating in the shocking inclusion of MJ in the recent Kendrick Lamar beef.

The Biographies: King of Pop Meets The 6 God

The lives and careers of Michael Jackson and Aubrey "Drake" Graham span different eras, yet both artists share an unparalleled global impact and a relentless pursuit of chart dominance. Understanding their backgrounds is key to grasping the weight of their comparisons.

  • Michael Joseph Jackson (The King of Pop)
    • Born: August 29, 1958, Gary, Indiana, U.S.
    • Died: June 25, 2009, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
    • Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Philanthropist.
    • Groundbreaking Albums: Thriller, Bad, Off the Wall.
    • Legacy: The most awarded artist in music history; revolutionized music videos and globalized pop music.
  • Aubrey "Drake" Graham (The 6 God / Drizzy)
    • Born: October 24, 1986, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
    • Occupations: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Businessman (OVO Sound).
    • Groundbreaking Albums: Take Care, Views, Scorpion.
    • Legacy: Credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip-hop; a defining figure of the streaming era and one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

1. The Posthumous "Collaboration" on 'Don’t Matter to Me'

The most direct link between the two artists is the 2018 track "Don't Matter to Me" from Drake’s fifth studio album, Scorpion. This song is not a typical duet but a posthumous collaboration built around unreleased Michael Jackson vocals.

The vocals were originally recorded by Jackson in 1983 with legendary songwriter Paul Anka for a potential duets album.

Drake’s team secured the rights to use the unfinished song, blending Jackson's iconic voice into a moody, contemporary R&B track.

The song became a major hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a surreal moment where the King of Pop’s voice was heard on a new song decades after his prime.

The Controversial Removal from Tour Setlists

Despite its success, the song quickly became a point of contention. In 2019, following the release of the controversial documentary Leaving Neverland, a public backlash led to radio stations worldwide boycotting Michael Jackson’s music.

In a move widely interpreted as distancing himself from the controversy, Drake reportedly removed "Don't Matter to Me" from the setlist of his Assassination Vacation tour.

This decision, while practical for a touring artist facing public scrutiny, highlighted the complicated nature of using Jackson's music in a post-mortem era and the immediate impact of public opinion on an artist’s work.

2. The Chart War: Tying the Billboard Hot 100 Record

For years, Drake has been chasing and breaking records set by The Beatles and Michael Jackson, cementing his status as a historical chart titan. The most celebrated comparison came in October 2023 when Drake tied Michael Jackson’s record for the most No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 among male solo artists.

The song that secured this feat was "First Person Shooter" featuring J. Cole, which debuted at the top spot, giving Drake his 13th No. 1 single.

Drake celebrated the milestone on social media, calling it a "full circle moment" and a tribute to his idol. This public acknowledgment solidified the narrative that Drake views himself as a successor to Jackson’s pop throne.

While some critics argue that the streaming era makes it easier to achieve No. 1 hits compared to the 1980s, the raw numbers position Drake directly alongside the King of Pop in the annals of chart history.

3. The Lyrical Gauntlet: Homage vs. Claiming the Throne

Drake has a long history of referencing Michael Jackson in his lyrics and music videos, a practice that fans and critics debate is either deep homage or a calculated move to claim the title of the "new Michael Jackson."

In songs like "Toosie Slide," the dance-focused video and the catchy hook echo the global, simple choreography of Jackson’s biggest hits.

However, many of his references are more direct, often comparing his own fame, wealth, and influence to that of the King of Pop. This constant comparison fuels the "Drake vs. MJ" debate, positioning Drake as the only contemporary artist who can realistically challenge the historical benchmark set by Jackson.

4. The May 2024 Diss: The 'Family Matters' Backlash

The most recent and controversial chapter in this saga unfolded in May 2024 during Drake's highly publicized rap feud with Kendrick Lamar. In his diss track "Family Matters," Drake shocked many fans by including a direct and seemingly disrespectful mention of Michael Jackson.

For an artist who had previously sampled Jackson and publicly revered him, the inclusion of a "bash" against the King of Pop was seen as a dramatic shift in allegiance and a low blow in the context of a rap battle.

The lyric, though brief, ignited outrage among Michael Jackson's dedicated fanbase (the MJJ Community), who felt Drake "totally shat on him" after previously showing reverence.

This move highlights the cutthroat nature of rap beefs, where even sacred figures like Michael Jackson can be weaponized for lyrical impact, effectively burning the bridge of "homage" that Drake had carefully built over his career.

5. The Topical Authority and Legacy Debate

The ongoing dialogue between Michael Jackson and Drake is more than just a music comparison; it is a debate about the nature of musical legacy in the digital age. Jackson’s career was defined by physical album sales, MTV, and global touring spectacles like the *Bad* and *Dangerous* tours.

Drake’s career, conversely, is a product of the streaming era, where quick, frequent releases and digital dominance dictate success. His ability to tie Jackson’s Billboard records is often scrutinized through this lens, with many arguing that the bar for chart success is lower today.

Ultimately, Drake’s consistent referencing, sampling, and record-tying efforts demonstrate a clear desire to inherit the "King of Pop" mantle, or at least to be the only contemporary artist considered worthy of comparison. The relationship is a complex tapestry of respect, ambition, and, as the "Family Matters" track shows, calculated controversy.

Whether he is paying homage or staking a claim, Drake ensures that the conversation about Michael Jackson’s enduring legacy remains current, proving that even in death, the King of Pop continues to influence the very top tier of global music.

michael jackson and drake
michael jackson and drake

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