Thriller Producer Quincy Jones Not Thrilled About Michael Jackson’s Xscape

Thriller producer Quincy Jones isn’t so thrilled about the posthumously released Xscape album from Michael Jackson. “They’re trying to make money, and I understand it,” he recently told CBC Radio’s Q with Jian Ghomeshi. “Everybody’s after money, the estate, the lawyers. It’s about money.”

Jones, who also co-produced Jackson’s Off The Wall, and Bad albums even called out Epic Records’ head LA Reid by name in a mood of disappointment. Reid is responsible for organizing Jackson’s Xscape album in partnership with MJ’s Estate.  Jones then added, “It’s not my business anymore.”

In the same clip Ghomeshi contextualizes Quincy Jones’ role in producing with Michael, and how the influence lead to an album that music producers would study to this day. We know this to be true because we did the same when we were in school. If you are someone interested in how production influences pop music, we too advise you to pay attention to Jones’ perspective towards music, and evaluate how the art is applied to hit making of both today and in general.

Since we’re on the subject, why don’t you start your homework with Jian Ghomeshi’s Quincy Jones interview clip here.