Paul Anka’s “Jay-Z Diss”: A Missed Opportunity Or Bad Business Move?

Paul Anka/Jay-Z

Thanks in part to the recent boost by his work with Justin Timberlake on “Suit And Tie”, Jay-Z is getting all kinds of love lately, but singer/songwriter Paul Anka has made it very clear that he’s not a fan.  TMZ released a very interesting on the street interview with Anka that includes the singer opening up about how Jay-Z was disrespectful toward him.  Apparently Anka had been trying to reach Jay-Z in order to have him participate in his new Duets album.  Anka explained that he hoped to have Jay perform with him on a track that would also feature posthumously released singing by Michael Jackson.  He then went on to say that the collaboration wouldn’t happen because Jay-Z wouldn’t call him back.   Anka called Jay-Z’s treatment of him  inappropriate.

This isn’t the first time Jay got some heat for not calling someone back.  Back in November actor Robert De Niro reportedly gave him an ear full at a party when Jay never returned his call regarding the Tribeca Film Festival.  As fans of both Anka and Jay, it sounds like a missed opportunity for something cool.  Jay-Z notably sampled Anka’s famous staple “My Way” for his “I Did It My Way” that was featured on his 2002 album, TheBlueprint 2 The Gift & The Curse. It was certified five times platinum world wide.

Anka’s told TMZ that his Duets album does feature appearances by Willie Nelson, Gloria Estefan and Dolly Parton. His previous album Rock Swings, a Rock hits cover record, was released in 2005.  It covered key Rock & Roll staples across the genre like “Jump” by Van Halen, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, “The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson, and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana.  It was certified Gold in Canada two years later with 50,000 units sold.

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