Prince’s Secret Rejection: The Untold Story of ‘Bad’ and What Michael Jackson Didn’t Know

OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.

The rivalry between Michael Jackson and Prince, two towering figures of 1980s pop music, is one of the most famous—and misunderstood—feuds in musical history. Both artists rose to legendary status during the same era, each pushing the boundaries of their craft. Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982) set record-breaking sales, while Prince’s Purple Rain (1984) solidified his reputation as a multi-dimensional artist. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, their relationship was one of intense competition, personal grudges, and public feuding.

The media and fans loved to pit the two against each other, stoking the fire of their rivalry with comparisons between Jackson’s mainstream appeal and Prince’s artistic control. Over the years, the rivalry played out in infamous moments: a legendary ping-pong match, Prince’s refusal to join Jackson in the charity single “We Are The World” (1985), and reports of Prince mocking Jackson by calling him “Camille” to assert dominance. But perhaps the most revealing moment of all was the secret rejection of a collaboration on Jackson’s 1987 album Bad—an offer that would unknowingly deepen their already strained relationship.

The Innocent Offer: A Duet That Wasn’t Meant to Be

In the summer of 1986, as Jackson prepared for the release of Bad, he extended an olive branch to Prince, asking him to join him for a duet on the album’s title track. The collaboration was set in motion by none other than producer Quincy Jones, who had worked with both artists. The plan was to bring the two icons together for a high-profile collaboration, possibly even appearing together in the music video. Jackson, known for his unparalleled dance choreography, was ready to showcase a thrilling visual of gang warfare, with the two stars locked in an epic dance-off.

Reports from the time indicate that Prince was initially receptive to the idea. However, when he reviewed the lyrics to Bad, his stance shifted dramatically. In an interview with comedian Chris Rock in 1997, Prince made his feelings clear, questioning the appropriateness of Jackson’s opening line: “Your butt is mine.” Prince was famously protective of his image and artistic autonomy, and he didn’t take kindly to the idea of singing the line. “Who’s gonna sing that to whom? ‘Cause you sure ain’t singing it to me, and I sure ain’t singing it to you, so right there we got a problem,” Prince remarked.

For Prince, the issue wasn’t just the lyrics—it was the power dynamics. The song, which would feature Jackson’s unmistakable star power, was perceived as Jackson’s project, with Prince relegated to the role of a secondary contributor. This imbalance made Prince uneasy, leading him to reject the offer altogether.

The Rejection: A Statement of Independence

As Sheila E., a close collaborator of Prince, revealed in a 2024 interview with The Jason Show, Prince took things one step further by re-recording Bad at Paisley Park, his personal recording studio. Sheila E. described the solo version as “so funky” and “so amazing,” but in a decisive move, Prince chose not to send the demo to Jackson. This rejection wasn’t just about the lyrics or the power dynamics—it was a statement of independence. Prince, ever the perfectionist and self-assured artist, refused to compromise his image for a project he didn’t fully control.

This rejection left a lasting mark on both artists. Prince’s refusal to collaborate with Jackson highlighted their contrasting approaches to music and fame. Jackson, with his global appeal and mainstream sensibilities, seemed ready to embrace a collaborative approach—however, for Prince, artistic integrity and control were paramount, even at the cost of alienating a peer. This dynamic underscores a crucial difference between the two: Jackson sought to unite, while Prince sought to maintain his sovereignty in an increasingly commercialized music industry.

The Escalating Feud: A Battle of Principles

The fallout from the Bad collaboration offer was more than just a missed opportunity—it was an escalation in their ongoing feud. According to sources such as American Songwriter, Jackson’s offer was interpreted by Prince as an attempt to “punk out” on record, a phrase that encapsulated the idea of diminishing his artistic stature. Allan Leeds, who spoke with Vibe Magazine, confirmed that Prince was “pissed off,” suggesting that Jackson’s intentions, though innocent, only exacerbated the tension between them.

This rejection wasn’t an isolated incident. Prince’s non-participation in We Are The World—and his scathing critique of the song, which he deemed “horrible”—further strained their relationship. The media added fuel to the fire by amplifying every slight, portraying their rivalry as a clash of egos. Jackson reportedly voiced his frustration in a 1985 interview, revealing his growing resentment toward Prince, whom he saw not as a collaborator but as an opponent. “He feels like he’s my opponent. I hope he changes because, boy, he’s gonna get hurt,” Jackson famously said.

The Enduring Rivalry

The tension between the two continued throughout their careers, despite occasional moments of civility. Prince’s snub of Jackson’s Bad duet offer left a significant mark, and even after Jackson’s death in 2009, it was reported that Prince couldn’t bring himself to express sympathy, highlighting the deep-rooted animosity that existed between them.

The Bad saga represents a crucial chapter in the rivalry between two of the most influential musicians of all time. It serves as a reminder of how personal insecurities, artistic principles, and the media’s relentless pursuit of drama can shape the narrative of even the most talented artists. The rejection of a simple collaboration on a song like Bad reveals the complex layers of competition, pride, and identity that defined the relationship between Michael Jackson and Prince.

Ultimately, their rivalry was more than just about music—it was about control, legacy, and a desire to be the definitive figure in the pop music world. In the end, both artists succeeded in carving their places in history, but the story of Bad remains a testament to the untold complexity of their relationship.

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