Pop Bites: Prince, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson and more
Last week, allegations that Michael Jackson fathered a 31-year-old singer had the Internet buzzing. Unsurprisingly the DNA “results” were doctored (the son in question denied involvement). Amid the hoopla, Timbaland released a snippet of a remixed “Slave to the Rhythm,” which is supposedly pulled from a new posthumous Jackson record. A version with Justin Bieber trading vocals with Jackson over a generic Europop beat hit the ‘Net last year was a lot better, and that’s not saying much. (Joel Ryan / Associated Press)
Dishing what’s sweet, and sour, from the week in music. By Gerrick D. Kennedy
After pulling in $39.7 million last year, Taylor Swift leads Billboard magazine’s annual ranking of musicians who pulled the biggest paydays during 2013. As much as her last album, “Red” was a total jam, I wonder if she should send a cut of her earnings to the celebrity suitors who reportedly inspired the album’s material. (Marc Tirl / EPA)
Frank Ocean, Diplo and two former members of the Clash got together for a new song. It’s a groovy soul-rock mash-up that features the smooth falsetto of the avant-R&B, the electronic DJ-producer’s blippy production and serious punk edge from Mick Jones and Paul Simonon. There’s even a children’s choir added for good measure. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
