California Treasure Hunter Unearths Michael Jackson’s Lost Tracks
A collection of unreleased Michael Jackson tracks has been uncovered—not in a state-of-the-art recording studio but in an abandoned storage unit in California’s San Fernando Valley. Former California Highway Patrol officer-turned-treasure-hunter Gregg Musgrove stumbled upon the musical goldmine while pursuing his latest passion.
According to the stay-at-home dad, a colleague told him about a storage unit in Van Nuys. It turns out that it once belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer who worked with Jackson during the late 1980s.
The tapes contain 12 unreleased tracks recorded during the creation of Jackson’s Dangerous album, spanning 1989 to 1991. Among them are songs rumored to exist and a few that are entirely unknown to fans. “I’ve gone to all the fan sites,” Musgrove told The Hollywood Reporter. “Some of them are rumored to exist, some of them have been leaked a little bit. A couple aren’t even out there in the world.”
Listening to the tapes for the first time was an emotional experience for Musgrove. “I would get goosebumps because nobody’s ever heard this stuff before,” he said. “To hear Michael Jackson actually talk and joke back and forth on these recordings was really, really cool.”
What’s on the Tapes?
Musgrove’s find includes a track titled “Don’t Believe It,” which appears to address the media rumors surrounding Jackson at the time.
Perhaps the most unexpected track is called “Truth on Youth,” a rap duet between Jackson and LL Cool J. The rapper previously confirmed collaborating with Jackson but discovering their creation brings the story to life. The song showcases Jackson’s rare venture into rapping, making it a standout piece.
Will We Get To Hear Them?
Despite their value, these recordings might never be released to the public. Musgrove and his attorney approached the Jackson Estate earlier this year, but the estate declined to purchase the tapes. While they issued an official letter stating they do not claim ownership of the tapes themselves, they made it clear that the copyright on the recordings remains with the estate.
This means that while Musgrove can sell the physical tapes, he and any future owners cannot release or monetize the music. Musgrove plans to take the tapes to auction, hoping to attract one of the many celebrity collectors who covet Jackson memorabilia.
The discovery of these unreleased tracks serves as a poignant reminder of Michael Jackson’s unparalleled music career. Even years after his passing, the King of Pop continues to surprise us with his genius.
