On May 13th, Epic Records, in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release ‘XSCAPE’, an album of new music by Michael Jackson. The project features eight new tracks, which the world will be hearing for the very first time on the new album. For the ultimate fan experience, ‘XSCAPE’ will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings in their original form. The ‘XSCAPE’ standard and Deluxe Edition’s are available for pre-order beginning April 1st on iTunes.com/MichaelJackson and elsewhere, and available at all retailers worldwide on May 13.

‘XSCAPE’ is executive produced by L.A. Reid, who, after an initial mining of Jackson’s archives by the Estate, was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals.

“Modern music and artistry would look and sound completely different if not for the groundbreaking contributions Michael Jackson gifted to the world,” remarked Reid. “Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with. We are extremely proud and honored to present this music to the world.”

On November 21st, Epic Records in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson, will release ‘Immortal’, a musical tapestry for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour. ‘Immortal’ will be released as both a deluxe double disc version and single disc.

Led by musical designer Kevin Antunes, ‘Immortal’ takes more than 40 of Michael Jackson’s greatest original recordings that allows listeners to experience the King of Pop’s music in an entirely new way. After spending a year in the studio working with Michael’s original multi-track master recordings, Kevin created ‘Immortal’, which offers listeners a new soundscape to Michael’s artistry.

“Michael’s legacy as the greatest entertainer of our lifetime is inspiring beyond words,” Antunes said. “It was clear from the start that Michael’s voice and overall musical essence was the sole/soul source of creative energy driving the project. From the studio to the stage, there’s an undeniable integrity and resolute truth in Michael’s vocal performances that are highlighted in the Immortal arrangements. It was built with love and respect for Michael’s music, his family, and his millions of fans around the world.”

Michael Jackson’s old Neverland amusement park rides are currently on tour, with the buyer taking full advantage of the late King of Pop’s fame. Butler Amusements in California purchased six of the fairground attractions Jackson had on his ranch. One was moved to the California State Fair & Exposition in Sacramento, while the other five can be rented for up to $8,500 a day. A report on the rides from TMZ has since been removed.

Michael Jackson ‘Hold My Hand’ Video Ft. Akon

December 9, 2010 - The late Michael Jackson is out with the music video to his new single ‘Hold My Hand’, featuring Akon, off the American pop singer’s posthumous album ‘Michael’, out now on Epic Records. Watch it via Vevo below.

Akon Defends Jackson Posthumous Album Release

November 20, 2010 - Akon, who’s featured on the new Michael Jackson album, disagreed with will.i.am’s criticism that the album is “disrespectful.”

The singer, who teamed with MJ on the recently leaked track ‘Hold My Hand’, told a TMZ paparazzo, “I think that’s probably Will’s opinion. Me personally, I think it’s keeping the legacy alive if you ask me.” A video report from TMZ at MySpace has since been removed.

Positive Public Opinion For Michael Jackson’s ‘Hold My Hand’

November 19, 2010 - Michael’s posthumous new single ‘Hold My Hand’ is out, and over 120,000 TMZ readers weighed in on the Akon featured track, as did the entertainment show’s boss Harvey Levin. “I heard the whole album last night, and it’s great,” Levin said. “It’s totally him. I even heard a song that’s gonna be on the next one after that, which is great.” A video of the TMZ segment at MySpace has since been removed.

Michael Jackson’s Kids Talk With Oprah

November 9, 2010 - In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Michael’s three children Paris, Prince and Blanket talk about their famous father, living with their grandparents, and their hopes for the future. Katherine Jackson also talked about how the day Michael died was “the worst day in my life.” Watch a report from NBC’s Jeff Rossen, aired on the ‘Today’ show on Tuesday (November 9), via MSN.com below.

Michael Jackson’s son Prince Michael joined his younger brother Blanket for some fun on the beach near the Jackson family’s vacation apartment in Hawaii on the first anniversary of the King of Pop’s death. Prince was photographed without his shirt on in the water, where a white patch on his armpit led British tabloid The Sun to speculate he inherited the skin disease vitiligo from his father, despite widespread suspicion that MJ is not his biological dad.

The story at thesun.co.uk has since been removed.