The rap mogul says people should record a new song instead of remixing Michael Jackson's 'We Are the World' which he claims untouchable like 'Thriller'.
- February 15, 2010
AceShowbiz -
Knowing that many people wonder why he preferred not to contribute to recent "We Are the World" remake project, Jay-Z shared his insight, stating he has an "interesting take on that [matter]." The rapper explained that nothing, even if it's filled with star-studded ensemble, could ever come close to the original song.
"I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: 'We Are the World,' I love it, and I understand the point and think it's great. But I think 'We Are the World' is like [Michael Jackson's] 'Thriller' to me," he told MTV at the annual "2 Kings" dinner during NBA All-Star weekend. "I don't ever wanna see it touched."
"I'm a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that's going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: [Millions have been raised] through text [donations] to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but 'We are the World' is [musically] untouchable like 'Thriller' is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it's gonna be untouchable."
In further statement, Jay-Z said he loves the idea of making a new song instead of revamping the classic song. "As everyone knows, I have tremendous respect for Quincy Jones. Of course, I think he's genius, as everyone else does. [But] I think it's time for us to make a new [song]. I tried to do that with 'Stranded,' [the song Jay, Rihanna and U2's Bono and The Edge premiered at the 'Hope for Haiti Now' telethon]. I didn't try to make 'We Are the World,' but I tried to make our take on how we felt."
