Will.i.am Reveals Michael Jackson Hilariously Insulted Prince in a Very Michael Jackson Way
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Over the years, we’ve heard all kinds of stories about the long-running rivalry between Prince and Michael Jackson. We’ve actually heard so many crazy tales, it’s hard to distinguish truth from fiction. However, a new memory from will.i.am is so hilarious, we all need to assume it’s true, because it’s so funny.
In the teaser clip for an appearance on “Drink Champs,” the Black Eyed Peas frontman recalled the time he tried to get MJ to come see him perform with Prince in Las Vegas, and how the “Billie Jean” legend politely declined his request in a very Michael way.
“I brought Mike to go see me rock with Prince in Vegas,” the rapper/producer said. “So one time, Mike called me. He’s in Vegas and he’s like, ‘I heard you guys have a show tonight.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, we got a show, going on around 10.’”
“[Michael said] ‘Oh rats, I gotta put the kids to sleep.’ I’m like, ‘But you can come later, like in the middle of the show’” Will continued. [Jackson responds], ‘No, if I don’t see the show from the beginning, there’s no way for me to know what’s actually going on.’”
Far be it from me to question Michael Jackson’s understanding of how concerts work, but did he know other artists didn’t create their shows as full, connected narratives? It’s a Black Eyed Peas concert, not “Oppenheimer,” I think you’ll be able to follow the plot.
Not wanting his idol to miss out, the “I Got a Feeling” rapper had an alternative option for Michael, telling him he would also be performing with the “Purple Rain” icon later in the evening. MJ explained, “‘Oh, I can’t go to that—Prince is a meanie.’”
“Meanie” is the most hilariously scathing insult he could’ve dropped. It’s so ridiculous, and so on brand for the “Thriller” singer. Michael’s kids were very young at this point, so he was probably in that weird period where you have to come up with silly alternatives to cursing. And yet, it feels like “meanie” is somehow worse than any profanity he might have used instead.
It’s always fun when we get another chapter in this never-ending feud. And Michael calling Prince a “meanie” feels like the perfect nonsensical 2024 addition to this ongoing story.
