Did You Know This Was Michael Jackson?

[Complex]

I always thought it was, and was confused as a kid

Turns out Rockwell was Barry Gordy's son and that's how he got Michael Jackson.

 

[blackbull1970]

You can clearly hear Michael’s voice doing the chorus.

It’s been well known since the song debuted.

I recall Michael wanted to be left off the official credits so Rockwell could get all the fame/money from the song.

 

[catdaddy]

of course

 

[Lexx Diamond]

Yes.

 

[tallblacknyc]

Everyone knew.. 1 of the biggest nepotism segments in music ever.. the music video ruined the truth.. people watch to see Michael and got this weird ass nig instead.. most people would think it was a Michael song if not for the vid cause all everyone knows is Michael chorus.. it still gets burn cause Michael chorus during Halloween

 

[Costanza]

I heard it in a commercial years ago and googled it because the voice sounded familiar. So I knew it was MJ but I didn’t at first. I have never heard the song because I pressed play and skipped ahead and it doesn’t sound like a pleasant experience.

 

[CptMARVEL]

Everyone knew.. 1 of the biggest nepotism segments in music ever.. the music video ruined the truth.. people watch to see Michael and got this weird ass nig instead.. most people would think it was a Michael song if not for the vid cause all everyone knows is Michael chorus.. it still gets burn cause Michael chorus during Halloween

I'm gonna safely assume that the OP is new to the MJ phenomena or wasn't around for this at that time.
(Pssst... don't tell him about Mike's other big collaborations like "We Are The World". I think it's better to let him find out on his own.)

 

[Walter Panov]

Yes