Unreleased Michael Jackson Tracks Discovered in Abandoned Storage Facility

A father in Ventura County made an astonishing discovery of Michael Jackson’s unreleased music, recorded between 1989 and 1991. The find comes courtesy of Gregg Musgrove, a 56-year-old former California Highway Patrol officer turned stay-at-home dad who stumbled upon the treasure while pursuing his passion for “treasure hunting.”

The Start of a Surprising Journey

Musgrove’s journey began when an associate reached out about a storage unit recently purchased in Van Nuys, California. The unit had previously belonged to Bryan Loren, a music producer and singer whose current whereabouts remain unknown. Among its contents were tapes containing rare and unreleased Jackson tracks.

“I explored fan websites and found that some of these tracks were rumoured to exist, while others had been partially leaked,” Musgrove told. “But some of them have never been heard by anyone.”

The Unreleased Tracks

The collection includes a mix of recorded songs and snippets of other unreleased material, along with conversations between Jackson and possibly Loren, discussing their creative process. Musgrove described the experience as surreal:
“I listened to these tapes, and I got chills. Hearing Michael Jackson joke and collaborate was truly incredible.”

Among the standout tracks:

• “Don’t Believe It”: A song reflecting on the rumors and media narratives surrounding Jackson during that era. The tone aligns with Jackson’s musical style from the late ’80s and early ’90s.
• “Seven Digits”: In this recording, Jackson explains the meaning of the song, which appears to reference identification numbers used in morgues.
• “Truth on Youth”: A unique rap duet between Jackson and LL Cool J. The collaboration was previously mentioned by LL Cool J, who confirmed they recorded music together. Notably, this track features Jackson rapping, a rare moment in his musical repertoire.

A Legal and Financial Dilemma

Despite the excitement surrounding the find, it’s unlikely these recordings will ever be publicly released. Musgrove and his attorney contacted the Jackson Estate earlier this year. Although the estate reviewed the tapes, they declined to purchase them for undisclosed reasons. They issued a formal letter stating they do not claim ownership of the physical tapes but retain copyright over the recordings and compositions.

This legal nuance means Musgrove—and any future buyer—cannot release or profit from the music. The tapes, therefore, hold value only as collector’s items.

The Future of the Tapes

The physical tapes, currently stored in a secure facility under Musgrove’s lawyer’s supervision, are estimated to be worth seven figures, according to Musgrove’s team. He plans to bring them to auction, potentially attracting high-profile collectors. In the past, memorabilia enthusiasts like Lady Gaga, who purchased 55 Jackson-related items at an auction, have shown keen interest in Jackson’s legacy.

A Rare Glimpse into Jackson’s Creative Process

While the world may never get to hear these recordings, the discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into Michael Jackson’s creative process during a pivotal time in his career. For now, these tapes remain a treasure locked away, accessible only to a select few who can appreciate their historical and emotional significance.