Michael Jackson starts us off on a buoyant exposition on a girl later revealed as none other then Billie Jean. Whom he feels sorry on having to play the whore. At first glance, it seems Jackson has a little compassion. But later rebukes her for having a baby she don't want.
Coming to the songs conclusion, Mr. Jackson ops to teach us a thing or two about self-worth by chanting "Mama-se mama-sa ma-makossa". A mysterious phrase arising from a Cameroonian tongue(Duala) that's believed to have something to do on dancing with a positive affirmation attached(Makossa="I dance"). Michael borrowed this phrase from Manu Dibango's 1972 hit "Soul Makossa". Believed to be the first wave of Disco.
Regardless of your feelings on his final bridge, you will already feel the interwoven drum-piece(innovative for it's time) as a step forward from Jackson's lili-white bubblegum image from Off The Wall.
From Damon Wayans' "Speaking in Tongues" to Rhianna's "Don't Stop the Music". This track has been sampled on numerous occasions.
Originally composed in 1979 and initially meant for "off the wall", It was never fully recorded until the Thriller Sessions. With just two words(Wanna Be) added to the songs tittle Which you can listen to Here
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' Single
"Wanna Be Startin' Somthin'" is Michael's 4th consecutive single to hit the top 5 worldwide!U.S. Single
- "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'(7" Edit)"
- "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"(Instrumental)
U.K. Single
- "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
- "Rock with You"(live edit with The Jackson's)
Song lyrics | Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' lyrics
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008(with Akon)
Now concerning the the remix featuring Akon I felt he ruined it. His pervasive vocals kinda makes you wonder to whom is he really attributing this golden nugget(at least he could've let Mr. Jackson sing his whole piece while Akon adds his own interpretation). But in all fairness, I love the harmonic flow and instrumentation. Which is why he should of Just done backup vocals with Will.I.Am. west, and Fergie and let Giorgio Tuinfort and the dream team handle the rest. That's just my feelings. I wonder how you take it. Go listen to it on my other article at Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008.- Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008(album version)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 With Akon(Radio Edit)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 With Akon(Johnny Vicious Radio Mix)
- Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 2008 With Akon(Johnny Vicious Club Remix)
Other Versions
As of today, there are thirteen versions floating around. I've gathers a few below.Next: Baby Be Mine!
