Released in 1991, "Jam" Features a Rap segment by Heavy D from "Heavy D & the Boyz". This Rapper was Michael's favorite at the time.
The story goes that one day an idea popped into MJ's head(It's a common tale with Michael Jackson). He rushed to the studios and begged Teddy Riley to process that tune(stuck in his head) as best as Riley knew how. So after Jerry Jay did the horns, he re-recorded the whole track and threw in a few extra bass hooks. The result became a high-energy pulsation with a drum machine on steroids! For the first time, Funk and Hip-Hop were in the same room together. No wonder why these two genres saw the highest ratings for "Jam"!
The single made #3 on U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks as well as t#4 for U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play!
As of today, there are currently 27 official alternate version and edits they worked on together in the Hit Factory Studio. Here is the complete exhaustive list...
Alternate "Jam" Track Sessions
1. 7" edit
2. 7" edit(without rap)
3. Radio edit
4. Radio edit(without rap)
5. Teddy's Jam
6. Teddy's 12" mix
7. MJ's Raw mix
8. Roger's Jeep mix
9. Roger's Jeep Radio mix
10. Roger's Jeep Dub
11. Roger's Club mix
12. Roger's Club Radio mix
13. Roger's Club Dub
14. Roger's Underground mix
15. Roger's Slam Jam mix
16. The acappella mix
17. Percapella
18. Silky 12"
19. Silky Dub
20. Silky 7"
21. Atlanta Techno Mix
22. Atlanta Techno Dub
23. More Than Enuff mix
24. More Than Enuff Dub
25. E-Smooth Jazzy Jam
26. Maurice's Jammin' Dub mix
27. The Video mix
Take my advice...Listen to the tune on "The Dangerous Album". Cause the one on "The Ultimate Collection Box Set" just hasn't got that oomph! Trust me, when you put those earphones on, you will know why!
Jam-The Short Film
All Michael Jordan came do was practice for the finals. Doing what he does best. But something keeps taking his mind off the game. A noise-an energy force is emanating from somewhere in this old factory. He can almost feel his shoulders grooving to the music.After search far and wide for an ideal spot to practice, he throws the ball beyond the walls into another room. Oddly enough, there's no big thud. the ball returns and makes a whole-courter!
In awe, Michael Jordan approaches the other courtroom feeling the energy surging ever stronger through his body. To his utter ecstasy, Michael Jackson is in the same building rehearsing for his own concerts!
The force from his body made the ball shoot in one. Just like Jordan awakened something new within the King of Pop's mind, so he will awaken the NBA Star's sleeping gift. Teaching him how to do the Moonwalk!
Watch the full promo Here!
There was a lot that didn't make it on the final viewing. Only a small portion of what they were working on landed on the final cut.
Lyrics | Jam lyrics
Check him out Live!
Instrumental Version
Acappella Version
Next: "Why You Wanna Trip On Me"!
