Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, & L.A. Reid Discuss Michael Jackson's 'Xscape'

Earlier today, Michael Jackson fans got to hear a new song from the pop icon called “Love Never Felt So Good.” The disco-soul jam, which features Justin Timberlake, will appear on his posthumous album Xscape.

Some of the producers including Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, and Stargate sat down with Billboard editor Joe Levy to discuss the project, which includes eight unreleased songs originally recorded between 1983 and 1999.

“What drives us is we really want to make a difference and Michael Jackson was the perfect artist who spoke to all of us,” said Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid, who serves as the album’s executive producer. “He tapped us on the shoulder and said, ‘Would you just do me one small favor and remind people that I’m the greatest?’ And we all said yes.”

Timbaland added, “Michael was one of the greatest entertainers. I felt like I had to dig in to a place where it’s deeper than just music.”

Rodney Jerkins, who worked on the title track with MJ, admitted that he was hesitant at first. “I worked with Michael before and I knew what his expectations were, what his standards were,” he said. “Once L.A. played me the music, I was all the way in.”

The behind-the-scenes clip is part of a documentary, which is available on the deluxe edition of Xscape, due May 13.