In the world of music, few names hold the iconic status of Michael Jackson and Prince. Their legacies continue to inspire generations, but both artists were not just known for their incredible talent. They were also known for their outspoken nature when it came to the music industry. Both Michael and Prince fiercely fought to take control of their music catalogs and spoke out against the corrupt systems that ran the industry. Unfortunately, both of these legends died under mysterious circumstances, leaving fans and critics alike wondering if their battles with the industry played a role in their untimely deaths.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was always vocal about his disdain for the power structures within the music business. In the years leading up to his death, he fought tirelessly to gain control over his own music, particularly his catalog of songs. Jackson made headlines in 2002 when he accused Sony Music and its then-chairman, Tommy Mottola, of being corrupt and not respecting him as an artist. Michael was deeply troubled by the fact that he had generated billions for Sony, but they held the rights to his most significant work. This was a source of constant friction between him and the label, especially after he purchased the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included The Beatles’ catalog, further intensifying the tension with Sony.

Jackson’s concern about the exploitation of artists by major labels extended beyond his own personal situation. He knew that many artists were at the mercy of record labels, which controlled not only their music but also their careers. Michael saw himself as a revolutionary in this battle for artistic freedom, and he often spoke out about the exploitation of musicians in the industry. He was not just fighting for control of his catalog, but for the rights of all artists who were being taken advantage of. However, Jackson’s fight took a darker turn when he began to speak openly about his fears for his life. Michael confided in family members, including his sister La Toya Jackson, that he believed the powers behind the industry wanted to silence him and take control of his music. He was particularly vocal about his fear that the industry might try to eliminate him for his defiance.

In the months leading up to his death in 2009, Michael Jackson was preparing for a comeback with his “This Is It” concert series in London. Tragically, Jackson passed away under mysterious circumstances just weeks before the concerts were set to begin. Officially, he died from acute propofol intoxication administered by Dr. Conrad Murray, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. However, many people, including members of Jackson’s family, believe that Dr. Murray was just a pawn in a much larger game. Some suggest that Michael Jackson’s death was part of a plan by the industry to eliminate him because of his control over his catalog and his public fight for artistic freedom.

La Toya Jackson, Michael’s sister, has been particularly outspoken, claiming that she believes Michael was taken out because he was worth more dead than alive. She recounts how Michael feared for his life, warning her that those in the music industry were out to get him because of his independence. The connection between his fears and his untimely death has never been fully explained, and many believe that the true story has been hidden. Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter, has also spoken about her belief that her father was the target of a conspiracy. In her own statements, she has mentioned how Michael’s stress and anxiety increased as he prepared for the “This Is It” tour, citing the pressure from AEG Live, the company behind the concert series, as a major factor in his declining health.

While Michael Jackson’s death remains shrouded in suspicion, the story of Prince’s death is equally controversial. Prince, known for his rebellious spirit and his fight for control over his music, similarly found himself at odds with the record industry. Prince famously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol as a protest against his record label, Warner Bros., whom he accused of controlling his creative output. Like Michael, Prince believed that artists should own their music and that the labels should not hold such power over the distribution and use of their work. He famously said that record companies should not exist and that artists should have the freedom to control their own careers and creations.

Prince finally gained control over his music in 2014, after years of fighting the system. But his victory was short-lived. Less than two years later, Prince was found dead in his Paisley Park estate on April 21, 2016. The official cause of death was an overdose from fentanyl, a powerful opioid. Prince allegedly thought he was taking a painkiller, but it was laced with fentanyl, leading to his tragic death. However, many fans and insiders remain skeptical about the official narrative. Some believe that his death was not a mere accident but a result of a deeper conspiracy involving those who stood to lose from his newfound independence.

Both Michael Jackson and Prince were outspoken critics of the music industry, and their deaths have fueled speculation that they were silenced because they threatened the industry’s control. In recent years, artists like Kanye West have made similar claims about the dangers of speaking out against the industry. Kanye, who has publicly criticized the music business and the broader entertainment industry, has suggested that both Michael and Prince were eliminated because they became too powerful and independent. He even claimed that his own life could be in danger because of his outspoken views against the powers that control the industry.

The deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince remain controversial, with many fans and industry insiders questioning the official narratives. Both artists had the courage to speak out against the very forces that held power over their careers, and their tragic deaths have left a cloud of suspicion over the true causes. As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons they tried to impart about the dangers of corporate control in music and entertainment should not be forgotten. The real story of what happened to Michael Jackson and Prince may never be fully understood, but their legacies live on, and their warnings about the industry’s darker side continue to resonate with artists and fans alike.