Slave 2 The Rhythm

Slave 2 The Rhythm
Recorded	April 18, 2012
Leaked	August 16, 2013
Produced by	L.A. Reid Babyface Max Methods

“Slave to the Rhythm” is a song written and recorded by Michael Jackson in 1991. An early version was leaked online in 2010. The song was later officially released on Michael's second posthumous album, Xscape. A reworked version adds Bieber’s vocals to the mix. The song leaked in 2013.

Audio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qr4yJg5qCs

Background

Max Methods, the DJ/producer who remixed Michael Jackson’s “Slave To The Rhythm” as a duet with Justin Bieber, has revealed to Damien Shields how the track came to be. “I work with Tricky Stewart. He signed me to his label Red Zone Ent, and had me re-produce the record. He also had Justin [Bieber] record new vocals. I do not know how it leaked.”

Speaking with Shaun Robinson on Access Hollywood, L.A. Reid explained this. “‘Slave 2 The Rhythm’ didn’t include him per my direction … If it hadn’t been leaked, it would have been featured but it sort of took the wrong turn. But you know what? We’re gonna revisit that.”

Trivia

• "Slave 2 the Rhythm" was given to Justin by the Jackson family to finish.

Lyrics

[Intro]
Max Methods

[Verse 1: Justin Bieber]
She dances in these sheets at night, she dances to his needs
She dances 'til he feels just right until he falls asleep
She dances at the crack of dawn and quickly cooks his food
She can't be late, can't take too long, the kids must get to school

[Chorus: Michael Jackson & Justin Bieber]
She's a slave to the rhythm
She's a slave to the rhythm of
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love
She's a slave to the rhythm
She's a slave to the rhythm of
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love

[Verse 2: Michael Jackson]
She dances for the men at work, who works her overtime
She can't be rude as she says "Sir, I must be home tonight"
She dances to the kitchen stove, dinner is served by nine
He says his food's an hour late, she must be out her mind

[Chorus: Michael Jackson & Justin Bieber]
She's a slave to the rhythm (a slave to the rhythm)
She's a slave to the rhythm of (oh no, oh no)
She's a slave to the rhythm, (she's a slave to the rhythm) a slave to the rhythm of
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love
She's a slave to the rhythm (a slave to the rhythm)
She's a slave to the rhythm of (oh no, oh no)
She's a slave to the rhythm (a slave to the rhythm)
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love

[Bridge: Justin Bieber & Michael Jackson]
She works so hard, just to make her way
For a man who just won't appreciate
And though she takes, her love in vain
Though she could not stop, couldn't break his chains
She danced the night that they fell out, she swore she'd dance no more
But then she did, he could not quit as she ran out the door
She danced through the night in fear of her life, she danced to a beat of her own (her own)
She let out a cry (a cry) and swallowed her pride, she knew she was needed back home, home

[Chorus: Michael Jackson & Justin Bieber]
She's a slave to the rhythm
She's a slave to the rhythm of
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love
She's a slave to the rhythm
She's a slave to the rhythm of
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
A rhythm of love, a rhythm of love

[Outro: Michael Jackson & Justin Bieber]
She's a slave to the rhythm
She's a slave to the rhythm of (oh no)
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
The rhythm of love, the rhythm of love
She's a slave to the rhythm, oh no (oh no), oh no (oh no)
She's a slave to the rhythm, oh no (oh no), oh no (oh no)
She's a slave to the rhythm, oh my, oh my
The rhythm, the rhythm, I did it for, I do it for
She's a slave to the rhythm, oh my, oh my
She's a slave to the rhythm of, oh no
She's a slave to the rhythm, a slave to the rhythm of
The rhythm of love, the rhythm of love