Akon has spoken out about the late Michael Jackson, whom he shared a close working relationship with in the years leading up to his passing in June 2009. In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the “Smack That” rapper opened up about his friendship with the King of Pop, who he says was taking pills ahead of his final shows in London because he was determined to put on the “greatest show on earth.”
In his owns words, Akon believes that Jackson’s obsession with being a perfectionist ultimately contributed to his demise after he overdosed on Propofol and benzodiazepines at his home in Los Angeles. “He was so happy and excited that he was about to go to London and lock these 50 dates in and remind the world who he was and what his value was to pop music,” he expressed to the news outlet. He also claimed that Jackson rarely slept because he was always “too damn excited” about his plans for his final concert residency, which saw tickets for the 50-date leg sell out within minutes.
This @TMZ Michael Jackson documentary was something I did NOT expect! I might need to see it again from beginning. If this doesn’t scare ppl to stop taking pills, I don’t know what will?! OMG! He owed $100,000 to pharmacy at his passing? Just wasn’t expecting this. I’m shook. GN
— A. (@Fleurs22) September 7, 2022
RELATED: Several Michael Jackson Songs Removed From Streaming Services Over Suspected ‘Fake’ Vocals
The “Remember The Time” pop star knew there was a huge demand for his farewell gig and he was determined to make it the best show fans could’ve only hoped for — but the huge project weighed heavy on Jackson’s health, with Akon adding that MJ would often struggle to fall asleep because of the workload. The 49-year-old added, “He would be up for weeks at a time thinking about how he wanted everybody to have the most amazing experience, he wanted to create something that was going to be talked about for centuries.”
“When you have that energy you don’t sleep. You are going to need help to get sleep because your mind is constantly moving and your energy and your flow [are] electric to the point where you cannot turn it off.”
Further on, Akon also touched on what a pleasure it was working with Jackson in the studio to record music together. The latter had often praised his pal, saying he was a big fan, so it was only right that the pair would eventually meet up and collaborate on a project together — a time that continues to hold a special place in Akon’s heart.
Watching @TMZ documentary on Michael Jackson and realizing that Conrad Murray was left on the hook for everything while other dr’s escaped conviction. My heart aches hearing how drugged Michael sounded & it was due to those other doctors.
— Thick Van Dyke (@oakland_v) September 7, 2022
“Even though his age prevented him from doing a lot of the moves that he did when he was younger, his mind told him ‘No, you can do this. I don’t care what you have got to do, you are going to show everyone, and show yourself and just do it.
“He always pushed himself to the limit. He never compromised the best. So he pushed himself to the limit and if he wasn’t satisfied he was going to stay there until he was satisfied. It is kind of a gift and a curse.”