Will.i.am, Akon at war over MJ’s upcoming album

LONDON - Akon has slammed Will.i.am over his claim that the upcoming posthumous Michael Jackson album is “disrespectful” to the tragic icon.

The Black Eyed Peas star insists the King of Pop would be spinning in his grave over the December 14 release of Michael, arguing the perfectionist would never allow his songs to be heard without his approval.

“Whoever put it out and is profiting off of it, I want to see how cold they are,” the Sun quoted him as saying.

“To say that what (Jackson) contributed during his life wasn’t enough. He just wasn’t any ordinary artist. He was a hands-on person. To me it’s disrespectful.

“Michael Jackson songs are finished when Michael says they’re finished,” he said.

Will.i.am’s attack has outraged Akon, who collaborated with Jacko on the first single release from the album, ‘Hold My Hand’.

“I think that’s probably Will’s opinion. Me personally, I think that’s keeping his legacy alive. I don’t see anything disrespectful about it. He got his people taking care of it, the R and B singer said.

“We all did records that we actually worked on together on the album. These records would have come out whether he was alive or dead, so I think this actually helps to keep his legacy alive. I honestly disagree with that,” he added. (ANI)