Michael Jackson was not only a talented musician, but also a visionary businessman. In addition to focusing on his own music, he understood the entertainment industry like few others, earning millions from the royalties of his acquisitions. One of the most notable purchases was Eminem's catalog, an icon whose work would remain profitable. By acquiring this catalog, Michael became the owner of Eminem's songs, which meant that every time the rapper performed his songs, he had to pay Jackson royalties.
The acquisition of Eminem's catalog was just one part of Michael Jackson's investment strategy, who also obtained the rights to other musical legends like The Beatles, Little Richard, and Freddie Mercury. Despite their rivalry, Jackson never stopped expressing his admiration for Eminem, although he was publicly upset when the rapper made fun of him in a video explicitly. Jackson commented: 'I have never met Mr. Eminem, I have always admired his music, and what he did seemed very hurtful to me.'
Instead of responding with more provocations, Michael Jackson demonstrated his business acumen and continued to grow his fortune. However, after his passing in 2009, the rights to his music catalog passed to Sony/ATV, marking a before and after in the history of the music industry. Although Eminem has never publicly spoken about this fact, it is likely that the situation left a deep impression on him.
Throughout his career, Michael Jackson made several intelligent investments, such as buying 'Famous Music' for 170 million dollars through Sony/ATV in 2007. His ability to see beyond music and venture into the world of business made him an icon not just on stage but also in the business realm. Ultimately, the 'King of Pop' proved that his vision and savvy went beyond being just a talented artist.
