Drake and Michael Jackson: Comparing Two Musical Icons Across Generations
Around 33 years ago, at the age of 24, Michael Jackson expressed his desire to create an album where every song would “knock listeners out.” Jackson was dissatisfied with albums that only had a few standout tracks while the rest felt unremarkable. Thanks to his perfect partnership with producer Quincy Jones, Thriller was born and became legendary. Thriller consistently topped the charts, with 7 out of its 10 tracks landing in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10, a record held for nearly 40 years. This record was only broken in September 2021 when Drake released Certified Lover Boy, with nine songs reaching the top 10 within just a week.
The question arises: “In 2021, can Drake stand shoulder to shoulder with Michael Jackson at the peak of his career?” This isn’t merely a prompt for fan debate but rather a way to honor both the present and the past’s iconic figures.
Many believe that Certified Lover Boy may surpass Thriller in terms of the number of songs on top charts, but it doesn’t overshadow the greatness of Thriller. With each track, Michael Jackson showcased his musical vision and personal experiences, embodied by his sequin glove and legendary moonwalk. On the other hand, Certified Lover Boy is often seen as repetitive, focusing on themes of love and heartbreak, sometimes lacking innovation.
Even so, Drake’s way of blending rap into smooth, melodic sounds has also greatly influenced pop music. In many songs, Drake mentions Michael Jackson and even used a recording of Jackson’s voice in his Scorpion album. He even recreated the moonwalk to Billie Jean, a testament to the admiration he has for the “King of Pop.”
Therefore, the question of whether Drake is “on par” with Michael Jackson isn’t about comparing who is greater but rather recognizing the continuation, legacy, and tribute to musical icons. Looking at history, from Elvis Presley to The Beatles, from Michael Jackson to Madonna, and now Drake, pop icons have always sought to “unite the musical world,” continuing their journey to inspire across generations.
