will.i.am Reveals That Michael Jackson Called Prince A “Meanie”
will.i.am, one of the greatest storytellers of our time, has taken one of his best stories–the one about Michael Jackson calling Prince a “meanie” to “Drink Champs.” The super-producer has obviously hob-knobbed with the best of them and the result? Legendary stories for days. Like this one.
Years ago, will.i.am was set to perform in Las Vegas, and he got a call from Michael Jackson, as one does. The King of Pop decided that he wanted to see the Black Eyed Peas frontman’s show. However, it started at 10 p.m., and according to will.i.am, Michael responded, “Oh rats!” because he had to put his kids to bed, but will.i.am wanted Michael to see him rock out with Prince, so he insisted.
will.i.am continued his story, "I’m like, yeah, you can come later, like in the middle of a show," he said. "'No, if I don’t see the show from the beginning there’s no way for me to know what’s actually going on.' I was like, okay, so why don’t you come, I’ll be rocking with Prince like around 12:30. 'Oh, I can’t go to that.' I’m like, why? 'Prince is a meanie.' I’m like, what? 'He’s a meanie.'"
Prince was widely regarded as the king of shade and side eye, so Michael’s claim that Prince was a meanie isn’t as surprising as it is hilarious. “Drink Champs” cuts the story here, but there’s so much more to it.
In another version of will.i.am telling this iconic story, he shared that Michael did indeed show up to his show with Prince. At one point during the show, as told by will.i.am, Prince stepped off the stage and ripped his bass in MJ’s face.
The next day, will.i.am and Michael went for breakfast, and will.i.am said that Michael immediately mentioned Prince’s in-face shredding, saying, “'Why was Prince playing the bass in my face?'" will.i.am said, "I was like, Prince, he was just being nice, you know? [as Michael] 'No. Prince, he’s always been a meanie.'"
There’s even a version of the story that includes Will sharing that Prince tried to run over Michael with a car! Whew! These two kings were foes! May both their souls rest. These hilarious stories keep their legacies alive in a vibrant way.