7 Crazy Stories From Prince And Michael Jackson's Rivalry

The History Of Prince And Michael Jackson’s Feud

We’re all still mourning the passing of the legendary Prince. As we reflect on his life, we can’t help but bring up some of his incredible moments of endearing shade, where he’d slander you with his eyes but still be so likable. One person he directed most of his shade at was Michael Jackson. The two had a friendly rivalry dating back to the 80s. They never really disliked each other but they were in constant competition to be the best. That led to some hilarious moments between the two that we just have to share.

So take a look at some of the funniest moments from their rivalry.

Eddie Murphy and Michael Jackson
The 15th Annual American Music Awards
at the Shrine Auditorium
Los Angeles, California – 25.01.88
Featuring: Eddie Murphy and Michael Jackson
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
When: 25 Jan 1988
Credit: Chris Connor / WENN

Here’s the story of Prince and Michael Jackson playing ping pong:

“Jackson showed up backstage at a couple Prince shows in 1984. The two icons, whose “Thriller” and “Purple Rain” defined the 1980s, never did work together. Later that decade, when both were recording at the same Los Angeles studio, Prince invited Jackson to play ping-pong. Michael, a star since age 8 who had lived a sheltered life, didn’t know how.

“You want me to slam it?” Prince asked, according to engineer David Z, who was there. “Michael drops his paddle and holds his hands up in front of his face so the ball won’t hit him. Michael walks out with his bodyguard, and Prince starts strutting around like a rooster. ‘Did you see that? He played like Helen Keller.'”

February 4, 2007; Prince the Halftime Show for Super Bowl XLI. December 25, 2008; Prince having a good time at the LA Lakers game.
Featuring: Prince
Where: Los Angeles And South Flordia, California, United States
When: 25 Dec 2008
Credit: WENN.com

Prince Refused to be on “We Are The World” – Some people believe it had to do with Michael Jackson. Others attribute other party shenanigans for why he never made it to the session. Whatever the case, Prince caught a lot of flack for not showing up.

That time they “dueled” on stage in front of James Brown – Some people in Prince’s camp insisted that Michael Jackson enjoyed Prince looking “bad,” which may have been the case at the time but now the video is iconic and all three look like gods.

Prince performs live in Birmingham at the LG Arena in May 2014 on his “Hit and Run part II” tour. The music icon died on Thursday 21st April 2016 at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota at the age of 57.
Featuring: Prince, Prince Rogers Nelson
Where: Birmingham, United Kingdom
When: 21 Apr 2016
Credit: WENN.com

When Will.i.am brought Michael Jackson to a Prince show in 2006, Prince put his junk and his bass in MJ’s face and let him have the business.

So Will arranged it for Michael to be a guest in the audience at Prince’s show. No one knew it really, but Prince knew it. There was a point during the show where Prince was playing bass and he came out into the audience with this giant bass—he knew where Michael was sitting—and he walked right up to Michael and started playing bass in Michael’s face. Like aggressive slap bass. The next morning, Will went over to Michael’s house for breakfast, and they’re talking about Prince and the show. And then Michael goes, ‘Will, why do you think Prince was playing bass in my face?’ Michael was outraged. And then started going on. ‘Prince has always been a meanie. He’s just a big meanie. He’s always been not nice to me. Everybody says Prince is this great legendary Renaissance man and I’m just a song-and-dance man, but I wrote “Billie Jean” and I wrote “We Are the World” and I’m a songwriter too.’ All this disrespect for Prince came out from Michael that morning. One day, I hope Prince sits down and tells the truth about everything between him and Michael. Before I die, I want to know what the full deal was between the two of them.”

Michael Jackson
performing live at Madison Square Garden
Featuring: Michael Jackson
Where: New York City, United States
When: 01 Jan 1985
Credit: WENN

Michael Jackson liked to watch Prince fail.

According to L.A. Reid, Michael Jackson would watch scenes from Prince’s (not so great) Under The Cherry Moon just to laugh at Prince messing up.

Prince performs live in Birmingham at the LG Arena in May 2014 on his “Hit and Run part II” tour. The music icon died on Thursday 21st April 2016 at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota at the age of 57.
Featuring: Prince, Prince Rogers Nelson
Where: Birmingham, United Kingdom
When: 21 Apr 2016
Credit: WENN.com

Prince sent some bars to MJ back in 2004:

“My voice is getting higher/And Eye ain’t never had my nose done/That’s the other guy.”