Michael Jackson » Tracks » Black Or White

Michael Jackson – Black Or White (4:14)

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About This Track

“Black or White” is the lead single from Michael Jackson’s Dangerous album. It was released in November, 11 1991. “Black or White” is a mix of rock, and dance-pop.Written, composed, and arranged by Jackson with the rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell, it is a song that promotes racial harmony. The song’s introduction and main riff are performed by guitarist Slash and Bill Bottrell.

The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, the UK Singles Chart and in 20 other countries. It reached #1 on many singles charts in 1991, as well as becoming the second-best selling single of 1991.

To prepare the audience for the special occasion of the televised premiere of the “Black or White” video, Epic records released the song (without the accompanying images) to radio stations just two days in advance. In a period of twenty-four hours, “Black or White”, described by the record company as “a rock ‘n’ roll dance song about racial harmony”, had been added to the playlists of 96 percent of 237 of the United States of America’s top forty radio stations the first day of release.

“Black or White” was the first single off of Dangerous, produced by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell, it began to be promoted on radio stations the first week of November 1991 in New York and Los Angeles. “Black or White” was officially released one week later. It was written and composed by Jackson with rap lyrics by Bill Bottrell, the song’s introduction and main riff were played by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash and Bill Bottrell.
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  • musicfanbobbie

    love this song and nopt matter wghat

    18 hours ago

  • humannaturegirl

    :) one of his best songs ♥ ..love it :*

    Saturday afternoon

  • ShakiFanatic

    Timeless!

    Tuesday afternoon

  • ruancmc

    it make me smile. :) [2] even in bad moments ;D

    9 days ago

  • Goldfoot

    "TURN IT OFF!!"

    13 days ago

  • squirrel_17

    How can you not dance to this?! [2]

    25 days ago

  • JustinSpearsMe

    it make me smile. :)

    last month

  • kjrocksoutloud

    king of pop

    last month

  • Laro20

    How can you not dance to this?!

    last month

  • mjgurl4eva

    "michael idolized the "king of rock n roll" -INCORRECT. He idolized Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, etc. He even said he respected Elvis but that was not someone he considered as one of the 'greats' which he studied and helped shape who he was. There is no need to spread false information in order to justify ones own prejudices and misconceptions.

    last month

  • liquiddatura

    Album intro is stupid.

    last month

  • Billie_Jean_Is

    @Ariues2 The exact lyrics go 'I'm not gonna spend my life being a color', not 'being black'. MJ was very proud to be a black American. And he never idolized Elvis Presley, which he stated in his autobiography 'Moonwalk'. Please listen to the words carefully and watch the video; especially the panther dance part, where he used many symbols indicating that he fought racism.

    March 2012

  • richhudsonsmith

    What is that start all about?

    March 2012

  • Ariues2

    not gonna spend his life being black? ok so he's only buying in to the idea that white is better just because he lives in the west. i think alot of his family thinks that for some reason. michael idolized the "king of rock n roll" so im sure part of him felt elvis sold more than little richard cuz he was white. im sorry but the Jacksons are delusional #uncle toms

    March 2012

  • lll__

    that intro makes absolutely no sense with this song.

    March 2012

  • surelymaggie

    It's amazing how Michael was able to convey such a deep message in a seemingly catchy, radio friendly song like Black Or White. There are so many symbols in the lyrics and especially in the video, which itself is a real masterpiece. I love the fact that contrary to what almost all pop 'artists' do, MJ used his popularity to actually teach people instead of spreading corruption and promoting shallowness. And I think it's a damn shame that his intentions have always been grossly ignored because of all those pathetic rumors the media prefer to focus on. Anyway, thank you Michael for enlightening me on many things through your music and life. I miss you. [2] So true!

    March 2012

  • SatinDaul

    a classic!

    March 2012

  • mjlegacy1

    thanks billie-jean-is

    March 2012

  • Billie_Jean_Is

    It's amazing how Michael was able to convey such a deep message in a seemingly catchy, radio friendly song like Black Or White. There are so many symbols in the lyrics and especially in the video, which itself is a real masterpiece. I love the fact that contrary to what almost all pop 'artists' do, MJ used his popularity to actually teach people instead of spreading corruption and promoting shallowness. And I think it's a damn shame that his intentions have always been grossly ignored because of all those pathetic rumors the media prefer to focus on. Anyway, thank you Michael for enlightening me on many things through your music and life. I miss you.

    February 2012

  • lvlaverick23

    The part between Slash's intro and actual song is the weirdest part ever.

    February 2012
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