Michael Jackson: The “King of Pop” was a master of the universal anthem and visual storytelling. His music was designed for mass appeal, blending pop, rock, and R&B into a seamless, high-gloss package that broke global sales records.
Prince: A multi-instrumentalist and avant-garde genius, Prince was the “musician’s musician.” He wrote, produced, and played nearly every instrument on his albums, often pushing the boundaries of sexuality, spirituality, and genre.
Comparison: Jackson was the ultimate entertainer whose goal was to unite the world through perfect pop. Prince was the ultimate artist who prioritized experimentation and creative autonomy. While MJ owned the charts, Prince owned the “cool” and the respect of technical musicians.