In a discovery that has stunned fans and collectors alike, a California man has unearthed what may be one of the most significant music finds in recent years—12 previously unreleased Michael Jackson songs, hidden away for decades in an abandoned storage unit. But while the discovery is thrilling, it’s also heartbreaking: legal restrictions could prevent the public from ever hearing them.

The tapes were discovered by Greg Musgrove, a former California Highway Patrol officer turned treasure hunter, who purchased a forgotten storage unit in Venice, California. Inside, he found boxes of dusty cassette and DAT tapes, once belonging to music producer Brian Loren, a known collaborator of Michael Jackson during the early 1990s. As Musgrove combed through the items, he realized he had uncovered something extraordinary—tracks that had never been released, featuring the unmistakable voice of the King of Pop.

Among the titles were Don’t Believe It, a passionate response to the media rumors that plagued Jackson’s life; Seven Digits, a haunting meditation on mortality and identity; and Truth on Youth, a long-rumored collaboration with rapper LL Cool J that even features Jackson rapping. Fans had believed this track was lost forever—until now.

Musgrove described the moment he heard Jackson’s voice on the tapes as “chilling.” Not only were there full songs, but also candid moments—Jackson joking, discussing his vision, and perfecting his craft in real time. The tapes offered an intimate glimpse into the Dangerous era, one of the most creative and personal periods of MJ’s career.

However, despite the historical and cultural importance of the find, Musgrove faces a major obstacle: copyright. The Jackson Estate retains full legal ownership of Michael’s music, regardless of who physically possesses the tapes. While Musgrove owns the physical items, he cannot distribute, sell, or share the music publicly without explicit permission.

After reaching out to the Jackson Estate for verification, Musgrove was informed that these tapes are authentic copies of recordings whose masters are already in the Estate’s vault. The Estate, however, has made it clear that they have no intention—at least for now—of releasing them.

This means that fans around the world, hungry for unheard material from one of music’s greatest icons, may never get the chance to listen. It’s a sobering reminder of the complexities of music ownership and the fragile balance between protecting a legacy and sharing it with the world.

Despite this, Musgrove plans to auction the tapes. Music memorabilia experts estimate the collection could fetch seven figures at auction, especially given the market demand for rare MJ items. Past auctions have seen celebrities like Lady Gaga spend hundreds of thousands on Jackson’s personal belongings, which she has promised to preserve in his honor.

Yet even if a private collector wins the tapes, they’ll face the same restrictions: no public playback, no streaming, and no commercial release. The music will remain sealed behind legal barriers, hidden in private vaults—heard by few, if any.

For fans, the news is both exciting and agonizing. The tapes offer new stories, new melodies, and a glimpse into Jackson’s unmatched artistry. But the legal red tape keeps them out of reach. It’s a story that stirs debate: should the music be kept private to honor legal boundaries and artistic control? Or should it be shared with the world, offering fans a final piece of Michael’s genius?

What’s certain is that this discovery reaffirms Michael Jackson’s unmatched influence. Even in death, his unreleased creations continue to fascinate, mystify, and spark passionate conversation. The world may never hear these songs, but the fact that they exist is a reminder of how much creative brilliance still lies undiscovered—and how carefully guarded the legacy of a legend truly is.