Akon, left, and Will.i.am seem to have differing opinions on the appropriateness of releasing a new, posthumous Michael Jackson album.

If a legendary pop artist dies before approving a record, should it still be released? That's the question at the centre of a battle between contributors to Michael Jackson's final album.

Before his death in 2009, Jackson began collaborating on a new record that included contemporary chart-toppers Akon and Black Eyed Peas mastermind Will.i.am. Production understandably halted when Jackson died. Sony Records recently announced that it had completed the album, called Michael, and would release it on Dec. 14. Will.i.am was quick to voice his disgust over Sony's decision.

"Michael Jackson songs are finished when Michael says they're finished," Will.i.am said, according to Entertainment Weekly. "[Jackson] was very particular about how he wanted his vocals, the reverb he used...he was that hands-on. To me it's disrespectful."

Akon responded yesterday, revealing he doesn't share Will.i.am's concerns. "I don't see anything disrespectful about it," Akon told TMZ. Akon's duet with Jackson, called Hold My Hand, was released on Monday.

"These records would have come out whether he was alive or dead," Akon claimed. "I think this actually helps to keep his legacy alive."

I have to side with Will.i.am on this one -- Jackson would surely turn over in his grave if he knew that Sony was releasing a song without his OK. Especially one that sounds more like an Akon tune than a classic MJ joint. Here's the proof:



-- Lisa Pires