world reaction

March 11th, 1990

It had only been a single day since Michael Jackson's highly anticipated single was released, but the world was already buzzing. Across the United States, the response was overwhelming, as fans scrambled to get their hands on the new release. The initial demand was insatiable, with people standing in line at record stores across the country.

The Billboard Hot 100 had already seen a massive shift. Michael's track, which had been expected to debut near the top of the charts, shot to #1 within hours of its release. The initial numbers were staggering: over 600,000 copies sold in the first 24 hours. It was a testament to Michael Jackson's enduring popularity—his fanbase was loyal and vast. However, something unexpected was happening: the spotlight was shifting.

The release was getting attention not just because of Michael's iconic name, but because of a mystery artist who had appeared on the track: Tupac Shakur. For the first time, the world was getting a glimpse of how rap and pop could fuse seamlessly, and Tupac's verses were making waves.

Media Reaction:

Across the major news outlets and magazines, the initial headlines were dominated by the shock factor of the collaboration. Some called it a "revolutionary moment in music history."

Rolling Stone called it "an unexpected bridge between pop and rap."

Billboard marveled at how Michael Jackson had managed to pull off something never before seen—bringing Tupac onto a song that was not only pop but also had the raw energy of hip hop.

But it wasn't just about the sound. It was about the message. Tupac's verses were raw, politically charged, and full of emotion. People couldn't stop talking about the contrast between Michael's smooth, melodic lines and Tupac's cutting-edge, real talk. The contrast was striking, but it worked—Tupac's delivery stood out in the way Michael's voice always did, but now it felt like the world had suddenly embraced something that wasn't mainstream yet had the raw potential to blow the top off the charts.

Across the globe, people were tuning into MTV, eager to catch a glimpse of the music video. In countries like Japan, Germany, the UK, and South Korea, the video was airing on high rotation. Fans were flocking to the MTV channel to see what everyone had been talking about. At first, the network was inundated with so many calls that the servers couldn't keep up with the demand. People who hadn't even bought the song were sitting in front of their TVs, trying to understand the sudden hype. The video hit the charts on MTV, dominating the airwaves—people who had previously been skeptical about Tupac's role in the track were now in awe.

A significant portion of fans in the United States hadn't purchased the track outright but were waiting to see what the video offered before making their decision. As the song aired on TV, the reaction was electric. People who had initially dismissed Tupac's presence on the track were suddenly paying attention.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw him," one fan from Los Angeles said, speaking with a sense of awe. "Tupac on a Michael Jackson song? That was insane. He's got a whole different vibe, man. I didn't think I'd like it, but now? I'm a fan."

In New York, a similar sentiment echoed. "The whole world's gonna be talking about this for years," said another fan, a self-proclaimed rap purist who had initially balked at the idea of pop and rap blending. "Tupac just crushed it on this track. I'm definitely going out to buy the single."

In Japan, the single had already sold over 200,000 copies within the first 12 hours. The unexpected combination of pop and rap had drawn in fans from both sides of the spectrum. For many Japanese fans, Tupac was still an unknown, but his presence was magnetic. On forums, fans spoke excitedly about how this would change the landscape of global music, blending Eastern and Western influences like never before.

In Germany, fans lined up at record stores just as early as they had in the US. The sales were rising steadily, with over 100,000 copies sold on release day alone. German media outlets ran special segments about how the collaboration was something truly historic. The reaction was particularly strong among younger fans who had grown up on the tail end of Michael Jackson's reign but were now discovering the allure of rap through Tupac.

In South Korea, a similar trend was emerging. Fans expressed shock at the fusion of genres but were immediately captivated by the powerful lyricism of Tupac. Many fans in South Korea hadn't heard much rap before Tupac's verse but were intrigued enough by the video's release to look him up, and many became fans of Tupac's style after hearing his verses.

By the end of the first 24 hours, Michael Jackson's single featuring Tupac had toppled the charts. It wasn't just about the global fanbase—it was about how fresh and innovative this collaboration was. The song's sudden rise sent ripples through the music industry. The single was poised to remain in the top position for weeks. By the time the Billboard chart counted its weekly total, Michael Jackson's single had sold more than 1 million copies in just one day—an astounding feat, even for a star like him.

The worldwide sales were no less impressive:

USA: 600,000 copies

UK: 200,000 copies

Germany: 150,000 copies

Japan: 250,000 copies

South Korea: 50,000 copies

In just 24 hours, the total sales hit over 1.5 million copies, making it one of the fastest-selling singles in recent history. The song wasn't just popular—it was a global sensation, with fans flocking to buy it from record stores, online platforms, and streaming services alike.

Within a single day of its release, Michael's single featuring Tupac had already reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, knocking off some of the biggest names in pop. It had become not just a song but a cultural moment. It wasn't just about Michael anymore—Tupac had broken into the mainstream in a way no one could have predicted.

Radio stations across the country had already begun playing the song on heavy rotation, not just because of Michael's involvement, but because Tupac had brought something new to the table. It was clear: the world wasn't just getting Michael Jackson back. They were getting a whole new era of music—pop and hip-hop fused together in a way no one had ever seen before.

Tupac Shakur had officially crossed over. It wasn't just a moment for Michael Jackson—it was a shared victory, a momentous crossover that would go down in music history. The surprising success of this collaboration had shattered expectations, leaving critics and fans alike in awe.

The public couldn't stop talking. From the streets of New York to the hotels in Tokyo, the reactions were universal. Michael and Tupac had created something that no one expected, and now the world was reaping the rewards. Music had changed in an instant. And with the next chapter of their journey just beginning, there was no telling where it would lead.

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To be continued…