Michael Jackson New Album Released Date Announced: 'Xscape' Out in May

Michael Jackson may have passed away in 2009, but his influence continues to echo throughout the music world. 

Epic Records announced Monday that a posthumous Michael Jackson album will be released in May, according to CNN. 

The King of Pop's music has been "contemporized" by several producers. Epic Records Chairman L.A. Reid believes that the producers have the "gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work."

The album, titled "Xscape," can be pre-ordered on iTunes starting Tuesday, and will be in stores worldwide May 13. 

Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at age 50 while he was preparing for his "This Is It" comeback tour. 

"Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with," Reid said.

Timbaland is the lead producer on the new album, along with contributions from Stargate, Rodney Jerkins, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and Jackson estate executor John McClain. Timbaland previously stated that he was working on the project. 

The album title is the name of one of the album's singles. Jackson and Jerkins co-wrote and produced the song "Xscape," which Jerkins made more current for the upcoming album. 

Sony's Columbia Epic Records, which was Jackson's record label for 30 years, signed a deal with Jackson's estate to posthumously release recordings from his archives. 

Epic's announcement said that Reid "was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals."

The announcement included a quote from the Jackson estate co-executors, John McClain and John Branca. 

The statement reads: "Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision."  

While some questioned the authenticity of Jackson's vocals on a posthumous 2010 album, the estate and record company said sound experts verified that it was Jackson's voice.