The record, entitled ‘Michael’, includes Akon’s previously unheard collaboration with the late singer, ‘Hold My Hand’.

Another new song ‘Breaking News’ has also come under fire from many of Jackson’s relatives who have questioned whether the vocals are really his.

Will.i.am said the album was “disrespectful” and that the singer wouldn’t have agreed with the release.

But Akon told The Sun he didn’t see anything wrong with it.

“Me personally, I think that's keeping his legacy alive, if you ask me. I don't see anything disrespectful about it. He got his people taking care of it,” he said.

"We all did records that we actually worked on together on the album. These records would have come out whether he was alive or dead, so I think this actually helps to keep his legacy alive. I honestly disagree with that."

The ten-track album also includes collaborations with 50 Cent and Lenny Kravtiz, and is released on December 14.

(by Jason Gregory)