Posted by Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller still ranks as the top industry benchmark for albums. Supported by iconic singles such as the title track, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” the LP went on to sell 66 million records worldwide (as of 2018), making it the biggest-selling album of all-time.
On the contrary, Future 2017’s album HNDRXX was the final piece in his historic run that made the trap-rap chancellor the first artist to have two albums debut top the Billboard 200 in back-to-back weeks.
As of press time, it currently has a gold certification.
While perusing through his Instagram mentions on Friday (March 12), Future reshared a fan’s claim that “If HNDRXX woulda came out in 1982 MJ woulda never blew up.”
If HNDRXX woulda came out in 1982 MJ woulda never blew up
— FBG Blu (@TMACCBLUE) March 12, 2021
An appreciative Future responded with, “That’s a deep and one helluva compliment” — prompting fans who recall the late King of Pop’s prowess to take exception with the “Life Is Good” rap star to even bring the tweet to the forefront.
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Might be the dumbest thing I ever read. MJ was already big since a child . MJ still would’ve dominated, imagine if the roles was switched if MJ dropped thriller in today’s generation there will be any of these rappers today and that’s fact, they alll were influenced by MJ.
— ???????1??????? (@215Nunu) March 13, 2021
To the idiot who said this new rap artist, Future, would’ve smashed Michael Jackson’s Thriller album in ‘82 had his album come out then, get in your lane loser.
— Chris Olsson (@2rowdy1) March 14, 2021
MJ already blew up in the 70’s pic.twitter.com/lJRg8Pyo3g
— D'Ante ⚡️ (@DAnteFourPrez) March 13, 2021
You must be on that tyrone pic.twitter.com/IJl2ZDXDaU
— BDP (@01Ne010) March 12, 2021
This doesn't change the fact that there are almost 50 million kangaroos is Australia and 3.5 million Uruguay citizens. If the kangaroos were to invade Uruguay each person would need to fight at least 14 kangaroos.
— TayeDiggin (@ThatoTsAndCs) March 13, 2021
If HNDRXX woulda came out in 1982 then songs wouldn’t have made it out the studio. In 1982, Mike was knocking off icons like McCartney, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, I’m sure he could handle Future lol
— Johnny Blingg (@johnnyblingg) March 12, 2021
But naturally, there were members of the Futurehive who only acknowledge moonwalking in Calabasas.
“I’ve been having trust issues, but I’ve been having way better luck since you” MJ could nevaaaa
— Gia (@sweetbabygiazus) March 13, 2021
Future could do human nature, MJ could never do damage!
— ICM (@IyanaAse) March 12, 2021
future can do thriller MJ can’t do codeine crazy ?
— FK? (@fk_4kt) March 13, 2021
fr i cant believe they comparin someone to future like he aint the greatest musician of all time
— ?* (@MaxoC1) March 13, 2021
MJ never made no Solo?♂️ pic.twitter.com/ZqMPGMJAv8
— eric^ (@6artier) March 13, 2021
Although Future can’t go tit-for-tat with Michael Jackson’s stats, he does have his fair share of bragging rights over the generation he currently holds dominion in. His Drake-featured, 2020 single “Life Is Good” will be diamond before any lump of coal after being certified 9x platinum on March 3.
Lil Eazzyy’s Sound May Be Chicago Drill But He’s Heavily Influenced By Drake & Michael Jackson
Relive the nearly two billion-viewed video below. That’s one accomplishment Future has over the legendary megastar.