Swizz Beatz Recalls Jackson’s Crush on Keys

Swizz Beatz says Michael Jackson had a crush on Alicia Keys, a story he learned from Janet Jackson. Rather than feeling threatened, Swizz arranged for Keys and himself to visit Jackson at his Los Angeles home shortly before the singer’s death in 2009, so the two musicians could meet as fans of each other. Swizz recalled Jackson as welcoming and relaxed, introducing his children and showing Keys dance moves as he talked excitedly about his upcoming tour. Jackson also offered Swizz framed Thriller plaques, which he declined, and the two artists never got to collaborate.