Lagos — You may call Michael Jackson all kinds of names, but you could never call him a snob. For all his mega-star status, he had the reputation of being a team player. Very often, it was easier to get his understanding over an issue, provided one is able to overcome the hurdle of his persoal staff.

His greatest team work remains the 'We are the World' project. Besides this he did other ground breaking work with the likes of Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, and his sister Janet.

An unreleased Michael Jackson album produced in collaboration with some of current crop of hip and successful pop songwriters looks set to reignite sales of the late superstar's back catalogue - though we will never know whether it could have rescued his career as the King of Pop.

The album, which was partly recorded in Las Vegas, includes songs written by Akon, Ne-Yo and Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, who between them have produced hits for stars including Justin Timberlake and 50 Cent.

The record, as yet unnamed, has taken several years to produce but had raised hopes of a return to form for an artist whose musical career appeared to have completely stalled by the time he died of a heart attack.

More of Michael Jackson's close friends and collaborators are speaking out and remembering the singer after news broke on Thursday of Jackson's untimely passing. Everyone from Diana Ross and Paul McCartney to director John Landis are remembering how amazing it was to work with the legendary pop star who changed the sound and look of pop music indefinitely.

I can't stop crying; this is too sudden and shocking," Jackson's friend and co-star in "The Wiz" Diana Ross told MTV News in a statement. "I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family."

"It's so sad and shocking," said former Beatle McCartney, who worked with Jackson on several songs (including "Say Say Say" and "The Girl is Mine"), but feuded with the singer after Jackson purchased the publishing rights to the Beatles catalog in a manner that McCartney felt was underhanded. But, according to The Associated Press, he said, "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever."

Jackson's longtime friend Brett Ratner told MTV News in a statement, "Michael was not only a great friend, but a true inspiration in my life. I will never forget his kindness to me, and his beautiful heart. He was the best father and truly loved his children. I will miss him."

Eddie Van Halen, who played guitar on Jackson's "Beat It," told TMZ, "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 - one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

John Landis, who directed Jackson's groundbreaking music video for "Thriller" (and was suing the singer over a Broadway musical based on the video), issued a statement to TMZ about Jackson. "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime," the director said. "Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife, Deborah, and I will always have great affection for him."

A spokesperson for Elizabeth Taylor, who supported Jackson through all of his legal dramas, told TMZ said that "Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."

The following took part in the recording of 'We are the World'

Solos (in order of appearance)

- Lionel Richie

- Stevie Wonder

- Paul Simon

- Kenny Rogers

- James Ingram

- Tina Turner

- Billy Joel

- Michael Jackson

- Diana Ross

- Dionne Warwick

- Willie Nelson

- Al Jarreau

- Bruce Springsteen

- Kenny Loggins

- Steve Perry

- Daryl Hall

- Huey Lewis

- Cyndi Lauper

- Kim Carnes

- Bob Dylan

- Ray Charles

Extras

- Dan Aykroyd

- Harry Belafonte

- Lindsey Buckingham

- The News

- Sheila E.

- Bob Geldof

- Jackie Jackson

- LaToya Jackson

- Marlon Jackson

- Randy Jackson

- Tito Jackson

- Waylon Jennings

- Bette Midler

- John Oates

- Jeffrey Osborne

- The Pointer Sisters

- Smokey Robinson

USA for Africa

The group name "U.S.A. for Africa" actually stands for "United Support of Artists for Africa" (not "United States of America"). Most of the singers on the record are American, with the exception of Bob Geldof (who is Irish) and Dan Aykroyd (who is Canadian).