MJ and Prince had the Weirdest rivalry, but both of them knew that they were geniuses and both of them knew that they were the only ones truly running the 80's.
Quincy Jones tried for YEARS to get MJ and Prince to work together. The first time they ever met they just sat across from each other staring and never said a word.
Quincy Jones tried to get Prince to be on the We Are The World song. MJ was indifferent about his inclusion and Prince seemed reluctant but agreed. Prince was a no show for the session but called at the last minute to ask if he could come put down a guitar solo. MJ amd Quincy said no
Another time MJ had Prince break down, in graphic detail, the meaning and themes behind his song "Jack U Off". Prince played along and described the song to MJ while rolling his eyes
Another time Prince had a "gift" for MJ, he opened the gift see some charms and feathers. Prince, not saying a word, then left the room. Quincy told MJ to burn it, fearing it was some voodoo curse (yes this story is real)
We all know the infamous story behind Bad. MJ originally wanted it to be a collaboration with Prince, his original concept for the video was for them to have a Dance off with Prince to see who was really Bad. Prince later joked that he was put off by the opening lyrics but the truth is he thought the song was garbage.