Michael Jackson Duet With Akon Named as First Single From 'Michael'

After revealing just vague details about Michael Jackson's first new posthumous album last week, a press release published on his official website Friday revealed details about the first single, featured collaborators and the full tracklist. One song features rapper 50 Cent, one features rocker Lenny Kravitz and the first track -- which will also be the first single -- is a duet with rapper-producer Akon.

While a pre-release stream of the mid-album track 'Breaking News' stirred up some controversy this week -- with certain family members and critics questioning the authenticity of the vocals -- the first single should be able to avoid any such scandal. Entitled 'Hold My Hand,' the track leaked and spread digitally in 2008, a year after Jackson and Akon recorded it. However "the world was not ready to hear 'Hold My Hand' when it leaked," says Akon in a statement posted to Jackson's website. "We were devastated about it. But its time has definitely come; now in its final state, it has become an incredible, beautiful, anthemic song."

Jackson's estate claims that they have a handwritten note from Jackson expressing his wish that 'Hold My Hand' would be the first single from the album, which he was still working on at the time of his death in 2009. That wish, at least, will come true. The single will be released on Monday, Nov. 15 (at precisely 12:01AM ET, for those who really just can't wait). It will first roll out on the official website and then, according to the press release, will be available "for sale digitally thereafter."

'Michael,' the full-length album, is schedule to drop on December 14 -- no confirmation yet, however, about the exact time.