Michael Jackson admitted recently that he is in the process of working on his first studio album since 2001 and who did he enlist to help him? Kanye West.

The rapper/producer recently admitted that he is in the label working on "stuff for Michael Jackson," he said to British newspaper The Sun. But, hes not working with Michael just because of who he is, West said he has to like the person does musically to get into the studio with them. "If I like a persons outlet or what a person brings to the table, then Ill speak to them," West told the paper.

In addition to Kanye, Michael has tapped the Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am as well, who, at first, didnt believe it was Michael when he initially called. "Michael called me out of the blue and I just didnt believe it was him," admits the producer. "I was like, Come on, who is this, how did you get my number? Stop playing around. He said, No its really me, its Michael.

"I still didnt believe it was him and was like, Dude, seriously, I got to go," he continued.

Michael send a message to fans via his official fan club on Wednesday (October 10), announcing the forthcoming album, and also said he would be announcing some "surprising news" very soon.

The album is expected to be released early next year.