Eight previously unheard Michael Jackson songs will be released on a new album in May, Epic Records announced Monday. 

The late pop icon's music has been "contemporized" by several producers who Epic Chairman L.A. Reid believes have the "gravitas, depth and range to creatively engage with Jackson's work," the announcement said. 

Fans can preorder the new album, titled "Xscape," on iTunes starting Tuesday, but it will be in stores around the world on May 13, the company said. 

Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, while preparing for his "This Is It" comeback tour. 

"Michael left behind some musical performances that we take great pride in presenting through the vision of music producers that he either worked directly with or expressed strong desire to work with," Reid said. 

Timbaland is the lead producer, with contributions from Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon and Jackson estate executor John McClain, the release said. Timberland had previously revealed he was working on the project for Epic. 

The album title is derived from one of the new singles. Jackson and Jerkins co-wrote and co-produced the song "Xscape," which Jerkins "contemporized" for the project, the company said. 

Sony's Columbia Epic Records -- Jackson's record label for three decades -- signed a long-term deal with Jackson's estate to posthumously release music from the large archives of his recordings. 

Reid "was granted unlimited access to the treasures representing four decades of material on which Jackson had completed his vocals," the announcement said. 

The Epic release included a quote from Jackson estate co-executors John Branca and John McClain supporting the new album. "Michael was always on the cutting edge and was constantly reaching out to new producers, looking for new sounds. He was always relevant and current. These tracks, in many ways, capture that spirit. We thank L.A. Reid for his vision."    QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who are new songs being released on behalf of?
2. What artist is having new music released?
3. Some songs by what artists are going to be released?
Q2:
1. How many previously never heard before Michael Jackson songs are being released?
2. What is the number of new Michael Jackson songs that are being released?
3. How many brand new songs by Michael Jackson are coming out/
Q3:
1. When will new songs by Michael Jackson be released?
2. When is some new Michael Jackson music going to be coming out?
3. In what month will you be able to hear new music from Michael Jackson?
Q4:
1. How has Michael Jackson's music been changed?
2. What alterations have been made to Michael Jackson's songs?
3. What sort of changes have been made to the music recorded by Michael Jackson?
Q5:
1. What is the name of Michael Jackson's new album?
2. What is Michael Jackson's new album called?
3. What's the name of the new album featuring recordings by Michael Jackson?
Q6:
1. What format is Xscape initially being released in?
2. What will be the first format that Xscape can be ordered in?
3. How is Xscape first being offered to the public?
Q7:
1. How old was Michael Jackson at the time of his death?
2. What was Michael Jackson's age at the time of his passing?
3. How old was Michael Jackson when he passed away?
Q8:
1. When did Michael Jackson die?
2. On what date did Michael Jackson pass away?
3. What was the date of Michael Jackson's passing?
Q9:
1. What was Michael Jackson preparing for when he passed away?
2. At the time of his death, what was Michael Jackson getting ready to do?
3. What was Michael Jackson in preparation for at the time of his passing?
Q10:
1. Who is the main producer of Xcape?
2. Who primarily produced Xscape?
3. Who was Xscape mostly produced by?
Q11:
1. Who is Timbaland producing Xscape for?
2. What company is Timbaland making Xscape on behalf of?
3. For whom is Timbaland working on the Xcape project?
Q12:
1. Where did the name for the new Michael Jackson album come from?
2. What is the source for the name of Xscape?
3. How did the new album Xscape get its name?
Q13:
1. Who was an agreement signed with in order to produce Xscape?
2. Who signed a deal in order for Xscape to be produced?
3. An agreement with whom allowed for the production of Xscape?
