Justin Bieber's Label Dubs Him 'Prince of Pop' in New Album Announcement

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In a press release from Justin Bieber’s record label, RBMG/Island Def Jam Music Group, the company refers to the 18-year-old phenom as “the Prince of Pop” as they announce a new acoustic album to be released later this month.

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Believe Acoustic, a stripped-down version of Bieber’s multi-platinum album Believe, is due out on Jan. 29, just before Bieber is scheduled to host and perform on Saturday Night Live on Feb. 9. Believe Acoustic will feature new renditions of Bieber’s hits “As Long As You Love Me,”“Boyfriend” and “Beauty and a Beat,” as well as a special live version of “Fall” and three previously unreleased tracks: “Yellow Raincoat,” “I Would” and “Nothing Like Us.”

“Fans of the Prince of Pop should flock to Believe Acoustic,” reads the release.

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While the unofficial title has been occasionally referenced in the past (including on the cover of V Magazine last January), Bieber’s label is undoubtedly hoping to help the name stick -- much like the late Jackson is still considered “the King of Pop.”

The proclamation was called “a little obnoxious and certainly premature” by HitFix and has drawn its fair share of commentary on Twitter. One user joked that Bieber should be titled the “Prince of Pot” in the wake of his alleged drug scandal, in which he was photographed at a party holding what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette. The singer’s legions of Beliebers, on the other hand, have been quick to embrace the bold title.

Email: Sophie.Schillaci@THR.com; Twitter: @SophieSchillaci