The new crowd-sourced video for Michael Jackson’s “Behind The Mask,” in the works since March, premiered on Facebook yesterday.

Taken from the posthumous release, Michael, “Behind The Mask” was originally recorded for Thriller. Jackson had added lyrics to the original 1979 song by Yellow Magic Orchestra, but ensuing legal complications prevented him from including it on his soon-to-be monster album. (In 1985, Jackson’s keyboardist, Greg Philliganes recorded “Behind The Mask” and released it as a single, with guitar-god Eric Clapton also covering it on his album, August, the following year.)

Pulled from the archives, “Behind The Mask” was prepped for inclusion on Michael by John McClain, co-executor of Jackson’s estate, and features new backing vocals by Shanice, whom, like Janet Jackson, was originally signed to A&M by McClain. (Interestingly, Shanice had her biggest hit, 1991’s “I Love Your Smile,” after a move to Motown, MJ’s former label home.)

With fans from around the world taking part in the online project by recording bits and pieces of themselves lipsyncing and dancing to “Behind The Mask,” the resulting music video not only gives them their 15 minutes of fame, but also throws the spotlight on what really is one of the standout moments on Michael, a track that wouldn’t otherwise get a proper chance to shine. Plus, there’s a sax solo, striking at the perfect time in pop music.

Purchase Michael Jackson – “Behind The Mask” via iTunes, MichaelAmazon MP3.