This is the most succinct articulation of it that I’ve seen — Anthony Marinelli, who played synths & programmed several tracks on Thriller, saying the single biggest sonic influences from what Michael Jackson was listening to during recording were The Time and Prince. https://youtu.be/GCdPu0i7N4g?si=aamGU7oysq2O1zfa&t=2445 (at 40:50)