Cinnamon234 said:

Dag, why talk influences at all? I mean, really. We could go on and on about whether Sly, Aretha, Elvis and Tina all begat those 4 influences. And what about the influence of the jazz legends? The songwriters of the 70's? Gershwin? Hip-hop? Frankie Knuckles? The Clash.

Wait a minute. Maybe if we ended THIS thread and started an internet community where all musical influences can be dissected, analyzed, and compared, thereby expanding perspectives OR provoking debate, then THAT would be a MUCH BETTER situation . . .

ii would say that MJ's influence is much larger that Prince's
though in my own opinion prince is slightly more talented
MJ is still influencing cats
there are millions of MJ immatators
Just a few of Prince...

TonyVanDam said:

Nice picture!

wait... it just hit me...
why the hell did you ask this question on a prince forum
go to a neutral music forum
to get a decent answer

I think Prince is more of an inspiration to other artists on a personal level, as in the amount of passion and innovation and inspiration and creativity you put in your work, while MJ's influence is on a much higher level, as in what makes a good song or a good record, the quality you aim for, the craftmanship, the 'magic formula' for creating something timeless. At their peak, both combined those qualities. Now, Prince can still be edgy but without the ambition to make something truly great, while MJ still wants to make something truly great, but seems to have lost some of his edge.

seeingvoices12 said:

And Destiny. Number One feat. Kanye sounds like a blame it on the boogie parody made for a madtv skit lmfaoooo But honestly, I remember pharell talking about cuts like push me away and that's what you get for being polite in an interview
[Edited 6/20/07 16:40pm]

sosgemini said:

Co-Funking sign.

edit
[Edited 6/20/07 18:21pm]

EmbattledWarrior said:

MJ as a celebrity, but Prince as a musician.

krayzie said:

that question is so obvious...

Moonbeam said:

bboy87 said:

sosgemini said:

Valid point!

seeingvoices12 said:

Pharrell said that when he was working with JT on his first solo album, that they sat down and tried to sound like Michael on almost every song. Not only was Pharrel influenced by "Off The Wall" but he wanted Michael's overall vocal style, melodies and rhythmns.

EmbattledWarrior said:

MJ is the major influence because guys like Usher, Justin, Chris Brown probably find it much easier to copy MJ who is basically a song and dance man, than Prince who does dance, but he is more of a musician, and I am not saying Michael is not a Musician but Prince is definetly more so.

skyecute said:

thats because Pharrell originally wrote those songs for michael
but MJ rejeected them... thus were passed on to jt...

whatsgoingon said:

I agree
if there was someebody who did imitate Prince's style
we'd probably flame them for copying prince
so it's a lose lose situation

EmbattledWarrior said:

Michael is more influential than Prince. Michael influenced Madonna and there would be no Janet without Michael's influence. I would dare say that Michael is the most influential artist/entertainer in history. It doesn't matter whether you like, hate or love MJ, the fact remains that his music, voice, style, choreography, videos,etc. have been influencing people since he was the lead singer of the Jackson 5. Every pop act was and is influence by Michael. Every hip-hop act is going to mention Michael has their major influence. The Beatles and Elvis were influential; however, their influence never crossed over like Michael's has. Michael's influence covers basically every genre, age, race, ethnic, and socio-economic group. No other artist in history has done that on the level that Michael has. People love to hate on this man, but you can NOT deny his overall influence on music. The amazing thing is that little children know MJ's music and they haven't been exposed to it. I have seen children as young as 5 or 6 say that someone is "dancing or singing like Michael Jackson". Believe it or not, young people love this man's music. He truly is an artist that appeals to every age. His influence has not diminished after all of these years. In fact, it is more prevalent now than it ever was.

i have to say prince because after all this time he is still the best .

Both, equally, but in different areas. I'm sure someone's already said this above, but I'm about to go to bed and I don't want to have to read to find out.


Prince has had a bigger impact on music. Period.

Michael Jackson has had a bigger impact on entertainment and performance. Period.

prince for sure

Raze said:

short and sweet
this is perfect
we should lock this thread now...

namepeace said:

I haven´t said anything.

What I find intriguing about the influence of Michael is that in away I believe little Michael from the J5 had a deeper more wide, ranging influence than the adult Michael. When you look at the artists who were influence by the Little Michael/J5 they included people like Lauryn Hill and believe it or not even Prince; artists who have developed their own, unique, deep sound. Whereas the people who have been influence by Michael Jackson, the solo artist, has been the typical boyband type of person like Justin, Usher and Chris Brown. I know they didn't all belong in Boybands but they come from the same kind of ilk.

Raze said:

enuff said....




and SOS....I love the pic of the little baby...

you are stupid though...lol

I hate to agree, but it has to be "Michael Jackson" (Although, musically everyone has gotta give the compliments to the chef on cookin' up "Michael's First Two Solo Albums": "THE Quincy "Mr." Jones"). I have even heard some cuts on his underrated "Dangerous" album. However, I gotta disagree with everone who says that "Michael Jackson" could have easily channeled all of that charisma on actually "Making" his own music like "Prince" did and arguably, still does. "Prince" was/is more headstrong all alone (At least from the outside looking in, in my view), while "Michael Jackson" had often gotten beaten day in and day out into fame by "Joe "The Belt Buckle Grin" Jackson". He was "Dancin', Dancin', DANCIN'" his ass off on the way, though. Ain't no doubt about that one. With that said, I love both of these guys' music, but "Michael Jackson" is moreso praised and influential for a small dimension in talent.
[Edited 6/21/07 5:14am]

EmbattledWarrior said:

sosgemini said:

I really want this kid...

Rhondab said:

Her eyes are killin' me! She's so cute