I love Prince and have been a heavy follower and a fan for a long long time, but I have to say, I strayed for a little while (I didn't care for Newpowersoul at all and the only studio album of his that I don't own is 'Rave Un2...'). I think it is amazing and admirable that he is speaking out against the corporate music industry the way that he is. He is the only artist I can think of that has done that while appearing on the cover of all major publications.

Still, looking at the timeframe that I wasn't paying attention to him, I hope you forgive me for posing this question (which I am sure has been addressed too many times to count)...

Why did he have Slave written on his face around 95-96 only to sign a new publishing deal with Universal and put out a guest-star filled record on Arista (a la Santana)? With all of the anti-record insustry speak around 'Emancipation' time, why did he revisit the majors (and on the publishing side, sign a deal)?

I am sure there is a good answer and maybe only he knows it....

the deals where on his terms. And where only 1 album deals.

Trebor said:

...and he's been desperate for a hit.

lovemachine said:

for a hit of cock!!

I doubt he signed a short term deal with Universal, but i am sure the deal is 100% more in his favor than the Warner deal. I think they had a co-publishing deal so they own half of all of those old songs...