Centurion said:

I think its an odd world we live in. We always tend to diminish the real meaning of certain words. For example, the word talent has been so watered down in this entertainment driven society we live in. But because the word talent becomes diminished and many unworthy people are labeled with it, we need to find another term for those people that stand out and genuinely ARE talented. So what do we do? We use the term genius! But what we have done is diminish the meaning of that word too. So what do we call the people who stand out above the talent?

No disrespect to your family, but being a member of MENSA doesnt give you automatic genius status. I think you and I must differ on our interpretation of the word 'genius'. To me, a genius is a very very rare gem in our society. It is more than superior intelligence or higher functionality as you call it. It is above and beyond anything that can be measured with an IQ rating. Genius comes from a very different place to all that (from the soul?). I dont know what IQ Prince has, but the chances are it is average.

Genius are the pinnacle of our society as human beings, whatever genre, industry or study they embrace. They are the force that drives our species forward. But they are just a handfull at any one time, they are not walking the earth in their millions.

Thats MY interpretation of genius. However, if someone uses the word more loosely, then the bar is lowered and more people qualify... And if that is the case then we need another word for those that rise above the term genius, because they are the people I am talking about. And I do think that these very rare people are trying to escape what drives them. I honestly believe it is real thorn in their side. There has to be a price for having all that incredible wonder inside their minds (or soul?). There must be a serious inbalance in their heads because nothing can counter balance such an incredible 'thing'.

Im not totally convinced that Prince is a true genius. I often say he is, and even believe he is a lot of the time, but sometimes he falls well below par and I have to question it. Who knows, maybe genius is temporary for some...

As for the issue of drugs and being able to function. It is true what you say and I concede the point, up to a point. I still think that having a drug problem in Prince's line of work, with the workload it entails and the industry he embraces (or doesnt embrace as the case may be), the chances are the drugs would win in the end. We've seen it so many times in the pop/rock world...

This thread is just full of shit that people have made up.

I think there is solid evidence of the ecstasy episode in 1987 and that's about it. I'm sure he's probably tried a few things like everyone else but there isn't any way that he has any sort of drug habit. Drugs take an enormous physical toll after a while.

He is 46 and looks 35. You cannot achieve that on drugs. Nor can you keep up his phenomanal work rate.

If you want to know what a long drug habit will do take a gander at Keith Richards or Rick James.

This thread is just full of shit that people have made up.

I think there is solid evidence of the ecstasy episode in 1987 and that's about it. I'm sure he's probably tried a few things like everyone else but there isn't any way that he has any sort of drug habit. Drugs take an enormous physical toll after a while.

He is 46 and looks 35. You cannot achieve that on drugs. Nor can you keep up his phenomanal work rate.

If you want to know what a long drug habit will do take a gander at Keith Richards or Rick James.

Jon said:

I agree very much with your definition of genius. However, I question your reasoning on determening that Prince IQ is average. I question what is your basis for your statement b/c a true genius is based on the body of their work.

iwannabeurlover said:

He is not a vegan He's a Vegetarian

Symbolina said:

He was a vegan with Mayte in '96/97 the song Animal Kingdom (from The Truth) "I dont eat no red meat or white fish, no funky blue cheese."

prodigalfan said:

Shakespeare, like Prince, is judged both by the body of his work AND by individual sonnets.

I know a guy who did on stage monitors for Prince a few years ago (really handy for getting passes, symbol picks, towels etc), and he had some stories to tell.

There's also the bit on the First Avenue concert during Automatic, when he sings the line "when you know i'm just an addict", he dabs his gums in a cocaine style.

And the line in Play In The Sunshine-"pop goes the music when the big white rabbit begins to talk". I always thought that line was about coming up on ecstasy.

williammelvinhicks said:

stories? share?

" Prince has been on Thorazine? That is for psychotic behavior. "

what's your point, there?

This thread is just full of shit that people have made up.

I think there is solid evidence of the ecstasy episode in 1987 and that's about it. I'm sure he's probably tried a few things like everyone else but there isn't any way that he has any sort of drug habit. Drugs take an enormous physical toll after a while.

He is 46 and looks 35. You cannot achieve that on drugs. Nor can you keep up his phenomanal work rate.

If you want to know what a long drug habit will do take a gander at Keith Richards or Rick James.

I'm sure you're aware that on sites like this (ESP Prince sites) you have to be very careful what you're saying, and how you word it.
I got a few stories from the sound engineer which made me look at Prince in a different light. Not in a judgemental way, just different. What he does is his business really. Doesn't change the music in any way-he could've written Sometimes It Snows In April high on laughing gas for all i care-still some of the most amazing music ever written.

williammelvinhicks said:

Would you mind sharing any of them? Here or in an orgnote. If not, feel free to tell me to shut up.

meow85 said:

You expressed my thoughts exactly.