The Modern Drummer article was great. I think one of the most revealing parts in the article was Prince discussing how he records. He talks about always putting the drum track down first "this is very important" And never relying just on a drum machine, which I think is what makes some of his best drum tracks so special.

I have a hard time believing he "writes" the drum part first (especially if you think of his more melodic music "Under The Cherry Moon," "Sometimes It Snows In April," etc). But when it comes to recording, he most likely does -- followed by the bass. This is common.