I know that this topic has probably come up before, but just wondering how much Prince is still involved with the Jehovah's Witness religion? Although there are conservatives/extremists in every religon, most JW's are very strtict when it comes to using certain language, dress, etc.....I was suprised but delighted when I saw the "Black Sweat" video. I'm not one of those (so called) fans that wants Prince to use explicit language, etc., just to mirror his image 20 years ago, but I would love to hear some songs live, that I know he wouldn't do as a JW. Any thoughts?

The first thing I thought when I saw the "Black Sweat" video and heard the lyrics was, "He must not be into the JWs anymore." I'm not a JW, but from what I have read it seems like the song doesn't conform. He's not seeming as conservative as during the Musicology period.

hokie1 said:

Yes, he's definitely upgraded since Musicology.....LOL I have a relative that's a JW and Black Sweat would most likely raise an eyebrow. I always wondered how long Prince would be able to contain himself?

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

URTHE1 said:

Black Sweat's still pretty tame though.

No, he's been trying to school JWs on the true hidden meanings.

Mick, i love that!!!!


"I don't have time for you're crazy talk, so if you want to start in with that shit I will have to walk. I don't want to be the one to break your heart, but when you open your mouth is smells like a fart"

Hmmm...was it ever confirmed that he had converted to JW? I don't remember.

Ah well, I'm JW and don't have any objections to Black Sweat... I mean, see what other kind of stuff is out there on the airwaves! (and video)

Heiress said:

Strange remark. True there is much more floating about but you can't accept it only through comparing it with others. The video/song itself should be judged on it's merit.

dualboot said:

Ah well, I'm JW and don't have a problem with Black Sweat. There you go.

Heiress said:

What about Prince attending the party for Maxim magazine,pretty much a soft porn magazine, or what about Prince attending Madea Goes to Jail, don't JW's object to a man dressed in drag , or a play with Christian gospel music?

I did not know he was dating Jack White.

I'm okay with it, but then again I've been listening since '92 (when I was 16) and have since bought every Prince album.

I was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 2004, but I have not seen the need to throw away albums. I just use my own conscience and select tracks accordingly.

There is also a big difference between what I would listen to alone and what I would listen to with others. I always consider the audience so as not to offend others present. They all have their own consciences.

I LOVE 'Black Sweat', but I think you are correct in stating that it may 'raise a few eye brows'. But upon listening properly to the lyrics and watching the video closely (i.e Prince ignoring the advances on an attractive girl) I see nothing wrong with it. Others may disagree though. I just use my conscience.

As to what Prince is doing, I understand he remains one of Jehovah's Witnesses, but I do not know him personally enough to comment. That is his choice and his choice alone.

I hope this helps a little.

Mr7

jujubeans said:

Um, do you think there are people policing Prince at every moment of his life?

JWs are not the org.

I can tell you that I am a JW, and am writing an academic paper right now that focuses, in part, on cross-dressing. Should I be disfellowshipped?

WHERE in Black Sweat is there explicit content?

Mr7 said:

I haven't bought every album, but I've been a fan since '82. Controversy was the first album I bought.

Everyone's conscience is different. Now, if he were blatantly, say, fornicating and calling himself a witness... some brothers who know him personally might ask him what's up with that. But what's under discussion here is a lot of heresay and circumstantial evidence. This site is the WORST for rumors.

NouveauDance said:

no kidding. it's pretty tame, especially by prince's old standards...

I don't see how Black Sweat would offend JWs. If you examine the video, what is actually happening is that the woman is shaking her booty trying every which-way to get Prince's attention, but he is either ignoring her advances or looking at her with a 'what an idiot!' expression.

From that point of view, you could argue the video is about not letting lust control you. Surely something religious types could get behind!

metalorange said:

right-o, sport.

hopefully

Who's JW?

Illustrator said:

James Wrown. He's been the Godfather of DirtyFunk & Prince's mentor 4 30 years. I can't believe u've never heard of him !!!

shaomi said:

Since I read this post
I've been trying to pronounce that last name.


Wrown.....Wrown....Wrown...Werrounnn....

They were giving big ups to Jehovah @ the SF show, he still seems into it. And like others have said Black Sweat ain't sweaty enough to be evidence of him straying from religion IMO...

CalhounSq said:

Is Tamar a Witness, too? I was wondering about that.

Peace, David

livewire said:

No idea, but it came out of her mouth at least twice...

Well, I bet this'll get some "interesting" play over on that "Why is Princing hyping Tamar?" thread. (And it's a shit-storm to begin with. )

Peace, David