Prince has NEVER been mainstream. Prince was a HOT property for a while but mainstream? I’d say no. Intelligence has NEVER been mainstream and never will be. In my opinion, the career of Prince has been the most compelling combination of intelligence, artistry, planning, TALENT, and shrewdness in modern music. Prince started out by his OWN set of rules and still does today.

Has he strayed from his path? Sure so has every man/woman breathing.
2 examine the career of Prince is 2 dive into how one should conduct a music career that is going on 30 years strong. I’m sure U guys will try and post a list of others who have done things their way and I’m sure that list will contain some great talent, but Prince is, has been , and will continue 2 be in a league of his own making.

Graycap23 said:

Prince, Diamonds & Pearls, Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic, Musicology, 3121.

I truely believe that Prince created the genre of "Alternative" music, as he fit this category way before there was a term for it.

I think several critics have noted this about Prince.

He's a "fringe" artist that somehow earned enough fans and respect to be placed into the chategory with the likes of Madonna and MJ.

But other than a willingness to make videos and movies, Prince attacks his music stylings very much like a fringe artist does.

Gohi said:

Graycap23 said:

of course he's been mainstream.
Your arguement is pointless, his record sales alone is testament to that.

muirdo said:

I don't agree with you at all.

Purple Rain isn't mainstream? Musicology isn't mainstream? There are Prince albums in which he turned his back on the "mainstream" but to suggest he's NEVER attempted to break into the mainstream or even was successful at doing so, is illogical.

muirdo said:

it's not about sales for the simple fact that they've NEVER been able 2 put a label/box on Prince like many artists....4 the last 25 years the man has gone in a 1000 different directions and STILL went platnium and beyond....

chuckaducci said:

Agreed.....just because the "mainstream" latched unto these albums doesn't mean they were mainstream.

His biggest hit "When Doves Cry" wasn't even meant to be on the Purple Rain album.
It was the last song he did, his band didn't like it because there was no bass in it(how much farther from mainstream could he get?), but the studio heard it, liked it, made it the first release and the rest is history.

Now if Rave wasn't an attempt at being mainstream then I don't know what was.

Well said.
[Edited 8/21/06 9:19am]
[Edited 8/21/06 9:59am]

From 1983-1987 Prince was as mainstream was it gets...
[Edited 8/21/06 9:19am]

diamondpearl1 said:

Well i must be missing the point.
I would have thought mainstrean was the equivalent of getting constant
airplay on the radio and your video being shown on all the music shows.
is this wrong.

IDEJJD said:

With all due respect, and I mean that sincerely, Around the World in a Day, Parade and Sign O The Times weren't mainstream albums.

I respectfully disagree.

The Joshua Tree(U2), Bad(Michael Jackson), No Jacket Required(Phil Collins), Can't Slow Down(Lionel Ritchie) from the time period you mentioned, in contrast were mainstream.

dseann said:

main·stream ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mnstrm)
n.
The prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity: “You need not accept the nominee's ideology, only be able to locate it in the American mainstream” (Charles Krauthammer).

adj.
Representing the prevalent attitudes, values, and practices of a society or group: mainstream morality.


I still think he was very "mainstream" during 1983-87 period....

IDEJJD said:

No problem, I just disagree that's all, I think he was embraced by the mainstream in spite of being otherwise.

We agree that we disagree, I have no problem with that.

Peace and be wild my friend.

muirdo said:

just think back 2 the things Little Brother, Outkast, Afrika Bambatta,George Clinton, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie created. each of these cats were/are 2 the left of what EVERYONE around them was doin, but i guess when you put money and chart position on it you get the word mainstream.

dseann said:

oh yeah, it's cool.. I don't get weird about that kind of stuff...

just during that time, he released those albums, 3 movies and was everywhere..

it sure seemed like he was TRYING to be "mainstream"

but either way. it's cool.. I got's no problem with you either

most of this thread is a slap in the face to the many independent artists out during their own thing

IDEJJD said:

kool

Snap said:

I thought this thread was about Prince specifically....correct me if I'm wrong.

Snap said:

SNAP !!!!

what's up !!!

IDEJJD said:

hey, how are you? i heard you'll be playing my favorite album tonight

Snap said:[quote]

IDEJJD said:

hey, how are you? i heard you'll be playing my favorite album tonight [/quote


shhhhh don't tell nobody, they might listen....lol

Graycap23 said:

Finally some1 who knows what they're talking about.

I've always thought of "mainstream" music being the music so popular that it sells well. In that aspect Prince has been mainstream.

PopKid: "What you mean that Old Pop Star Prince? What's he been doing?"

HopKid: "He's been putting out music for years."

PopKid: "Oh Really???"

dseann said:

When doves cry was meant to be mainstream but not the "inthing" PRINCE THREATENED TO LEAVE WARNER FOR A MOVIE. why did he want a movie? SO HE COULD GO MAINSTREAM AND BE THE "INTHING" the term mainstream means that the majority public is aware of the person, thing , or trend. As for music being NUMBER 1 is mainstream regardless of bassline or not. IT WENT MAINSTREAM where prince wanted to be. Prince wanted mainstream from the onset of his career. Wanting to cross racial boundries ( the crossover) is a step into the desire for mainstream. Once he reached the Mainstream he then wanted not to be mainstream for many years. he knew the music product was not mainstream save a few debut singles. Even old band memebers have been quoted as saying Prince desired to be mainstream. He wanted to go to the top!! TO BE THE KING OF THE CHARTS THE BEST!! - im not gonna stop til i reach the top - BABY IM A STAR!!
[Edited 8/21/06 13:52pm]

Well, he is now. He is mainstream, and really boring.

Graycap23 said:

I understand what you saying here Gray. . but Prince has been mainstream and he just was with his latest debut cd 3121!! Mainstream means that His trend , music, product has been sought out more than any other artist at that specific time. Me4anif he hits high on the charts or sells out a venue for a concert. there product is mainstream. ( meaning the most popular) He is in a class by himself with neo soulers right behind him. meaning that no one sounds like he does and his product can not be duplicated by another artist. He is no pop music no. . but he is popular. . as for him doing it by his own rules. . well i dont think he gets to it all his own way fully. if he did he would not have had to fight for his masters. but i respect you opinion and this in mine . . what do you think?/

He's not limited to being mainstream, but he's done a lot of mainstream stuff.

But the great ones don't adapt to the stream, they channel it, at least while they can.

Prince defined much of what was mainstream in the 80's like NWA did for hip hop & the Beatles did for rock/pop.

Mainstream and music? Being 'mainstream' is a result acheived when you reach a critical mass.

Obviously, the music is made prior to release. Only when released can it be accpeted, purchased, and brought into the mainstream.

So...- Were the music, ideas, and visuals made in the form of what was currently mainstream as it was being created?

Certainly Prince was pushing the envelope early in his career in almost every sense. His erotic lyrics caused quite a stir. His ideas have always seemed against the grain to me - and his visuals have helped make him an icon. ...Always HIS way. To me - that ain't mainstream.

...Don't twist it - there are exceptions along the way where Price did something purely pop (Partyman, American Idol appearence) but I think mostly he did it his way.