Ok, with all the unmerited comparisons to Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, Pharrell, Andre 3000 and whoever the hell else, I thought it was time to show the man some love and appreciation. Also, things need to be brought into perspective as they have gotten out of hand IMHO.

Prince is a genius, a visionary, a living legend who is not content to rest on his laurels. He is an amazing singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, pianist, drummer, band leader and more. His live shows are seemingly mythological experiences. His musicianship and showmanship are unparalleled. He simply has no equal.

Yes he has many influences, but rather than simply copy those influences (like so many of today's artists do) he has synthesized his influences into one unique sonic force. He has effortlessly traversed the worlds of funk, soul, rock, jazz and blues creating a sound that is unmistakably his. He has released great music in four different decades and continues to evolve as a musician and songwriter. The man has more than 24 albums and each one of them contains musical gems. He is not afraid to explore the infinite possibilities that music offers, unlike those who are stuck in one vein for hits sake.

His influence on subsequent generations is evident. He is a true artist who has never been afraid to take chances - sometimes they hit with the mainstream, sometimes they miss. At the end of the day, the hits far outweigh the misses.

Not only has Prince taken chances musically, he's taken them with business. He has been a pioneer in the music/entertainment industry from the very beginning and continues today – NPGMC, Get Wild Cologne (now everyone has one), The Musicology CD/concert ticket deal, these handshake deals for distribution with major labels, having complete artistic control at 17 years old, the films (whether good or bad), building Paisley Park – a successful state of the art studio in Minneapolis, etc. He always keeps trying something different and you have to respect the man for that whether you agree with what he's trying or not.

There is NO ONE in music today who warrants a comparison to Prince. It is the epitome of an apples/oranges comparison. I'm sorry. You can compare them to each other or lesser musicians from the past, but that's about it. To compare them to Prince is completely illogical to me. If you want to talk about Prince's influence on these acts then that is more logical. Some of the same people who cringe when folks compare MJ to Prince are now comparing Prince to these acts who can't even hold a candle to MJ. It's mind boggling.

Nice

I love Prince more than many of my relatives

He's da man!

Well said,bellanoche! Very nice and I agree 100%

I love and appreciate Prince so much
No one has,can or ever will compare to him in my eyes and my heart

Ya but he does look a lil like Ben Stiller...

I`m very thankful for Prince

christos7 said:

lol

If you've ever read my posts, you know I have nothing but love and appreciation for Prince!

So right now, I just want to show you some appreciation, Bellanoche!! Thank you for knowing what needed to be said and not being afraid to say it!!

I totally agree!! Bravo!!!

Thank You!

I could say something. But...

I won't.

Let the Boy have his moment.

Thank you Bellanoche! No one compares to Prince.

But isn't it the highest degree of appreciation all these people are influenced by him?

Not said to take thunder from the appreciation he deserves, of course. I mean, he still gots the most diverse male voice out there.

Props to Prince being diverse!

Mighty truth!! I so agree!
Even these some artists that some people often compares 2 Prince say that they know that even though is a compliment 2 be compared 2 him, they know that there's no one like Prince in bizz!

Gwen, JT and Andre already stated this...that they're influenced by him, but don't dare 2 compare themselves 2 him!

so why should we?

dre

bellanoche said:

oh shush. nothing compares to Prince, except mayb his Camille. isnt that obvious by now?

if ur givin ur power away to weakness, best u get urself some conviction. x

THE BEST...EVER!

YUP!

Revolution said:

that u know of

Bellanoche, I agree. Prince is truly unique and a musical genius.

gyro34 said:

duh. lets all rejoice in stating the obvious. like he needs to hear it. lol.

sacredwarrior said:

Yes, he does.

gyro34 said:

That's right bellanoche! Prince's incredible fusion of so many different genre's does make him a unique and exceptional musician. He definately influenced me to appreciate other types of music other than plain old rap and r&B. Let's Go Crazy was kind of the first rock song where I appeciated the sound of the electrical guitar and rather than just jamming to a funky beat, I find myself appreciating different parts of the song, like the hornz, keyboards, guitar etc. As much as I think JT is okay, he does not bring that type of influence out of me, none whatsoever.

gyro34 said:

u walked straight into that one dintcha. x

sacredwarrior said:

Nicely said and thank you .

thekidsgirl said:

Girl you are so cute!

bellanoche said:

AGREED. Good post Bell.

I agree 100%. I've been saying this for 13 years on the PPML, Alt.Prince, and now here.