Hey Y'all,

Was listening to the Black Album on the way to work today, and as I was bopping along, I realised that it is actually I really positive record! Le Grind is a rally fun uptemo number, Cindy C has a rap about how music can help you rise above depression, drugs and poverty...When 2 R in love is one of his most soulful ballads, and of course Rockhard in a Funky place...da bomb! Sure, it has it's freaky moments, but even Bob George kinda brings a smile to my face, it's a big cartoon! It's not meant to be taken seriously (at least I don't take it seriously). And I can't hear the slappy poppy bass in 2 Nigs without grinning like the Joker!

So I don't really buy into Prince's "ooh it's all to dark for y'all, don't wanna be remembered for this" excuse for shelving it last minute. Thank God he didn't get hit by a bus right after "Come" came out...a much darker record in my view (but, y'know, awesome as well).

Hatman said:

Something like "Bob George" I think can be seen as Prince at his mostly dark yet comical. I agree though about the album. Now, it's not "Lovesexy" positive, which is like euphoric, but it's not that evil. I would also say that "Come" is much darker....easily his most sinister collection. Would have been interesting to contrast it with the "Gold Experience".

Bob George and SuperfunkyCaliwhatever are probably the darker tracks.
Even by today's standards BobGeorge is a bit unnerving.


But I agree with critics who think Prince shelved mostly cause he was unhappy with the overall quality of the Black Album. Some say he was trying to respond to the new hip hop acts and other r&b acts which were starting to make him seem more 'old school' then trend setter. If you listen to LoveSexy, you'll see that LoveSexy doesn't sound like a reaction to anything--it's crazy as hell. Way out in left field.

I just don't buy that the black album was too 'dark for Prince's taste. He's done dark albums like COME (note the track Papa or solo)--I think Prince just wasn't satisfied with the quality/output. Shame cause I thought the black album was pretty cool.

Imago said:

the album was made with songs that were gonna be played at cats birthday. thats all. he never pretended to release it as a major thing.

yea with all the hype and mystery around it i avoided i heavily. i thought he'd be screaming "worship satan!" or "i wanna killlll myselllllf!"

when i actually heard it it was like a nother prince album. so defineitly (sp) i feel it was intentionally hyped up to be that way.

but after all, he may have been going through something really hard and doesnt want to have that period live on musically.

hwbefhbwvfbqiiuvb said:

It was pressed, placed in boxes and shipped to retailers.

Prince pulled it at the last minute.

It *was* a major release. Part of the buzz around it was for that specific reason--that he pulled it at the last minute.

Imago said:

OH YEAH, thats why no Prince promotion or even his name on the cover.
a very major "prince" album haha

hwbefhbwvfbqiiuvb said:

ATWIAD had no promotion either.
But no matter, I'm not even sure how your argument augments my original post.

Nvncible1 said:

Wasn't the black album produced/recorded around the time he he had a near-death experience because he overdosed on ecstasy? (I stand to be corrected) BUT if that's the reason, then I can understand why, cause the overdose effects of E is a mutha!
Has anyone tried playin some of the songs backwards to see if there are hidden msgs?

JayJai said:

He didn't have a 'near death' experience, apparently he had some kind of 'revelation' from taking AN ecstasy tablet... that's what has been documented. I don't know where 'near death' experience came from! Oh, and the Black Album was all ready to go when he had the 'experience', that's when he decided to pull it, they were already in the back of lorries on their way to the record stores I think!!
..
[Edited 12/7/08 11:26am]

Nvncible1 said:

Hmmm... not too far off though....

hwbefhbwvfbqiiuvb said:

So you think it was shipped to retail as a secret birthday album then? So Prince could get a copy of his secret birthday album at any Sam Goody he happened to be near at the time?

Imago said:

OH YEAH (II), no raspberry beret video, no america video, no paisley park video, no prince and the revolution name on the album, no presentation to warner executives party video etc etc...

Jeffiner said:

No his bony ass couldnt handle it.. simple lol

Mars23 said:

I don't think any response matters
It's a troll account of some kind and those statements aren't very well thought out.

Is it a P&R alter?



hwbefhbwvfbqiiuvb, what is your primary account?

IAintTheOne said:

Now now, get your facts right Prince does NOT have a 'bony' ass

Imago said:

wow just because i disagree and give enough reasons u call me a troll?

thats a serious accusation.

and ur wrong.

now, are u still 13 or just turned 14 yesterday?

the issue is what matters not my persona.

Mars23 said:

no, where did i say that silly thing?

read again what i said and then drink all ur milk kid.

it feels so weird to have a stalker after whatever i write in the org.

hey , do u have a life?