Well, I said Id never post here again due to partiality in moderating... but this topic has really sparked some great comments!
Let me first say that this topic has a very wide field of possible answers. It needs to be narrowed down. Best what of all time? Best musician? Best singer? Writer? Peformer? It seems that most people are taking this to the all time favorite argument.. Who the best.. MJ or Prince?
These 2 were/are the best of all time in different areas. Performers...I see it as a tie, Though, if I absolutely HAD to pick one, I have to give it to MJ. Singers? Michael Jackson. Musicians? Prince hands down! Writer? Prince. Humanitarian? Michael Jackson. Innovator? Both. And the list goes on and on...
Prince will always be my favorite.. But theres things he couldnt touch MJ on, and same goes the other way around.
The one thing that kept Prince from being on the same level with MJ, is his attitude and failure to show affection publicly. What I mean is, he dropped the ball several times to show the world he has a big heart. MJ showed the world more times than we can count. Yes, Prince has done charity work but its over shadowed by his other more unlikeable ways. His failure to participate in We are the World, but MJ was there. Sure he gave a song to the album, but everyone knows he did it just so he would have a "solo" effort on the album and wouldnt have to share the spotlight with"you know who". He failed to show up at James Browns Funeral, but MJ was there. And whether anyone agrees or not, he should have been at MJs memorial. I would almost bet MJ would have been there for Prince's. Its just poor decisions like that, that will forever seperate him from the status MJ reached in his career.
So... yes he is the best of all time at some things but not at everything.

ronnwinter said:

Prince didn't go to his parent's funeral. If he didn't go to his parent's funeral, he isn't going to anyone elses. Some people just don't do funerals. Also, I don't think anyone who watched MJ or James Brown's memorial were sitting in front of their tvs searching to see whether Prince was in attendance. They were to busy honoring and grieving for the perion being memorialized. I'm glad that Prince didn't participate in We Are The World. I liked the purpose behind it but the song was corny. I doubt that many of the artists that participated in the project did anything for that cause after that.

I liked the purpose behind it but the song was corny. I doubt that many of the artists that participated in the project did anything for that cause after that.

ronnwinter said:

Prince didn't go to his parent's funeral. If he didn't go to his parent's funeral, he isn't going to anyone elses. Some people just don't do funerals. Also, I don't think anyone who watched MJ or James Brown's memorial were sitting in front of their tvs searching to see whether Prince was in attendance. They were to busy honoring and grieving for the perion being memorialized. I'm glad that Prince didn't participate in We Are The World. I liked the purpose behind it but the song was corny. I doubt that many of the artists that participated in the project did anything for that cause after that.

candy2277 said:

Well... you pretty much help support my reasoning. But Its not about what a few people think, like you and I, its about what the overwhelming majority think.

candy2277 said:

Well... you pretty much help support my reasoning. But Its not about what a few people think, like you and I, its about what the overwhelming majority think. He got ALOT of bad press for bailing on the We are the World project. NOt showing up at the memorial service didnt help people's view of him at all! And these werent really "funerals", they were memorials. No burials... just recognizing his legacy. Prince was influenced TREMENDOUSLY by James Brown. Musically, Im very influenced by Prince and would find it an honor to attend his memorial.
To see a more "human, heart felt" side of Prince would be a feather in his cap.
After all...all these points that have been made in the comparisons.. what is the one truely big difference between them(besides playing instruments)... Exactly...and thats my point. Thats the one main thing that has seperated the 2.

ronnwinter said:

Memorials and funerals are pretty much the same thing. Trust me nobody noticed or cared whether Prince was at MJ's memorial except for certain folks on the org, so it didn't hurt his image not to be there. If it was a big deal the media would've asked where he was. The media seemed to be more conerned about Liz Taylor, Diana Ross, and Quincy Jones being there. Q Jones IMO is the one whose image is hurt from not being there.

candy2277 said:

Exactly. Those people were associated with MJ. Prince wasn't. Prince is doing OK.

purplecam said:

Wow, talk about missing the point..lol. You guys are right..it didnt hurt his image. Why? because his image is being an ego maniac, which is pointed out on here quite a bit. Again..this is my point. MJ was known all over the world and respected by most of the world, for what? His music and?... and?.. lets say it together... His heart...his charities...his giving. Musically, MJ cant touch Prince. Live performance, its too close to make a difference. Its what they did to make a difference in the world that seperated them the most.
Again.. you people are right about what you say, but its not my point. No, noone expected Prince to be there..because they have come to accept that he just not "that type" of person. And thats NOT a good thing. Imagine if he would have been there, or even sat at a piano and played one of MJs ballads. Millions of people would have seen Prince in a different, more positive light. Say what you will, but deep down, we all know thats the truth.

ronnwinter said:

This is laughable.....

While the love fest continues elsewhere...let's put it out there.

Is he the best of all time?

No one compares (IMO)...and it wouldn't surprise me if the question at the pearly gates is: Did you get Prince's music?

Feel me?

In my estimation, yes.

at least in the music field.

You see, he's done it all, no one else has. He ain't just a musician on stage, he's an untouchable performer too! Lovesexy tour for instance. He just has it all.

I could go on and on about his unrivalled genius.
[Edited 7/7/09 16:38pm]

MJ - I just don't get the hype? never did / never will!!
How can anyone compare him with Prince?
He wasn't fit to lick P's boots in my opinion!
Is everyone forgeting the child abuse cases / face surgery /
kids in masks / etc, etc.... complete and utter weirdo !!
P is the greatest to me, nobody even comes close, he's my
hero and that's all that matters - to me.

It's all about opinion, I say. But Prince is WAY up there, I'll just say that. But I don't know how anyone can say someone is the "best of" as fact, it's as much of an opinion. Same with the MJ thing. Just an opinion.

Timmy84 said:

Nobody can be "best of all time" - there are too many musical acts out there with too many variables.

For example, if the criteria were sales only, Prince would barely rank at all.

Revolution said:

Not!! He's a distant 2nd to Micheal, fanbase & Royalties included.

After the cd "Come", I can't bear to listen to anything new.. That's how bad that cd was.

free0001 said:

Who is denying his ability? If you don't agree he is the #1 Best of All Time, you're not giving him "full and proper respect"... ??

The question is not whether Prince is an amazing talent - - - that is obviously YES to every person here. The question is if he's the best of all time - - - and that is debatable.

free0001 said:

I agree 100%. And I thought I was the only one who thought 3232's remarks were arrogant, not to mention self-absorbed.

^ prince is a goat? wha???