sexyfunkystrange said:

The title post is a baiting question.

Terrence even from the beginning had always been an outspoken admirer of Prince, and even gave him a guitar as a present when his album debuted.

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

Also someone please back me up on this with the specifics, but I understand that MJ tried to sabatoge him. Is that just a rumor?

In the end, I think Terrence sabatoged his own career, unwittingly, by being too intellectual about his music. Especially lyrically.

As a pure talent, there is no question TTD was in the same leauge as Prince and MJ, but he developed in a completely different direction.

A direction that wasnt interested in pop music and performance.

I agree HIGHLY gifted, one of my favorite voices to listen to, simply pure and amazing

Wishing Well and Sign Your Name - Probably the two most awesome songs from TTD. Now you know that Prince knows how to recognize good talent which I'm sure he has with TTD.

I was lucky enough to see TTD in concert at a tiny club in Washington DC back in 1995 during the Vibrator tour. I was a huge TTD fan but had just gotten into the Vibrator cd weeks before the show was announced. I was lukewarm on the new disc.

The show was one of the most lasting memories of my life. TTD had cut his hair and dyed it blonde. He wore a shiny silver outfit. The show started off with Vibrator followed by Supermodel Sandwich and then rocked all night long. The guitar playing was outstanding. Hearing it live changed my perspective on the cd.

I wasn't drunk and don't do drugs but that performance -- the music and vibe -- just sort of washed over me. It was mesmerizing. It was like sitting there realizing that something great and different was playing out before me and trying to capture it before it went away. It was all I could think about for days.

Funny thing was seeing TTD up close and in person. He was much, much taller than I imagined. He had to be 6'3" or so. He was tremendous shape and looked like a track star or something. His feet were huge and his eyes were alien-like large.

I was so impressed with the raw energy he brought to the show in such an intimate setting. It was basically a bar down near Georgetown called The Bayou or something like that.

I've seen TTD, Prince, and Michael Jackson all in concert. On any given night, TTD could put the other two to shame. Over the long haul though, clearly Prince and MJ are head and shoulders above.

I cannot even believe people are putting Terence in the same category as Prince or MJ!! Terence is in NO way even close to Prince or MJ. HE was just OK, I loved his few hit songs back in the day(like I did other mediocre artists who had decent songs), but never on the same level as Prince or MJ. HE DOES NOT have 1 single song better than Prince!! He is NOT a genius...we need to very careful using that word! Heck if he is a genius, then so is half of the 90s-00s artists, that's what he is compareable to! Prince had NO fear of Terence because he knows he was/is WORLDS above him!

databank said:

Reel said:

Sorry, TTD could not touch MJ. Hell neither can Prince. Both Prince and MJ are like two separate candles lit, and one can never blow out the flame of the other. Heck I'm sure that TTD would even tell you that.

God knows that i love Michael, but take away Quicy Jones, Teddy Riley and other producers and talented musicians he worked with, and we have no clue what would have been left. TTD, like Prince, is his own band and producer.

Please! You act as if MJ didn't do any work on his own stuff! HE did! And he was the creative genius behind alot of his own work, not as much as Prince, but still. And added with these people he was unmatched, most of all by TTD! Ha, with all those great oppotunities, TTD still couldn't even hold a candle to MJ!

robinhood said:

i love wishing well

His ONLY good song! The only one that the majority of people that know him can name! Hell, most people don't even remember him, he was just another washed up 80s dude with a couple of hits. No better than most of the 80s losers that got left in Prince's and MJ's dust!

sexyfunkystrange said:

The title post is a baiting question.

Terrence even from the beginning had always been an outspoken admirer of Prince, and even gave him a guitar as a present when his album debuted.

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

Also someone please back me up on this with the specifics, but I understand that MJ tried to sabatoge him. Is that just a rumor?

In the end, I think Terrence sabatoged his own career, unwittingly, by being too intellectual about his music. Especially lyrically.

As a pure talent, there is no question TTD was in the same leauge as Prince and MJ, but he developed in a completely different direction.

A direction that wasnt interested in pop music and performance.

ernestsewell said:

This is a bogus question.

1) why is Prince afraid of anyone? He's his own man, just like John Wayne, or Liberace.

2) if he is afraid of someone, did he act on that, or react to it?

3) it's very doubtful he, or MJ - both who were solid and well established in their careers with plenty to brag about, had any reservations about TTD.

I cant believe it ernest i agree with you i think it must be a mistake hehaha.

[Bait snip - luv4u]

I'm sure Prince respected and possibly admired Terrence Trent D'Arby's skills

as a musician during his heyday. Musical tastes is subjective. IMO, I do not

think Prince was intimidated by Terence Trent D'Arby , because to me they

are on the same level as far as creative genius! I do not see why orgers have

to diminish the talent of an artist because they are a fan of another? Terrence

Trent D'Arby made wonderful songs like "Let Her down easy" or "Holding on to you"

which is a beautiful song, lyrically and musically, kinda of reminds me of Prince's Rave stuff.

robinhood said:

still really diggin this song

he got his MJ and Prince moves happening in this video

he's a bit pretty too

Yes I see a lot of MJ and Prince, Michael Style dancing and posing, Prince's swagger and the Microphone trick along with the Prince like pout. Its obvious he watched both of them on stage and its easy to make comparisons, but the song, the feel and the video are all uniquely TTD/Sananda. He's got more confidence and more normal than Prince or Michael.

But it was one of his greatest songs/ videos

I don't think he ever feared TTD but I do believe Prince had concerns about Jesse Johnson. TTD had a couple of good songs but in the end was just a singer - he didn't play a single instrument much less the many that Prince plays. BUT I definitely remember a strong rumor going around in '85-'86 that Prince was feeling the heat from Jesse's solo career. Those rumore started in the black music magazines but they spread beyond that after a while.

It makes some sense too.

Why? Because (1) Jesse had done the awesome single and huge hit "Jungle Love" all by himself (a la Prince) for The Time's Ice Cream Castles album; (2) He had written and received a Grammy nomination for best rock instrumental for "Strawberry Shortcake" which he did all by himself for Sheila E's debut album; (3) his solo album debut was outstanding - easily one of the best albums to come out of MLPS other than Prince post-Purple Rain; and (4) he scored a huge coup when he secured the services of funk legend Sly Stone for the first single from Jesse's Shockedelica album. Prince had been trying to get contact with Sly for a couple of years at that point w/no success; and (5) the song "Free World" was a freakin' huge underground funk hit. And it was a B-side! Only Prince had released non-album B-sides as strong as that.

LinnLM1 said:

I don't think he ever feared TTD but I do believe Prince had concerns about Jesse Johnson. TTD had a couple of good songs but in the end was just a singer - he didn't play a single instrument much less the many that Prince plays. BUT I definitely remember a strong rumor going around in '85-'86 that Prince was feeling the heat from Jesse's solo career. Those rumore started in the black music magazines but they spread beyond that after a while.

It makes some sense too.

Why? Because (1) Jesse had done the awesome single and huge hit "Jungle Love" all by himself (a la Prince) for The Time's Ice Cream Castles album; (2) He had written and received a Grammy nomination for best rock instrumental for "Strawberry Shortcake" which he did all by himself for Sheila E's debut album; (3) his solo album debut was outstanding - easily one of the best albums to come out of MLPS other than Prince post-Purple Rain; and (4) he scored a huge coup when he secured the services of funk legend Sly Stone for the first single from Jesse's Shockedelica album. Prince had been trying to get contact with Sly for a couple of years at that point w/no success; and (5) the song "Free World" was a freakin' huge underground funk hit. And it was a B-side! Only Prince had released non-album B-sides as strong as that.

[Bait snip - luv4u]

THETHING66 said:

LinnLM1 said:

I don't think he ever feared TTD but I do believe Prince had concerns about Jesse Johnson. TTD had a couple of good songs but in the end was just a singer - he didn't play a single instrument much less the many that Prince plays. BUT I definitely remember a strong rumor going around in '85-'86 that Prince was feeling the heat from Jesse's solo career. Those rumore started in the black music magazines but they spread beyond that after a while.

It makes some sense too.

Why? Because (1) Jesse had done the awesome single and huge hit "Jungle Love" all by himself (a la Prince) for The Time's Ice Cream Castles album; (2) He had written and received a Grammy nomination for best rock instrumental for "Strawberry Shortcake" which he did all by himself for Sheila E's debut album; (3) his solo album debut was outstanding - easily one of the best albums to come out of MLPS other than Prince post-Purple Rain; and (4) he scored a huge coup when he secured the services of funk legend Sly Stone for the first single from Jesse's Shockedelica album. Prince had been trying to get contact with Sly for a couple of years at that point w/no success; and (5) the song "Free World" was a freakin' huge underground funk hit. And it was a B-side! Only Prince had released non-album B-sides as strong as that.

[Bait snip - luv4u]

Well, you're not the brightest bulb in the bunch, are you? The question was was 'Who did Prince fear', not 'Who do you think is as great as Prince'. From 80-87 Prince shouldn't have feared anyone - he was The Best. BUT, as rumor had it at the time, he did get concerned about Jesse. People wrote about it in magazine articles. He shouldn't have been concerned b/c Prince was far more talented than Jesse (and TTD and everyone else) but sometimes people have irrational thoughts. You sound like you've never had a coherent thought, for instance. The world does need help and you should be at the front of the line ...... my brother.

Everyone gets a bit defensive when it comes to questions like this, but I bet Prince did eye Terence in his rearview mirror. And, tbh, I can see why he would at least have him clocked. (What's that line from Showgirls about how "there's always someone younger and hungrier than you coming down the stairs behind you?") TTD was being touted as the successor to Prince/MJ at the time, and he'd learnt Prince's craft in the same way Prince had learnt from James or Sly or whoever.

Plus, Prince has always seemed like someone who's kind of competitive about his contemporaries. Think of all the stories you hear about impish rivalries with Jesse Johnson, The Time, etc; and I'm sure he did bounce off of what MJ was doing, even if he's since presented himself as being blissfully indifferent or aloof when it came to that. But he was never really above being influenced; especially at that time when his Midas touch was starting to lose some of its lustre, and he seemed to be not quite sure where to go next. (Witness his turnaround on rap between 1988's 'Dead On It' and having Tony M clogging up the payroll by 1991, for example.)

Nothing wrong with any of that, though; it keeps artists on their toes and trying to improve their game. More recently, in fact, Prince seems to bemoan the fact there's no-one out there that's challenging him. I reckon it'd be fair to argue that a shot of competitive energy might've given more recent albums an extra 'something', in fact.

Huggiebear said:

robinhood said:

still really diggin this song

he got his MJ and Prince moves happening in this video

he's a bit pretty too

Yes I see a lot of MJ and Prince, Michael Style dancing and posing, Prince's swagger and the Microphone trick along with the Prince like pout. Its obvious he watched both of them on stage and its easy to make comparisons, but the song, the feel and the video are all uniquely TTD/Sananda. He's got more confidence and more normal than Prince or Michael.

But it was one of his greatest songs/ videos

Prince & MJ's lovechild lol

well, if it's true, it lasted 30 seconds !

Prince joined TTD onstage at Glam Slam in Mpls and stayed for almost the entire show. At TTD's First Ave show in '95 TTD and Prince were joking with each other thru the entire show. TTD even came out at one point, with a wig that resembled Princes new hairstyle and Prince thought it was hilarious. Some of you people are completely clueless to what you are talking about and unfortunately are also the ones who just have to comment on every post. Theres an old saying that goes, 'It's better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you're an idiot, then to open your mouth and prove them right' I suggest some of you, take that advice

sexyfunkystrange said:

The title post is a baiting question.

Terrence even from the beginning had always been an outspoken admirer of Prince, and even gave him a guitar as a present when his album debuted.

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

Also someone please back me up on this with the specifics, but I understand that MJ tried to sabatoge him. Is that just a rumor?

In the end, I think Terrence sabatoged his own career, unwittingly, by being too intellectual about his music. Especially lyrically.

As a pure talent, there is no question TTD was in the same leauge as Prince and MJ, but he developed in a completely different direction.

A direction that wasnt interested in pop music and performance.

I think himbeing so personal really did stop me from liking him..really ..I was confused at where I would even start with him...some like it; but for me it seems like he is reaching out too far when I really don't want all that from him....as a first timer. I loved Wishing Well...but honestly I really don't know what he is actually saying...erotic images flow though his head and monkey see monkey do..right beside a river boat sum sum..ha ha ha////whatever..it's still funky.

He should have been scared. TTD could outsing Prince any day of the week...to bad he ruined his own career

He should have been scared. TTD could outsing Prince any day of the week...to bad he ruined his own career

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

You guys must be joking !

Ok, he was a multi instrumentalist but his songs are corny.

And comparing him to Wilson Pickett & Jackie Wilson... wow i'm shocked !

trickykid59 said:

He should have been scared. TTD could outsing Prince any day of the week...to bad he ruined his own career

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

You guys must be joking !

Ok, he was a multi instrumentalist but his songs are corny.

And comparing him to Wilson Pickett & Jackie Wilson... wow i'm shocked !

I agree..the songs are kinda corny...like sometimes he is trying too hard.

trickykid59 said:

He should have been scared. TTD could outsing Prince any day of the week...to bad he ruined his own career

I am sure Prince respected Terrence and kept his eye on him, never the less.

Terrence was a very raw and new talent, and was HIGHLY gifted.

He could do the splits like Prince. Was a multi instrumentalist who wrote his own songs.

But most important off all,...was his voice.

In terms of sheer, natural and pure vocal tone and feeling, he could stand next to the greatest R&B singers of all time. He was blessed with a Wilson Pickett/Jackie Wilson voice that really a gift from god.

You guys must be joking !

Ok, he was a multi instrumentalist but his songs are corny.

And comparing him to Wilson Pickett & Jackie Wilson... wow i'm shocked !

yeah he's a fruitloop but Prince can't do this: http://www.youtube.com/wa...thncgEEMs0

TRUTH69 said:

Prince joined TTD onstage at Glam Slam in Mpls and stayed for almost the entire show. At TTD's First Ave show in '95 TTD and Prince were joking with each other thru the entire show. TTD even came out at one point, with a wig that resembled Princes new hairstyle and Prince thought it was hilarious. Some of you people are completely clueless to what you are talking about and unfortunately are also the ones who just have to comment on every post. Theres an old saying that goes, 'It's better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you're an idiot, then to open your mouth and prove them right' I suggest some of you, take that advice

This whole statement is totally false!

There were only two, I repeat, ONLY TWO artists whom were completely capable of inheriting Prince's mantle.

Chuckii Booker and Terence Trent D'Arby.

Both could sing their asses off.

Both could play multiple instruments.

Both could write all their own material.

Both could dance.

In fact Terence could do splits and mic stand tricks just like Prince. AND...could do spins just as fast, ..if not faster...than Michael.

In the end, I would edge out Terence just on the basis of the sheer diveresity of the musical styles in his songwriting, the sophistication of his subject matter and his lyrical poetry.

motherfunka said:

TRUTH69 said:

Prince joined TTD onstage at Glam Slam in Mpls and stayed for almost the entire show. At TTD's First Ave show in '95 TTD and Prince were joking with each other thru the entire show. TTD even came out at one point, with a wig that resembled Princes new hairstyle and Prince thought it was hilarious. Some of you people are completely clueless to what you are talking about and unfortunately are also the ones who just have to comment on every post. Theres an old saying that goes, 'It's better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you're an idiot, then to open your mouth and prove them right' I suggest some of you, take that advice

This whole statement is totally false!

Yor teeth are the only thing thats false around her Oh wait I must've been keeping people away from some other Prince at the First Ave show, so he could watch from the stairs and boss musta been playing with a TTD impersonator at Glam Slam. Your funk be stinkin mother. Another stupid ass wanna-be mother fucker acting like they know.

TRUTH69 said:

motherfunka said:

This whole statement is totally false!

Yor teeth are the only thing thats false around her Oh wait I must've been keeping people away from some other Prince at the First Ave show, so he could watch from the stairs and boss musta been playing with a TTD impersonator at Glam Slam. Your funk be stinkin mother. Another stupid ass wanna-be mother fucker acting like they know.

databank said: God knows that i love Michael, but take away Quicy Jones, Teddy Riley and other producers and talented musicians he worked with, and we have no clue what would have been left. TTD, like Prince, is his own band and producer.

then check the albums "Destiny" and "Triumph" by The Jacksons which show MJ as a producer

Can't get into TTD's music as much as I'd like: his voice is a little too gruff for me and his "poetry" is a bit solipsistic and humorless.

Even if I could get into it, Prince's overall output is so *massive*, and so much of it is so, so good, that TTD's slim output could not begin to compete. I'm still discovering brilliant Prince-penned songs I've never heard before, and I've been a fan for years.

I can't get into TTD's music either

TERRENCE TRENT D'ARBY - only 1 great album ("Introducing the Hardline According to..."),

PRINCE - at least 10 great albums (From Dirty Mind to Lovesexy + The Gold Experience),

I don't see why Prince should have fear for.... anyone.

TTD was making some crazy over the top boasts about how good he was in the press back then. It's more likely that Prince was reacting to that in relation to TTD music/output than anything else.