Prince. That one name, that one man, has had as profound an impact on my life as anyone outside of my family ever has had. When I was 12 years old, ten years ago, I heard "7" on the radio and I was sold. I was too young to afford albums, and didn't have my own radio, so until I was 14 I had to rely on randomly hearing tidbits on the radio when I was in the car with my parents.


During one year, from about June of 1994 until the following summer, I bought every album from Prince I could find. I never noticed the weird looks I got from the cashiers, the confused looks my classmates gave me when they saw one of his albums in my backpack. The teasing started gradually, and rest assured it still happens today. Do you have any idea how fucking infuriating it is to walk into your dorm room after being away for the weekend to see that someone has written "FAGGOT" in indelible ink on your $25 dollar Prince poster? It was at that moment that I had a realization. People I talk to over the age of, say, 27, know Prince, and if nothing else respect him. People younger than that don't.


Ok, so we all know most people have no idea that Prince is still making music, and that most people under the age of 25 (an age bracket that I fall into, by the way) wouldn't know real music if it came up and licked their crotch, and so on. For any number of reasons, young people today, and I don't mean just 14 year old girls listening to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, are not doing what the generations before them have done. They are blindly accepting what is given to them. They all listen to the same things, because they are so deathly terrified of being different and ostracized that they believe that they will be forever shunned for being different. All this? Over music? Believe it folks.


I have a radio show on my college station. I play Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, George Clinton, James Brown, you get the idea. I have one of the smallest audiences on the campus. I also have the only funk show. When I tell the kids on my campus (BTW I'm almost 22 I consider myself an adult) that I play a funk show, they say "Oh, you mean like Run DMC?" See what I'm up against?


I wish I had an answer for this. I don't. I know that in some of this post I'm coming across as angry, and that isn't an accident. These things do make me angry. But more than anything else, It makes me sad. In everything that is said in the news today, you see people saying "TV and video games are ruining are children." That may be true, but what is even worse is that people of my generation (which I call "Generation Like," which seems appropriate seeing as how almost everyone I know under the age of 30 says this word at least 250 times in a two minute conversation), we were the ones that were 14 when Gangsta rap hit. We were the 15 and 16 year old kids who worshipped Kurt Cobain and then watched him shoot himself in the head with a shot gun. We were the ones who watched the shootings at Columbine live on TV one spring afternoon, and then the next day guess who the media blames for warping these two bastards into monstrous killers. Marilyn Manson.


What we have now is a youth culture so obsessed with listening to whats cool, what their parents hate, and what the media says is bad for them that they are actually lashing out at anything that doesn't fall into one of those categories. For all of you that keep wondering why Prince isn't selling any records anymore, I've got the answer for you right hear. The young kids buying the records now are the children of people that grew up listening to Prince. Kids do not, and never will, share the musical taste of their parents. I certainly don't like the music that my parents do, and my guess is none of you like the music your old man likes either. What is cool now will be the subject of ridicule in 15 or 20 years, got that?


So, there are the few of us that have access to the airwaves and we'll continue to fight the good fight. Nothing makes a Ja Rule fan's head spin like Parliament tearing through "Up For The Down Stroke." It's fun to watch. Really.


Orgers, remember this one thing. Prince is one of the last great musicians of our time. Maybe he is the very last. Don't ever forget that. For those of us that know, understand, and love the man's music, it is one of the most valuable gifts that we could ever have asked for, and it is one that we take for granted far too often. Think about how many times you've listened to "Lovesexy" and just smiled through the whole album, or how many times you've almost been moved to tears at the end of "Adore," just from the sheer beauty and otherworldly brilliance of the song. Most people never get to feel that way. We did. That, my friends, is something special. So the next time you feel yourself thinking some of the same thoughts I've expressed hear, just let "Joy In Repitition" play in your mind, and remember that people like Prince give us the most valuable gift in the world. Hope.

Beautiful post. I'm 22 and I get ridiculed all the time as well. "Prince? You're kidding, right?" We've got to stick together.

I respect what you are doing with that radio show.

I know there are others here who feel this way.

This is a wonderful post- share your feelings!

I get that ridicule. But at time I feel that it is understandable. I mean c'm on. The man sat naked on a Lilly for an album cover. I didn't like that at all and am the first one to make jokes about it. But I do own the album and have purchased it 3 times and will again if I loose it. I love the album...but not the cover. Also...some of his clothes. not all of them...not most of them, just a small amount, I think he could do without. Like the assless pants. I wish he'd never done that...but whatever. it was a badass song.

I could see how some people who put as much though into prince as I put into System of a Down would think he's a faggot. they don't know much about him at all. except for a couple of singles, which doesn't convey the whole picture. So hey...to each his own.

getwild007 said:

Bow down..respect this person!

Moonbeam said:

The question I get asked the most is "Prince? Isn't he, like, a faggot?" This of course allows me to use the greatest response in the history of Prince witticisms. I just look them in their eyes and say "No, are you?" Seriously, though, I wish there was some way of reaching people. You said "We've got to stick together." You're right. We do. But you know what? I'm trying in my own small way working towards the day when we won't have to anymore. Not by making people love Prince. That never works. Just let them get a taste of something different. Maybe thats the trick.

Great post. I myself was lucky enough to grow up in the '80s, but being a teacher, I get that a lot from my students, their idea of good, quality music is Nelly or Britney Spears, which to me is very sad. I like what your doing with your radio show, keep it up, show 'em what real music is!

lovebizzare said:

Where were all the cool teachers when I was in grade school???
[This message was edited Mon Jan 27 22:55:51 PST 2003 by getwild007]

getwild007 said:

getwild007 said:

Exactly. People have such pre-conceived notions about Prince. EVERY person I've ever exposed to Prince has found something that he/she likes. I don't think it's a coincidence.

Moonbeam said:

Very, very true. Again, it's just that people are so afraid of trying something they think they're peers won't approve of that they automatically shy away from it. Isn't it interesting that, 20 som years after Prince was first a taboo, that he is again but for a completely different reason.

getwild007 said:

Luckily for me, most of my friends aren't too heavily influenced by peer opinions, so it hasn't mattered much. I get requests to play Prince songs sometimes, but they still don't get it. Maybe it is within the realm of acceptability to like a few Prince songs, but not be hardcore.

lovebizzare said:

Sometimes when they're working, I'll play Prince, and they actually like it, so I guess in a way they know what good music is-as long as I don't tell them it's Prince.
[This message was edited Mon Jan 27 23:26:10 PST 2003 by lovebizzare]

When you read post like this it makes you think, well maybe there is hope.

I have been a fan since the 80's and what I have found about most of the people that criticize Prince is,they don't know anything about him. They have never been to one of his concerts they don't own or listen to his music.

The last job I had, I had a picture of Prince in my office and one of the executives came by one day and said Oh, you're a Prince fan, I'm sorry to hear that, and I know that man has never been to a Prince show or doesn't know the first song.

I've been a Prince fan since Soft and Wet. I'm 33 now. To this day I still get static about being a fan. So I have decided to just keep my interest to my-self cuz there aint no sense in trying to explain the complexity of this gifted musician.
However, I will admit that some of the things that he does or the cloths he shows off are sometimes way out there. But never the less, his music is like no other! And cuz of that I will forever be hooked!
klick2me

Supernova said:

Thankfully, there are those of us that were able to see clearly from a young age what was real and what wasn't. Like I said, theres always hope.

Wow...
Every single word made me think...
I'm 22 and I know how people of my age react when the name "Prince" is spoken...

Thanxx

+++THISWARISNOTINMYNAME+++

You Are Truly Amazing Sweetie

im 18 and have a great taste in music (lol)
all the shit my friends listen to is usually awful.
just because someone is young does not mean they know nothing about music...

klick2me said:

Exactly.I'm 33 too and can totally relate to the original posters fantastic post.I find that quite bizarre as naturally i'm surrounded by people my own age.some of which used to like Prince, but seeing as how he doesn't make video's anymore that are widely available and he doesn't hit the radio, they aren't interested.

People are fickle.It doesn't bother me that he's underground now (because he is) infact it makes it all the better being a fan of his music.His body of work is legendary and will continue to grow, unlike 90% of these 'artists' that proliferate the airwaves, he has genuine real talent.That's what's important.

Pretty soon, record companies will be crying out for artists of Prince's calibre.Apparently the industry is dying on it's feet (due to filesharing, they say) i say it's partly due to all the crap it releases.

LONG LIVE PRINCE!

well here in europe the kids all listening 2 house techno and r&b.
now i respect all kinds off music and all tastes .
but when i'm playing at clubs as a d.j .i always put some real music in between the crap.i always play some prince songs (ok mostly the famous ones).but i always have young people comming 2 me asking who is this .ist sounds great.
and most young people are getting sick off todays music.
in the songs off today there is no feeling in it .u can't create a fun party with it or songs off today u can't sing along with like in the 80's.and 70's
and they are missing something but don't no what it is .because they get brainwashed from radio and t.v
now i'm not saying that there is no great music this days.and the 80's and 70's were commercial 2.but it was different.it was still music.
and i'm always proud to be a prince fan.

and its feels good that people like u are not letting the funk slip away.
u are wright prince is the only funkster ou there

Hands up for this guy !!

Yeah !! You're funky !

Well done, beautifully written. I never had thought of Prince's music as hope, but then I realised, it is actually.

Just wondering, why are lots of people so 'worried' about him being homosexual. Like that's a bad thing ??

Well, I'll admit that I'm 40 and I've been a fan most of my life. At first it was for the nasty lyrics, the thought of being unique, but now I realize it was the music. It was because Prince is a very special and unique individual that has so much talent and enthusiam for the "craft."

I've infused Prince's music into my family over the years and I'll admit, it's nice to hear my kid ask for a Prince favorite. Especially when they said, wow that bass is thumpin'.

If I'll never learn anything else, I've learned it's ok to me an individual. I really don't care what other people think or like. I have my own tastes in clothes, music everything.

And to the poster, who wonders why they're obsessed if knowing Prince is homosexual, it's because they're afraid that they themselves may be homosexual. Homophobics are so funny to me, because they're not afraid of others, they're afraid of themselves.

Anyway, EXCELLENT POST.

Like someone said. "Maybe there is hope afterall."

PEACE

I'm 19, so I belong to that generation, too.
I think today music for many young people hast to be "different", "cool", "alternative" or "something else". But not in the actual sense of these words...it's hard for me to put into words... you know, they think Limp Bizkit or Nickelback is alternative or cool.
There are just very few young people (ot people in general) who listen to something really different, something they found themselves, something they stand in for.

Usually, when you listen to Prince, they try to put you down, but I don't care. I really don't because I KNOW this music, I know plenty of other music. If you turn the situation around, when they are in a group of Prince fans (or whomever else) and are mocked for their music taste, they are usually sooo small.

Good God, I'm talking nonsense...did anyone understand this at all?
I think the most important thing is to simply stand behind whatever you do. If you listen to Prince or Nickelback, just be stand behind it.

BTW, one of the NPGMC commentaries is interesting in that aspect, I think it was "Running on empty".

i am 18 . .. . .

2day i was talkin 2 a mate at the football club who i havent seen since last season,talked about how i got a nu car,cd playa & speakers . . .. he sed "what kinda music ya listenin 2?"

i said "Prince"

he was teh typical teenager of this day, . . .he sed "i gotta punch u man" i sed "punch me man,i dont give a shit"
haha a lil girlie punch on the arm later & we were jokin around . . . .

i dont even care,ppl dissin u cos of the music u listen 2 . . .got2 b the most immature,uncreative thing u can come up with.
meanwhile these kinda ppl think Slipknot & Eminem & Xzibit & Ja Rule r musical geniuses.

SAY IT LOUD! . . . 'm a P FAN & 'm PROUD!

Supernova said:

amen!!

p.s. i'm 22 as well...

& another thing . .. . . when i got in2 Prince,was when i was hardcore in2 Britney,NSYNC,all the boy bands u can name . .. .that kinda thing . .. .

& i listened 2 it cos i like dit,not cos it was the "in thing".
if i were in2 the "in thing" back then,i wouldnt b listening 2 Britney & NSYNC,cos thats not what guys listened 2.
if u listened 2 them u were a fag or u were a girl.

in the past 9 months or so i have just been listening to more prince,more rock,more 80s music than ever . .. & just drifted away from that kinda music.not cos it wasnt the "in thing" anymore . . . cos my tastes & listening desires changed.
tho put a NSYNC cd on now,& i'll b doing teh routines,dancingmy as off,singing loud again . . . .
& yep i do really like Justin's album.

my tastes have nothing 2 do with what is hot & current & what is played on the dumbass commercial nationally aired radio shows . . .. it's what i love,what turns me on,what makes me dance,or sing,or cry,or gives me goosebumps.


&as for the "Kids do not, and never will, share the musical taste of their parents." theory...
my dad has always & still does listen 2 Elvis Presley (he is his music idol,has been since Dad was a teenager) & the 50s/60s groups in that 'jukebox' era . . . .& i have always loved that music because that is all that was in the house til i was 7 & discovered MichaelJackson.

& that music is still in the house,& i love listening 2 Del Shannon & the Everly Brothers & Otis redding & all those sounds.....The Doors,Jimi (whom i discovered myself really) & so on . . . . .
it is beautiful music,& the kind of sound & feeling that is timeless.
that music takes me away as much as a Prince,INXS,BonJovi, Bruce Springsteen, or Lenny Kravitz record can take me away...
heck,one day myself & dad went in2 the local community radio station & chatted on air with a lady named Judith,who does a rock&roll/rockabilly,oldies/country show . . .. .& dad & myself came in,talked on air about rare Elvis records we own,played a couple of selections,& I DID MOST OF THE TALKING.

the beautiful thing about music,is something can be recorded,a song,a voice,a guitar . . . .& it can be passed down thru the generations forever . . . .
i know i will make sure that all the music i own,especially Prince,will be handed down 2 my children when i finally go,& hope they enjoy it as much as i have & also the music my dad bought when he was a teenager . . . .so they can see where the passion 4 listening to music began in my family.


ok did i ramble 2 much?


peace
love
joshua

PS: i know i dont hav a way with words like getwild or moonbeam . . . but oh well
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
[This message was edited Tue Jan 28 6:51:47 PST 2003 by Joshy84au]
[This message was edited Tue Jan 28 7:04:54 PST 2003 by Joshy84au]