I came to the conclusion that Prince is the Greatest Artist That ever Lived (Yes, Michael Was More Popular, And I love him... But Prince is more talented. We never saw Michael Playing A funky guitar solo in his performances like P does)

I mean, This Guy knows how to play Like 30 Instruments, He knows how to act, sing, dance, perform... And besides that, he's just so Spiritual, He is a philanthropist.

I'm not saying that all his songs are great (Since we all fucking hated Purple and gold, and I'm on my way to hate Everybody loves me) Cuz I'm not a Yes Man; but you All are his fans, You know What I mean when I say The man is A Genius, and you know that it's true, I don't think That I need to explain it. Just think of the Very first Time you heard When doves cry And tell me if I'm wrong.

So, the thing is that Prince Sings In all his concerts, he plays Lots of Intruments and dance too. And He has 7 grammys, I think.

Madonna, She Does Playback in her performances Most of the time, And when she came to Venezuela like three years ago, She didn't play her guitar... SHE PRETENDED PLAYING GUITAR. And she has 13 Grammys... The double that prince has.

Why?!

He was Extremely famous In the 80s and 90s, But now a days, The people ask you: "Who are you listening to? Prince? Who the fuck is he? Girl, you need to hear real Music" (I've been told)

Plus, he was #33 In the rolling stone's Great Guitarrist List. Ironically, when I was reading that list, I was Listening to the Question of U guitar solo

I just don't get It

I kind of understand/agree what you are saying but Prince doesn't play 30 instruments. Handclapsandfingasnaps and such doesn't count.

Prince is the greatest musician to ever do it but I wish you woulda left Mike oughtta this

nursev said:

Prince is the greatest musician to ever do it but I wish you woulda left Mike oughtta this

Given the topic & subject matter, I'd say it's a fair comparison.

[Edited 4/7/12 19:46pm]

If Prince is underrated, it is for one singular reason: His lack of business/promotion.

Prince easily could have the kind of pop culture impact of U2 or Madonna upon each album release and tour.

When he wants to play the game, like in 2004, he does.

However, I think that he doesn't give a shit and doesn't seem to want to stick with a project as long as U2 or Madonna do.

Bottom line: He doesn't market himself as well as he could to the masses. That's why he is underrated.

[Edited 4/7/12 20:12pm]

skywalker said:

If Prince is underrated, it is for one singular reason: His lack of business/promotion.

Prince easily could have the kind of pop culture impact of U2 or Madonna upon each album release and tour.

When he wants to play the game, like in 2004, he does.

However, I think that he doesn't give a shit and doesn't seem to want to stick with a project as long as U2 or Madonna do.

Bottom line: He doesn't market himself as well as he could to the masses. That's why he is underrated.

[Edited 4/7/12 20:12pm]

^^^^truth.com

GIOShokadelica said:

He knows how to act

This is debatable.

rdhull said:

I kind of understand/agree what you are saying but Prince doesn't play 30 instruments. Handclapsandfingasnaps and such doesn't count.

Exactly - neither does 12 different types of keyboard based instruments or 8 guitar based instruments

nursev said:

Prince is the greatest musician to ever do it but I wish you woulda left Mike oughtta this

Nah Don't Get Me wrong Sweetheart, I'm a MJ's Hardcore Fan Over the Last Eleven years And I'm 16, But let's Be realistic. I know that MJ Knows how to Play Guitar, Bass, Drums and Piano, But unfortunately We've never get to see him Playing 'Em Live.

GIOShokadelica said:

nursev said:

Prince is the greatest musician to ever do it but I wish you woulda left Mike oughtta this

Nah Don't Get Me wrong Sweetheart, I'm a MJ's Hardcore Fan Over the Last Eleven years And I'm 16, But let's Be realistic. I know that MJ Knows how to Play Guitar, Bass, Drums and Piano, But unfortunately We've never get to see him Playing 'Em Live.

You should have left him out of this because everyone will start talking about him, and then the thread will get .

[Edited 4/7/12 21:11pm]

CrabalockerFishwife said:

GIOShokadelica said:

He knows how to act

This is debatable.

Well, I mean He Doesn't act Like Al Pacino But he's pretty good at it, I think that he did a Great Job In PR. The scene Where His Father Shoot Himself and The Kid Is Answering questions to the Police... Even tho He isn't Even talking, But you can see the Desperation that he was trying to comunicate In his eyes... Just Saying

Anyway, I think a lot of people 'underrate' him, but I think it's because...

skywalker said:

If Prince is underrated, it is for one singular reason: His lack of business/promotion.

Bottom line: He doesn't market himself as well as he could to the masses. That's why he is underrated.

[Edited 4/7/12 20:59pm]

I don't think he's that underrated. Lots of people talk about him with lots of respect.

Grammys have a lot to do with popularity. I mean, Milli Vanilli got a grammy! It doesn't mean a thing.

When Prince did the superbowl, everybody was raving about it. But like Skywalker siad, he has made some really strange choices of the years. The guy doens't even have a website!

He took his video's from youtube, changed his name (marketing wise, you just don't do that).

Go to Madonna's website, it's packed with information and it gets updates....and it doesn't cost you 77$

FunkyStrange said:

I think Prince is generally underrated by the masses simply due to his imagery, and his contradictorary nature. He just doesn't fit neatly into the boxes that society expects. E.g. the whole "Is he black or white, straight or gay?" thing... the religion vs. sexuality thing... He's too "pop" for the alternative scene, and too "alternative" for the pop scene... Is it rock? is it funk? or is it RnB?... It's like he's the most popular "underground" artist there is.

Fact is the "general public" like things that fit neatly into boxes, but Prince seems to have a knack - a desire if you will - to find those grey areas between the boxes and exploit them to his benefit. That's his strongest selling point, but also the thing that prevents him from reaching uber-fame.

toejam said:

He's too "pop" for the alternative scene, and too "alternative" for the pop scene... Is it rock? is it funk? or is it RnB?

I agree with this, too. I know rock fans who won't listen to him because he also does dance and r&b music; and people I know who like pop music don't like him because he doesn't follow the current trends, so they consider him 'irrelevant'.

I dont really think he is underrated to be honest.

He is just not as visible anymore and perhaps wast ever quite as visible as him main contempories during the 80s heyday.

I think when the people "who know" as it were look into such things, he will be on the top of the pile.

Paddy x

relax its early days

30-50 years probably he will start getting PROPER dues

toejam said:

I think Prince is generally underrated by the masses simply due to his imagery, and his contradictorary nature. He just doesn't fit neatly into the boxes that society expects. E.g. the whole "Is he black or white, straight or gay?" thing... the religion vs. sexuality thing... He's too "pop" for the alternative scene, and too "alternative" for the pop scene... Is it rock? is it funk? or is it RnB?... It's like he's the most popular "underground" artist there is.

Fact is the "general public" like things that fit neatly into boxes, but Prince seems to have a knack - a desire if you will - to find those grey areas between the boxes and exploit them to his benefit. That's his strongest selling point, but also the thing that prevents him from reaching uber-fame.

toejam,

You've articulated a brilliant point.

That is very insightful.

love,

Spirit

How the fuck is he underrated?

He is one of the most respected and loved musicians ever. There are a lot of people that don't like him of course, but that's just due to their underdeveloped understanding of music and stereotypical views on gender roles.

Padstar said:

I dont really think he is underrated to be honest.

He is just not as visible anymore and perhaps wast ever quite as visible as him main contempories during the 80s heyday.

I think when the people "who know" as it were look into such things, he will be on the top of the pile.

Paddy x

Well said. Nothing last forever. When he was on top of the game he got mucho coverage, props, and respect. Now he still gets the props and respect. Coverage, not so much.

novabrkr said:

How the fuck is he underrated?

He is one of the most respected and loved musicians ever. There are a lot of people that don't like him of course, but that's just due to their underdeveloped understanding of music and stereotypical views on gender roles.

Okay, novabrkr.

That, too, is an excellent point, if, a touch, aggressive.

I hope you're well, bugs bunny.

love,

Spirit

BECAUSE THE PUBLIC ARE STUPID

novabrkr said:

How the fuck is he underrated?

He is one of the most respected and loved musicians ever. There are a lot of people that don't like him of course, but that's just due to their underdeveloped understanding of music and stereotypical views on gender roles.

It's true that a lot of people are unaware of Prince's skills or throw them ot of their memory. Something about Prince doesn't stick with the public. It might be simply that he needs a superhero publicist at all times.

Madonna on the other hand seems to stick with the public even if she's doing nothing or releasing unsuccessful films. People think of her and thin pop genius and remember things.

I think the more recent flodding of youtube with great Prince stuff is helping start a ripple of awareness.

GIOShokadelica said:

I came to the conclusion that Prince is the Greatest Artist That ever Lived

With a Time Machine, I could fix it. Other than that, I know his business sense is a huge reason why. He's proven he would be a great GM for my Orlando Magic. He'd probably hire Isiah Thomas as coach, and then have Shelby be director of scouting, and put Andy Allo as director of marketing. When the Magic get behind more than 30 points, Shelby would come in and start the "Put Your Hands Up" intellectual chant.

To make this as brief as possible, If I could go back in time and be a Warner's executive, I'd put a contract in front of him in July 1984, requiring a new album be released only every 3 years, not a day sooner. There would be a requirement of an outtakes collection every 10 years, and it would be up to Prince how much music would be on it. It could be 2 discs, it could be 20, as long as the best songs ended up on the albums every 3 years.

To ensure he agree to this, there would be a $40 million advance to sign the contract, and a $10 million advance for every album. He would only do one interview every album release, to ensure there was still some mystery element to him. There would be sales incentives for his royalty rates, but they would not be so absurd that he would try to sell out any more than he already had.

His concerts would be contracted to include 22 full length songs with no medleys, and would require a well-paid high quality musician on every instrument. Warners would pay for the musicans out of the terms of the deal. No backup female singers yelling "Put Your Hands Up" 500 times a night. Each show would be contracted to be 2 hours and 20 minutes minimum, and Prince would be required to sing a good portion of the show. No holding the microphone to let the audience do the work.

The Album releases could have ended up like this:

1987 SOTT (Singles 1 Kiss 2 Housequake (first two singles before albums's release) 3 SOTT 4 U Got The Look 5 I Could Never 6 Forever In My Life 7 Paisley Park

1990 (Whatever) (Singles 1 Thieves In The Temple 2 Anna Stesia 3 Raspberry Beret 4 When 2 R In Love 5 Nothing Compares 2 U

1993(Whatever) (Singles 1 Cream 2 Diamonds And Pearls 3 7 4 She's Always In My Hair

With this marketing strategy, Prince doesn't have the over publicity he had before, he actually saves great songs for different albums, he still has the awesome album tracks, and instead of most of the concerts being great, all of them are, giving him the reputation as a Top Sales artist who is also critically acclaimed. Nobody goes to a concert wondering why Tony M, Damon D, and Kirk Johnson are on stage in stupid Star Trek Next Generation Uniforms.

There is a massive buildup for every album, with a true marketing strategy, and Prince treats people like people, which gives him a great reputation in the business. He releases live albums for each tour, and the occasional video. In 2006, he releases a 10 DVD box set of unreleased shows that sells for $89.99, and gets rave reviews.

The band would've been epic. Wendy & Lisa would've remained onstage, but their main role would be more of a creative consultant's role in the studio.

Guitars: Miko, Wendy, and sometimes Dez Dickerson

Bass: Sonny T

Drums: Sheila E, and eventually shared role with Michael B

Keys: Lisa, Dr Fink, and sometimes Tommy B

Horns: Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and sometimes Greg Boyer

This is the Prince we could've had at best. This guy would have reputations like U2, like The Beatles. Despite all the crap Prince has pulled, I'm still happy with his career, but it is easy to think about what could have been.

stillwaiting said:

With a Time Machine, I could fix it. Other than that, I know his business sense is a huge reason why. He's proven he would be a great GM for my Orlando Magic. He'd probably hire Isiah Thomas as coach, and then have Shelby be director of scouting, and put Andy Allo as director of marketing. When the Magic get behind more than 30 points, Shelby would come in and start the "Put Your Hands Up" intellectual chant.

To make this as brief as possible, If I could go back in time and be a Warner's executive, I'd put a contract in front of him in July 1984, requiring a new album be released only every 3 years, not a day sooner. There would be a requirement of an outtakes collection every 10 years, and it would be up to Prince how much music would be on it. It could be 2 discs, it could be 20, as long as the best songs ended up on the albums every 3 years.

To ensure he agree to this, there would be a $40 million advance to sign the contract, and a $10 million advance for every album. He would only do one interview every album release, to ensure there was still some mystery element to him. There would be sales incentives for his royalty rates, but they would not be so absurd that he would try to sell out any more than he already had.

His concerts would be contracted to include 22 full length songs with no medleys, and would require a well-paid high quality musician on every instrument. Warners would pay for the musicans out of the terms of the deal. No backup female singers yelling "Put Your Hands Up" 500 times a night. Each show would be contracted to be 2 hours and 20 minutes minimum, and Prince would be required to sing a good portion of the show. No holding the microphone to let the audience do the work.

The Album releases could have ended up like this:

1987 SOTT (Singles 1 Kiss 2 Housequake (first two singles before albums's release) 3 SOTT 4 U Got The Look 5 I Could Never 6 Forever In My Life 7 Paisley Park

1990 (Whatever) (Singles 1 Thieves In The Temple 2 Anna Stesia 3 Raspberry Beret 4 When 2 R In Love 5 Nothing Compares 2 U

1993(Whatever) (Singles 1 Cream 2 Diamonds And Pearls 3 7 4 She's Always In My Hair

With this marketing strategy, Prince doesn't have the over publicity he had before, he actually saves great songs for different albums, he still has the awesome album tracks, and instead of most of the concerts being great, all of them are, giving him the reputation as a Top Sales artist who is also critically acclaimed. Nobody goes to a concert wondering why Tony M, Damon D, and Kirk Johnson are on stage in stupid Star Trek Next Generation Uniforms.

There is a massive buildup for every album, with a true marketing strategy, and Prince treats people like people, which gives him a great reputation in the business. He releases live albums for each tour, and the occasional video. In 2006, he releases a 10 DVD box set of unreleased shows that sells for $89.99, and gets rave reviews.

The band would've been epic. Wendy & Lisa would've remained onstage, but their main role would be more of a creative consultant's role in the studio.

Guitars: Miko, Wendy, and sometimes Dez Dickerson

Bass: Sonny T

Drums: Sheila E, and eventually shared role with Michael B

Keys: Lisa, Dr Fink, and sometimes Tommy B

Horns: Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and sometimes Greg Boyer

This is the Prince we could've had at best. This guy would have reputations like U2, like The Beatles. Despite all the crap Prince has pulled, I'm still happy with his career, but it is easy to think about what could have been.

I probably would not even be into Prince if all this had played out this way!

stillwaiting said:

With a Time Machine, I could fix it. Other than that, I know his business sense is a huge reason why. He's proven he would be a great GM for my Orlando Magic. He'd probably hire Isiah Thomas as coach, and then have Shelby be director of scouting, and put Andy Allo as director of marketing. When the Magic get behind more than 30 points, Shelby would come in and start the "Put Your Hands Up" intellectual chant.

To make this as brief as possible, If I could go back in time and be a Warner's executive, I'd put a contract in front of him in July 1984, requiring a new album be released only every 3 years, not a day sooner. There would be a requirement of an outtakes collection every 10 years, and it would be up to Prince how much music would be on it. It could be 2 discs, it could be 20, as long as the best songs ended up on the albums every 3 years.

To ensure he agree to this, there would be a $40 million advance to sign the contract, and a $10 million advance for every album. He would only do one interview every album release, to ensure there was still some mystery element to him. There would be sales incentives for his royalty rates, but they would not be so absurd that he would try to sell out any more than he already had.

His concerts would be contracted to include 22 full length songs with no medleys, and would require a well-paid high quality musician on every instrument. Warners would pay for the musicans out of the terms of the deal. No backup female singers yelling "Put Your Hands Up" 500 times a night. Each show would be contracted to be 2 hours and 20 minutes minimum, and Prince would be required to sing a good portion of the show. No holding the microphone to let the audience do the work.

The Album releases could have ended up like this:

1987 SOTT (Singles 1 Kiss 2 Housequake (first two singles before albums's release) 3 SOTT 4 U Got The Look 5 I Could Never 6 Forever In My Life 7 Paisley Park

1990 (Whatever) (Singles 1 Thieves In The Temple 2 Anna Stesia 3 Raspberry Beret 4 When 2 R In Love 5 Nothing Compares 2 U

1993(Whatever) (Singles 1 Cream 2 Diamonds And Pearls 3 7 4 She's Always In My Hair

With this marketing strategy, Prince doesn't have the over publicity he had before, he actually saves great songs for different albums, he still has the awesome album tracks, and instead of most of the concerts being great, all of them are, giving him the reputation as a Top Sales artist who is also critically acclaimed. Nobody goes to a concert wondering why Tony M, Damon D, and Kirk Johnson are on stage in stupid Star Trek Next Generation Uniforms.

There is a massive buildup for every album, with a true marketing strategy, and Prince treats people like people, which gives him a great reputation in the business. He releases live albums for each tour, and the occasional video. In 2006, he releases a 10 DVD box set of unreleased shows that sells for $89.99, and gets rave reviews.

The band would've been epic. Wendy & Lisa would've remained onstage, but their main role would be more of a creative consultant's role in the studio.

Guitars: Miko, Wendy, and sometimes Dez Dickerson

Bass: Sonny T

Drums: Sheila E, and eventually shared role with Michael B

Keys: Lisa, Dr Fink, and sometimes Tommy B

Horns: Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and sometimes Greg Boyer

This is the Prince we could've had at best. This guy would have reputations like U2, like The Beatles. Despite all the crap Prince has pulled, I'm still happy with his career, but it is easy to think about what could have been.

His reputation is solid as one of the greatest to ever do it. That other shit you posted is on some lame authoritarian bullshit.

stillwaiting said:

With a Time Machine, I could fix it. Other than that, I know his business sense is a huge reason why. He's proven he would be a great GM for my Orlando Magic. He'd probably hire Isiah Thomas as coach, and then have Shelby be director of scouting, and put Andy Allo as director of marketing. When the Magic get behind more than 30 points, Shelby would come in and start the "Put Your Hands Up" intellectual chant.

To make this as brief as possible, If I could go back in time and be a Warner's executive, I'd put a contract in front of him in July 1984, requiring a new album be released only every 3 years, not a day sooner. There would be a requirement of an outtakes collection every 10 years, and it would be up to Prince how much music would be on it. It could be 2 discs, it could be 20, as long as the best songs ended up on the albums every 3 years.

To ensure he agree to this, there would be a $40 million advance to sign the contract, and a $10 million advance for every album. He would only do one interview every album release, to ensure there was still some mystery element to him. There would be sales incentives for his royalty rates, but they would not be so absurd that he would try to sell out any more than he already had.

His concerts would be contracted to include 22 full length songs with no medleys, and would require a well-paid high quality musician on every instrument. Warners would pay for the musicans out of the terms of the deal. No backup female singers yelling "Put Your Hands Up" 500 times a night. Each show would be contracted to be 2 hours and 20 minutes minimum, and Prince would be required to sing a good portion of the show. No holding the microphone to let the audience do the work.

The Album releases could have ended up like this:

1987 SOTT (Singles 1 Kiss 2 Housequake (first two singles before albums's release) 3 SOTT 4 U Got The Look 5 I Could Never 6 Forever In My Life 7 Paisley Park

1990 (Whatever) (Singles 1 Thieves In The Temple 2 Anna Stesia 3 Raspberry Beret 4 When 2 R In Love 5 Nothing Compares 2 U

1993(Whatever) (Singles 1 Cream 2 Diamonds And Pearls 3 7 4 She's Always In My Hair

With this marketing strategy, Prince doesn't have the over publicity he had before, he actually saves great songs for different albums, he still has the awesome album tracks, and instead of most of the concerts being great, all of them are, giving him the reputation as a Top Sales artist who is also critically acclaimed. Nobody goes to a concert wondering why Tony M, Damon D, and Kirk Johnson are on stage in stupid Star Trek Next Generation Uniforms.

There is a massive buildup for every album, with a true marketing strategy, and Prince treats people like people, which gives him a great reputation in the business. He releases live albums for each tour, and the occasional video. In 2006, he releases a 10 DVD box set of unreleased shows that sells for $89.99, and gets rave reviews.

The band would've been epic. Wendy & Lisa would've remained onstage, but their main role would be more of a creative consultant's role in the studio.

Guitars: Miko, Wendy, and sometimes Dez Dickerson

Bass: Sonny T

Drums: Sheila E, and eventually shared role with Michael B

Keys: Lisa, Dr Fink, and sometimes Tommy B

Horns: Eric Leeds, Atlanta Bliss, and sometimes Greg Boyer

This is the Prince we could've had at best. This guy would have reputations like U2, like The Beatles. Despite all the crap Prince has pulled, I'm still happy with his career, but it is easy to think about what could have been.

We need to hide all DeLoreans and flux capacitor's from stillwaiting. And for the love of God, don't share your plutonium with him!!

[Edited 4/8/12 9:43am]

rdhull said:

I kind of understand/agree what you are saying but Prince doesn't play 30 instruments. Handclapsandfingasnaps and such doesn't count.

I always laugh when the 'over 30 instruments' line is used, as I like to try and list 30 well known instruments (but not horns, cos we know he doesn't play them) and then try to imagine Prince playing them!

Ok, so..

Guitar

Drums

Bass

Keyboard

Percussion

organ

purpleaxx (even though it's just a keyboard)

linn drum machine (at a stretch)

er...

harmonica

Recorder

stylophone

Harpsichord

accordian

triangle

spoons

comb & paper

xylophone

pan pipes

bagpipes

muppaphone

gong

sleighbells

theremin

Major Morgan..

Kazoo

err.... Any more? That's only 25 and I've run out.

*kazoo edit

[Edited 4/8/12 9:46am]