KingSausage said:

I can't fucking believe some people are still bothered by what Prince said. Go talk about his baldness or whatever instead.

Strange isn't it?

Sadly, If Beck had made the comments people would be screaming that he is trivialising black lives as disposable as books and albums.

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

SquirrelMeat said:

Sadly, If Beck had made the comments people would be screaming that he is trivialising black lives as disposable as books and albums.

NO they wouldnt - or at least not rational and/or intelligent people.

[Edited 2/9/15 11:56am]

Noodled24 said:

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

Exactly.

Averett said:

Noodled24 said:

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

Exactly.

If some are too racist to accept the fact that Prince is black and proud of it, the problem is wholly and completely theirs. It would be easy for Prince to forget and avoid it like so many black celebrities. That trademark courage and individuality to stand up and speak out is part of what makes him great and a reason that he is a hero to so many.

I think he phrased it well when saying it, but I don't think it comes off as a "killer line" in those memes they've already made of him.

JoshuaWho said:

Averett said:

Speaking to the issue when its actually happening versus 2 to 3 months later seems like a more appropriate time. Prolonged silence with a comment only way after the fact seems pretty weak to me. And artist have used their musical performances on SNL to make social statements... as Sinead proved, you don't need to come onto SNL to speak in order to have a voice.

[Edited 2/9/15 11:27am]

Why rule book indicats what the "more appropriate time" is? How has the authority to dictate what is the most appropriate time to spekaon an issue that involves human lives and the impact on a race of Americans? Sinead proved how stupid and negative making a political point during a performance on SNL can be. People didnt want to hear that there adn she never recovered from it. It is the only thing she is remembered for despite a classic Prince hit. Again, Prince is entirely too smart to do something like this. All of his SNL performances were epic ad helped his career - which is what they are for. There is no comparison between that debacle and how Prince handles himself.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I think Prince punked out by not taking a stand when this issue was truly center stage and you respectively disagree. I got it.

2elijah said:

EroticDreamer said:

I think it's sad that Prince still sees color.

All lives matter.

He's living off his past and less than 1% of people watching him can name 2 songs off his newest albums but he feels the need to say the obvious because... he cares.

I don't think it is sad that he sees color, especially when some bad cops and some people judge many in communities of color negatively, based on race. There would be no need to say that, if we didn't live in a society intentionally built on the system of racism. Right now racial profiling and police brutality have been major issues of protest in communities of color in America, and folks from all walks of life/racial backgrounds, have been standing together in protest, as of late on these issues. Especially since the deaths of Eric, Tamir, Trayvon and Michael, to show that Black lives do matter, and shouldn't be treated as though respect towards them should be obsolete. [Edited 2/9/15 6:39am]

I sympathize will the memory of the victims you mention, except michael brown. He's the wrong poster boy against injustice. Just a punk who committed a strongarm robbery and assault and then attacked a police officer. I 'm glad he can't endanger the public anymore.

-

I always expect more of Prince and when he says things like 'black lives matter' I hear 'separartion'', not unity. You won't change my opinion and I won't attempt to change yours.

Averett said:

JoshuaWho said:

Why rule book indicats what the "more appropriate time" is? How has the authority to dictate what is the most appropriate time to spekaon an issue that involves human lives and the impact on a race of Americans? Sinead proved how stupid and negative making a political point during a performance on SNL can be. People didnt want to hear that there adn she never recovered from it. It is the only thing she is remembered for despite a classic Prince hit. Again, Prince is entirely too smart to do something like this. All of his SNL performances were epic ad helped his career - which is what they are for. There is no comparison between that debacle and how Prince handles himself.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I think Prince punked out by not taking a stand when this issue was truly center stage and you respectively disagree. I got it.

Why would you expect him to take a stand that way. He has never done that.

He smoothly mentions things in different ways, mostly in songs(rarely) once in a while in an interview, but even he said it doesn't come out right.

Prince is not that figurehead artist that I would expect for him to have to say something.

Again, I wonder if there is JW prohibitions on that kind of stuff.

Averett said:

JoshuaWho said:

Why rule book indicats what the "more appropriate time" is? How has the authority to dictate what is the most appropriate time to spekaon an issue that involves human lives and the impact on a race of Americans? Sinead proved how stupid and negative making a political point during a performance on SNL can be. People didnt want to hear that there adn she never recovered from it. It is the only thing she is remembered for despite a classic Prince hit. Again, Prince is entirely too smart to do something like this. All of his SNL performances were epic ad helped his career - which is what they are for. There is no comparison between that debacle and how Prince handles himself.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I think Prince punked out by not taking a stand when this issue was truly center stage and you respectively disagree. I got it.

I disagree.

Prince picked an excellent time. The buzz was beginning to die down, but he has done a good thing by choosing such a large forum to give people a friendly reminder.

In so doing he has brought the issue back to the forefront.

Well done Prince.

JoshuaWho said:

SquirrelMeat said:

Sadly, If Beck had made the comments people would be screaming that he is trivialising black lives as disposable as books and albums.

NO they wouldnt - or at least not rational and/or intelligent people.

[Edited 2/9/15 11:56am]

I agree, the rational people wouldn't, but you only need to take a trip to the P&R forum to see that there are a lot of people that can't see passed colour.

2elijah said:

OldFriends4Sale said:

Lost my job at Mickie D's
For giving away too much food for free
But I couldn't watch another black child go to school
With nothing to eat

Seven of us then took to the streets
Raised by the music, fed by the beat
Seeing how long we could stay out of jail
It's how we,
That's how we'd compete

We never own the streets that we kept defending
The money we got we just end up spending
With nothing to save and not a thing for lending
You're never really happy
Just good at pretending

Everybody in the world wants to be a star
Few got what it takes to get that far
If a rocket ship didn't cost more than a car
A brother might move to MARZ

Yes those lyrics reference more of an inner issue within the Black community, but I find that part of what Prince said about 'Black Lives Matter', last night, reflects part of the lyrics to his song 'Dreamer', which pretty much is saying how race is still an issue even years past the civil rights/MLK Jr. days, and today's current state of policing/police brutality and racial profiling, experience by many within the Black community. I think the reason why some may not be able to comprehend or relate to Prince's comments stated in the Grammys, is either because they are not aware of the state of race relations in this country or may be uncomfortable with Prince expressing his views on such topics. Dreamer Lyrics by Prince "I was born, raised on the same plantation In the United States, of the red, white and blue Never knew that I was different, till Dr. King was on a balcony Lyin' in a bloody pool I expected so much more from a loving A loving, loving society A truthful explanation, you know what I got another, another conspiracy If it was just a dream, listen, call me, call me a dreamer too With more rewards and accolades, then anyone before or after 21st century, oh what a shame, what a shame Race, race still matters A race to what, and where we going We in the same boat, but I'm the only one rowing Last time I checked, you were sleeping, but you can call me a dreamer too Peanut butter logic, served on a bed of lies Don't go down too easy, when you've seen your father cry Have you ever clutched the steering wheel in your car too tight Praying that police sirens just pass you by that night While the helicopter circles us, this theory's getting deep Think they're spraying chemicals over the city While we sleep Come on, I'm staying awake you can call me a dreamer too (Ahhh, I got one eye open for these devils)[/b] (Wake up, wake up) (I pledge allegiance, to..)" [Edited 2/9/15 10:04am]

Great point....food for thought indeed.

OldFriends4Sale said:

appleseed said:

In MARZ he's clearly saying more loudly that black lives should matter more to black folk, who let M&M killers and other knuckleheads ruin their lives families and communtities.

Lost my job at Mickie D's
For giving away too much food for free
But I couldn't watch another black child go to school
With nothing to eat

Seven of us then took to the streets
Raised by the music, fed by the beat
Seeing how long we could stay out of jail
It's how we,
That's how we'd compete

We never own the streets that we kept defending
The money we got we just end up spending
With nothing to save and not a thing for lending
You're never really happy
Just good at pretending

Everybody in the world wants to be a star
Few got what it takes to get that far
If a rocket ship didn't cost more than a car
A brother might move to MARZ

This song songs more of a period in Prince history like after his father put him out and he was shuffled around from peoples homes.
I wonder who those 7 are? Sounds like some people from the early days of the Minneapolis music scene

babynoz said:

Averett said:

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. I think Prince punked out by not taking a stand when this issue was truly center stage and you respectively disagree. I got it.

I disagree.

Prince picked an excellent time. The buzz was beginning to die down, but he has done a good thing by choosing such a large forum to give people a friendly reminder.

In so doing he has brought the issue back to the forefront.

Well done Prince.

The buzz died when the verdict came in and reality set in. Don't worry we have plenty of idiots and I'm certain the next Ferguson or Martin/Zimmerman will happen soon enough. People do not value life, I'm 110% certain as robots take over that the powers that be will hope for some Wars and many will die off. If people are not needed anymore do you think that the 1% will push division and or slow kill us off??

Noodled24 said:

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

Wanna put yourself in the shoes of a parent whose 12 year old is blown away and then talk to us about somebody throwing down the so called "race card"?

I guess you mad at D'angelo too? The whole group had black lives matter t -shirts on SNL

Heaven forbid people should talk about impactful issues. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time it happens. Michael Moore and Marlon Brando come to mind.

Is it only Prince that you think should be censored?

babynoz said:

Noodled24 said:

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

Wanna put yourself in the shoes of a parent whose 12 year old is blown away and then talk to us about somebody throwing down the so called "race card"?

I guess you mad at D'angelo too? The whole group had black lives matter t -shirts on SNL

Heaven forbid people should talk about impactful issues. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time it happens. Michael Moore and Marlon Brando come to mind.

Is it only Prince that you think should be censored?

Or this:

This went right over the viewers heads:

During the middle of his performance, Williams and his backup dancers on stage — many outfitted in black hoodies — paused. Instead of singing, they allowed their hands to speak for themselves in a tribute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement that emerged last year to protest the killings of unarmed black Americans.

Source: Mediaite via CBS

The significance of the black hoodies and the "hands up" motion cannot be understated. Both images have been unmistakably synonymous with the broader movement against the killings of unarmed black people at the hands of police officers and vigilantes. The hoodies originally emerged as a form of protest following the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and the eventual acquittal of his killer, George Zimmerman. The "hands up" came immediately following the death of Michael Brown in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, by a police officer

babynoz said:

Noodled24 said:

He did the same thing on "Marz", throwing down the race card for no apparent reason. In this day and age it just sounds like a clumsy PR soundbite.

21st century, oh what a shame
That race still matters

Wanna put yourself in the shoes of a parent whose 12 year old is blown away and then talk to us about somebody throwing down the so called "race card"?

I guess you mad at D'angelo too? The whole group had black lives matter t -shirts on SNL

Heaven forbid people should talk about impactful issues. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time it happens. Michael Moore and Marlon Brando come to mind.

Is it only Prince that you think should be censored?

The only thing that I never understood is that we have plenty of cases of pure police brutality where police walk and no one gives a damn or so it seems. With the high profle cases that the power structure gets people on social media (media backed) upset about they always end up being rather flimsy cases and the "bad" guy walks. Why is that? It seems to me like the cases are set up to lose and as a US citizen is scares me the tactics. I also see the US preparing for rioting almost like the power structure would like to have people riot so they can justify phasing in a police state. Just look at the talk lately about forced vaccinations. WTH is going on??

EroticDreamer said:

2elijah said:

EroticDreamer said: I don't think it is sad that he sees color, especially when some bad cops and some people judge many in communities of color negatively, based on race. There would be no need to say that, if we didn't live in a society intentionally built on the system of racism. Right now racial profiling and police brutality have been major issues of protest in communities of color in America, and folks from all walks of life/racial backgrounds, have been standing together in protest, as of late on these issues. Especially since the deaths of Eric, Tamir, Trayvon and Michael, to show that Black lives do matter, and shouldn't be treated as though respect towards them should be obsolete. [Edited 2/9/15 6:39am]

I sympathize will the memory of the victims you mention, except michael brown. He's the wrong poster boy against injustice. Just a punk who committed a strongarm robbery and assault and then attacked a police officer. I 'm glad he can't endanger the public anymore.

-

I always expect more of Prince and when he says things like 'black lives matter' I hear 'separartion'', not unity. You won't change my opinion and I won't attempt to change yours.

That is what is sounds like to most white ears. Black pride and self preservation has always been considered a threat to white America as the history and origin is based on an unequal valuation of black people. Rather than be proud that they are American and part of a country with a rich history that African Americans have contributed to since inception, many still must deny blacks the right to stand up for themselves and defend their rights by inaccurately calling it separatism. There are no more loyal Americans than African Americans have been through history. After generations of being regarded as animals and treated like livestock to graduate to being second class citizens with absolutely no rights, blacks have helped build the USA and defended it in every war that it has ever fought - even if they could not have the rights that they fought for when they came home from war. They endured disrespect and oppression and shed blood on the battlefield and in the streets to get rights that ever white man is born with. You have to search long and hard to find separatists in the African American community and they are definitely a minimal and irrelevant minority today. After Marcus Garvey, history hardly remembers any of note.

I say this not to change your opinion - I could care less because I know there will always be white Americans who will never accept history and the truth it represents when it comes to black people. I say this in the interest of truth and undeniable value of African American lives - for those that were ended and for those that have yet to begin in the USA. Take what education from it that you will - or not.

I'm done - going to turn up "Time" on my stereo and enjoy Prince as I have for more than 3 decades now...

EroticDreamer said:

Graycap23 said:

SuperFurryAnimal said:

babynoz said:

Wanna put yourself in the shoes of a parent whose 12 year old is blown away and then talk to us about somebody throwing down the so called "race card"?

I guess you mad at D'angelo too? The whole group had black lives matter t -shirts on SNL

Heaven forbid people should talk about impactful issues. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time it happens. Michael Moore and Marlon Brando come to mind.

Is it only Prince that you think should be censored?

The only thing that I never understood is that we have plenty of cases of pure police brutality where police walk and no one gives a damn or so it seems. With the high profle cases that the power structure gets people on social media (media backed) upset about they always end up being rather flimsy cases and the "bad" guy walks. Why is that? It seems to me like the cases are set up to lose and as a US citizen is scares me the tactics. I also see the US preparing for rioting almost like the power structure would like to have people riot so they can justify phasing in a police state. Just look at the talk lately about forced vaccinations. WTH is going on??

I hear you but we have to be careful not to get the thread moved.

I'm just asking if or why Prince can't ever say anything without an org shitstorm brewing.

Averett said:

2elijah said:

Graycap23 said:

Or this:

This went right over the viewers heads:

During the middle of his performance, Williams and his backup dancers on stage — many outfitted in black hoodies — paused. Instead of singing, they allowed their hands to speak for themselves in a tribute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement that emerged last year to protest the killings of unarmed black Americans.

• 

Source: Mediaite via CBS

The significance of the black hoodies and the "hands up" motion cannot be understated. Both images have been unmistakably synonymous with the broader movement against the killings of unarmed black people at the hands of police officers and vigilantes. The hoodies originally emerged as a form of protest following the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and the eventual acquittal of his killer, George Zimmerman. The "hands up" came immediately following the death of Michael Brown in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, by a police officer

I noticed the message with the hands-up as soon I saw it.

Just like gangsta rap was created in a board room and corp funded to fuel prison system. Should we believe the overall message was organic or predecided by higher ups? Now that it is established the Grammys had a clear theme. I'm going on record right here, now that we will see another Ferguson and wide spread rioting in LA and NYC and police state will roll out in 2015.

JoshuaWho said:

EroticDreamer said:

I sympathize will the memory of the victims you mention, except michael brown. He's the wrong poster boy against injustice. Just a punk who committed a strongarm robbery and assault and then attacked a police officer. I 'm glad he can't endanger the public anymore.

-

I always expect more of Prince and when he says things like 'black lives matter' I hear 'separartion'', not unity. You won't change my opinion and I won't attempt to change yours.

That is what is sounds like to most white ears. Black pride and self preservation has always been considered a threat to white America as the history and origin is based on an unequal valuation of black people. Rather than be proud that they are American and part of a country with a rich history that African Americans have contributed to since inception, many still must deny blacks the right to stand up for themselves and defend their rights by inaccurately calling it separatism. There are no more loyal Americans than African Americans have been through history. After generations of being regarded as animals and treated like livestock to graduate to being second class citizens with absolutely no rights, blacks have helped build the USA and defended it in every war that it has ever fought - even if they could not have the rights that they fought for when they came home from war. They endured disrespect and oppression and shed blood on the battlefield and in the streets to get rights that ever white man is born with. You have to search long and hard to find separatists in the African American community and they are definitely a minimal and irrelevant minority today. After Marcus Garvey, history hardly remembers any of note.

I say this not to change your opinion - I could care less because I know there will always be white Americans who will never accept history and the truth it represents when it comes to black people. I say this in the interest of truth and undeniable value of African American lives - for those that were ended and for those that have yet to begin in the USA. Take what education from it that you will - or not.

I'm done - going to turn up "Time" on my stereo and enjoy Prince as I have for more than 3 decades now...

I'm neither black nor white and don't deny the inhuman treatment of African Americans in America's history. It's disgusting. It's shameful. But that wasn't done by be. I can only try to be a helpful part of the community: today and tomorrow. I won't use a criminal like michael brown to further the any goal except maybe 'don't commit violent crimes'.

I believe in Unity. I don't want to say I'm anything except human.

Every hear it before, "Cut me, cut you, Both the blood is red..."?

-

Graycap23 said:

babynoz said:

Wanna put yourself in the shoes of a parent whose 12 year old is blown away and then talk to us about somebody throwing down the so called "race card"?

I guess you mad at D'angelo too? The whole group had black lives matter t -shirts on SNL

Heaven forbid people should talk about impactful issues. This is not the first, nor will it be the last time it happens. Michael Moore and Marlon Brando come to mind.

Is it only Prince that you think should be censored?

Or this:

This went right over the viewers heads:

During the middle of his performance, Williams and his backup dancers on stage — many outfitted in black hoodies — paused. Instead of singing, they allowed their hands to speak for themselves in a tribute to the #BlackLivesMatter movement that emerged last year to protest the killings of unarmed black Americans.

• 

Source: Mediaite via CBS

The significance of the black hoodies and the "hands up" motion cannot be understated. Both images have been unmistakably synonymous with the broader movement against the killings of unarmed black people at the hands of police officers and vigilantes. The hoodies originally emerged as a form of protest following the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012 and the eventual acquittal of his killer, George Zimmerman. The "hands up" came immediately following the death of Michael Brown in August 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, by a police officer

Thanks for posting.

I had a phone call and missed that performance.

I wonder if they're running around with their hair on fire on Pharrell.org?

babynoz said:

SuperFurryAnimal said:

The only thing that I never understood is that we have plenty of cases of pure police brutality where police walk and no one gives a damn or so it seems. With the high profle cases that the power structure gets people on social media (media backed) upset about they always end up being rather flimsy cases and the "bad" guy walks. Why is that? It seems to me like the cases are set up to lose and as a US citizen is scares me the tactics. I also see the US preparing for rioting almost like the power structure would like to have people riot so they can justify phasing in a police state. Just look at the talk lately about forced vaccinations. WTH is going on??

I hear you but we have to be careful not to get the thread moved.

I'm just asking if or why Prince can't ever say anything without an org shitstorm brewing.

Much of it I see as a discussion and not a sh#tstorm brewing. I would like to hear more from Prince on issues. I always believed personally that is more people valued books that society would be better. Hence, people quit valuing books/knowledge and a real sh#tstorm brews. Excuses my language.