In terms of what Prince writes he doesn't really need a writer/producer. But as for someone who can give a different direction/motivation/Honing of the album then Rick Rubin is pretty cool or Ry Cooder. I'd also like to see what Wendy and Lisa had in mind when they said (in an interview) that they 'knew' what style/direction Prince should do. I think a mature sounding album in one genre (blues/trad R&B?), may generate interest from the non prince fraternity. Just Prince on guitar with some old time blues guys (or Funk brothers/JBs/Stax house band) could generate dividends of interest.

...But's let face it: unless Prince opens the vault and starts securing his legacy it will all be over in a few years from now.

I cannot see Prince working with anyone who might steal the spotlight from his musicianship

Rick Rubin is a good call and would do him justice and I think George Clinton, maybe Quincy Jones

Pentacle said:

...But's let face it: unless Prince opens the vault and starts securing his legacy it will all be over in a few years from now.

What exactly will be all over with? How is his "legacy" not already secured. Not sure what your statement means.

lezama said:

Pentacle said:

...But's let face it: unless Prince opens the vault and starts securing his legacy it will all be over in a few years from now.

What exactly will be all over with? How is his "legacy" not already secured. Not sure what your statement means.

Purple Rain still stands, in that way his legacy is secured.

But for the future: he keeps releasing bad music and hardly anyone buys it.

That means no more record contracts.

Apparently he can't be bothered to take care of business himself, so that means:

no more releases.

Ten years from now, he'll think: 'Of course I can't sing Darling Nikki anymore.

But I'm approaching seventy and singing about used condoms, jungle love and hot things...'

So that means a big chunk of his live repertoire out of the window...

It is ova.

Professional musicians are almost four times more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss than other people, and after AOA, i am almost positive our man is suffering hearing loss. I think the toll of being a musican has taken a toll on him, mentally and physically. Hearing loss, bad hip, drug problems, crisis of faith? Who knows, but he is a man like every other man, and life takes it's wear and tear on him just like on anyone else.

At his age, if he is still driven, the help of a good producer may be a good idea. Especially if hearing loss is part of the problem. And if that's the case, the better reason to use a great one, not a kid afraid to speak his mind.

Pentacle said:

lezama said:

What exactly will be all over with? How is his "legacy" not already secured. Not sure what your statement means.

Purple Rain still stands, in that way his legacy is secured.

But for the future: he keeps releasing bad music and hardly anyone buys it.

That means no more record contracts.

Apparently he can't be bothered to take care of business himself, so that means:

no more releases.

Ten years from now, he'll think: 'Of course I can't sing Darling Nikki anymore.

But I'm approaching seventy and singing about used condoms, jungle love and hot things...'

So that means a big chunk of his live repertoire out of the window...

It is ova.

Gotcha. I disagree about releasing bad records. I enjoyed his last several releases. I think the last releases I didn't like were Planet Earth and Emancipation and only so-so liking Musicology. If his career ended then I'd question his legacy, but not anymore. But these types of assessments are all subjective since we all like different things. And the point about record contracts is kind of mute. He doesnt have a problem getting them, the problem is whether he's willing to give them what they want in terms of profitability. He doesnt seem to want that very much. The profit terms of his agreements are very important to him, which gives them less incentive to heavily promote things in the same way they like to younger artists that make pennies with their contracts. And the point about hitting 70 is also kind of mute given you have people like George Clinton (aged 73) singing about the same things he always had and never having any problem making loads off of touring. His tours never get old.