Evryone on here knows that after Purple Rain, Prince would dominate the entire music industry for 3 yaers straight, but it wasn't just about him, there were several other parts (and people) that came along for this incredible ride that would be dubbed as "The Minneapolis Sound". Even before PR hit, Prince was still getting his feet wet in the music industry, by time he released Controversy and 1999, he decided to expand his brand by launching, writing and producing other acts like Vanity 6 (later Apollonia 6) and The Time. Feel free to comment what I have missed, but make sure they were in the 3 year period.

1984

Purple Rain (the album and movie) were released and became a smash hit and worldwide phenomenon.

Ice Cream Castles was realeased, Morris Day, Jerome Benton, Jesse and Jellybean Johnson (no relation, I don't think) were the only original members of The Time during that period. Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Monte Moir had left to become successful producers (more on them in the later years)

Apollonia 6 released the one and only album, featuring Sex Shooter

Prince would help launch the solo career of Sheila Escevedo (now. Sheila E.) and released her debut album, "The Glamorous Life" and the title track became a smash hit for her too.

1985

Sheena Easton released her single, "Sugar Walls", penned by Alexander Nevermind (one of the Purple one's many aliases)

March would be a big month for Prince, on the 25th, he would win the Oscar (Academy Award) for Best Original Score for Purple Rain, 5 days later, he - along with The Revolution - performed at the Carrierdome in Syracuse, NY, which would also be simulcast live for the world to see.

Around The World In A Day was released on April 22, featuring the hit, Raspberry Beret.

The Family (St. Paul, Jerome Benton, Eric Leeds, Jellybean Johnson and Suzanne Melvoin) dropped their debut album, featuring The Screams Of Passion and (the original) Nothing Compares 2 U

Jam, Lewis and Moir would write for and produce Tabu recording artists Cherrelle and Alexander O'Neal.

Jesse Johnson would form his own band, "Jesse Johnson's Revue" and release their debut album and would produce a new group as well called Ta Mara and the Seen.

1986

Morris Day would release his debut album, "Color Of Success", featuring The Oak Tree and the title track.

Prince released Parade (his last with The Revolution) featuring the hit, "Kiss".

Under The Cherry Moon would be released in theaters.

Prince (or Christopher) penned the smash hit, "Manic Monday" for The Bangles.

I would say he even dominted the music industry to mid 1988.

Don't underestimate the importance of SOTT in 1987, especially here in Europe.

The album and tour, probably some related artists releases too, like Jill Jones.

The non-release of The Black Album was all over the end of 1987. Early 1988 marked the first most important (and most sold bootleg ever) with the non-release of TBA.

Even in 1987, the unmistakable Prince sound (crossover styles) remained still strong.
Prince meant much more in Europe in 1987-'88 than in the US, where his star was already beginning to taper off, I think.