Help me rest my mind, fellow fams... I've just tracked down a copy of the Black Album (I did have a copy long ago but it disappeared, surprisingly enough) and am really pleased 2 have found it because I like the tracks on it.

But, I got 2 thinking - Prince pulled this album at the last minute (I heard he had a dream of a field with the word GOD floating above it and took that as a sign not to release the album), and then when it did get released, it was Warner who chose 2 release it (probably 2 p* Prince off) when things were not so good between P and WB. Also, in the Alphabet St video, there is a message flashes briefly on the side of the screen which says "Do not buy the Black Album. I am sorry"

So what do u think? Should we own it or do we think it would be against Prince's wishes?

Personally, Prince's wishes aside, I'm simply so enamoured with everything that the man produces that I have 2 pick it up and listen 2 it. The Black Album is one of his best works of pure funk, and I think it would be a crime to miss out on having a copy of it. If it really bothers u so much, then don't buy it. There is certainly nothing on that album that he hasn't done in some way or another on his other records. But if u want 2 have hard evidence of a musical genius grabbing gangsta rap by the balls a decade be4 2pac or Biggie hit it big, then I would suggest getting it and holding on to it.

Did you already buy Lovesexy? Prince wanted people to buy Lovesexy instead. He got his messege across.

Also, he has played TBA songs in concerts.

There is nothing inherantly evil in TBA; Prince just wanted people to buy and feel the experience of the Lovesexy album. The idea that God can give you an experience that no drug or other social ill can.

yeah, why not? it's been released officially. mellowone, just sit back and enjoy the tunes!

I'm with GetWild. I don't care if he was in a bad frame of mind or not, it's still Prince and it still came from him. Besides, I never took the album serious in the way Prince was worrying about anyways. I thought it was very funny and very funky. What guy in their right mind wouldn't have wanted 2 bang Cindy C back then?

When The Black Album first made itself known back in '87, it had the air of being such a "dirty" & "vulgar" record. It seems so tame when I hear it now.

I was so disappointed with the sound quality of the official 1994 release. Whenever I put that CD on, the bass has to be totally boosted to make it sound good. And I still think Le Grind is the dog's bollocks!!!

themellowone said:

Rest your mind MellowOne. Prince CHOSE to release it. WB did not make the decision. No record label can release an album without the consent of the artist. (The reason that WB was able to release the "Very Best of..." was because Prince's contract gave them the right to release such a greatest hits package at a later date. In other words, while Prince may not have specifically authorized it at the time of release, he had already granted them that right previously.)

Why did Prince let WB release the Black Album in 1994? Maybe it was part of the negotiation process to allow him to relesae "The Beautiful Experience" independently. Maybe it was because he owed them most of the remaining 10 albums on his $100 million contract, and he wanted to get out of the contract as soon as possible.

Make no mistake though, Prince makes all decisions regarding what music gets released. While WB at one time had the ability to prevent him from releasing music, they have never had the right to release music against his will. They also have no rights to prevent him from releasing any of the material currently in the Vault (another popular misconception).

High,

Eye would say...Yes! Eye personally own every piece of prince music Eye can get. Eye have loved Prince and his music since hearing SeXXXy dancer centuries ago!

Love&Light...Raymond

The Black ALbum is the coolest concept album! just listen to this thing! It would have been the coolest release back in 1988. As it was, the bootleg made the best album list of both Bono and Edge of U2 that year. It was the collest thing to track down a copy of this album that year. Anfthen you hear Prince's slowed down voice saying "So, you found me... good i'm glad"

Thanks guys - I do feel better now!

starboy126 said:

:GRIN: Not to mention there are some Kick Ass "Remasters" floating around :GRIN:

I heard somewhere he didn't want to release it cuz he thought it wasn't a very good album

well i like it though it has a dark feel on it...

just like me

Opening to the Black Album:

So, U found me
Good, I'm glad
This is Prince - the cool of cools
Some of U may not know this, but some of U may know
Some of U may not want 2 know
We are here 2 give U service
Please don't try 2 stop us 4 we come regardless
4 we are as strong as we are intelligent
So come vibe with us
Funk Bible - the New Testament

Personally I think that the decision to yank The Black Album was both personal and strategic. I do believe that Prince had some problems with the spirit in which he recorded the Black Album, especially if he did have a bad trip on drugs at the time. However I think that the leaking of the Black Album into the bootleg market was also intentional. Note the first 2 lines of Le Grind “So, U found Me. Good, I’m glad.” Doesn’t that sound like he expected to be gracing your ears with the funk? Also the line “Please don’t try 2 stop us, 4 we come regardless” In other words, no matter what, this New Testament will propagate through the masses and resound it’s own truth.

I’m glad that Prince gave his approval to release this album. It’s funky as hell. For all those who slam this album, tell me you don’t get your ass kicked sideways every time you hear 2 Nigs United 4 West Compton. If that song doesn’t show you the brilliant Mad Funk Prince is capable of, you need your ears cleaned, or a brainscan to see what’s wrong with you. This album will reign as a bootleg legend. I’m sure most of us remember exactly where we were and what we were doing the first time we ever heard this album. I was on my way to a party and my friend popped it in the tape player without telling me who it was. I went nuts!

I too wish that this album were remastered better upon release. You really have to blast it to get any kick ass quality from it. Sign, Black, Love all need remastered in the worst way. The sound level is way to low. I wish that Prince would once again put together an all funk album. I’d title it Camille’s Revenge.

Organgrinder The Magnificent

Ya...The Black Album is a must have if youre a P collector.

Me, I think he pulled the album for fear of the reaction to the song Bob George. I think he didn't want to be classified as a woman beater or abuser. Everything else on the album is somewhat tame.....for P's standards....

"Don't try to play me for yesterdays fool...cause I'll slap yo ass into the middle of next week...sorry baby, thats the rules...I pay the rent in this raggedy motherf*cker.....all u do is suck the food and heat"

God, I love that song...he's so hilarious!!

I love Bob George!!

well, The Vault was released against his wishes too, right? And P would have to come to my house & personally kick my ass to make me stop spinning "When the Lights Go Down," so I say enjoy it & rest easy, my friend...