I honestly don't get it, there is nothing to compare. Michael Jackson in his solo career had three Great* albums (Off The Wall, Thriller, & Bad), he was a talented performer/entertainer and singer and that covers it. Anytime he wanted something done that was different than his normal kiddy pop music he would just hire people to do it for him.

MJ was also very much like a politician rather than a musical artist. He always was spending millions upon millions of dollars campaigning and promoting his next album. He also spent a large amount of money on making music videos, (which in my opinion has nothing to do with being a musical artist, it is simply just a promotional tool that musical artists invented to make even a larger profit). Take Thriller for instance, a mediocre song at best. However the music video is what made it become a more popular song than it should've been. Truly the song thriller belongs on a $5.00 Halloween CD at a CVS store. Anyways, instead of being creative himself Mj would just hire people. Spielberg, Scorsese, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, and not to mention his illustrious cast in "You rock my world" video and the "Liberian Girl" video and JAM w/ Michael Jordan and the list just goes on and on! Also his terrible movie Moonwalkers was the biggest egotistical, promotional tool, I had ever watched! The fact is while MJ did indeed have talent, there is no argument for Mj to even be placed on the same level as Prince.

Prince was and is a true musician and Artist. And is competing with the likes of musical Legends of ALL genres not just one dimensional POP legends. Michael Jackson should be compared to Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Katie Perry, etc; NOT PRINCE! Prince is on a higher level. However, if you compare Michael Jackson to the likes of gaga, bieber, spears, etc. You can definitely see why MJ deserves to wear the king’s crown of pop music.

Anyways, back to Prince. Prince pioneered his own genre of music called Minneapolis Sound a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, R&B, and new wave. Prince however also delved deep into each genre individually as well throughout his career. But as we all know he didn't need any help to create what he wanted. Not with writing, not with playing an instrument, not with composing and not with producing. And when he did do music videos he didn’t have a cast full of celebrities, instead, he did just the opposite and had a cast full of nobodies of which some went on to become celebrities. He also never EVER promoted albums and had a strong distaste for popularity. He didn't want to be in the limelight. Yet, Prince still produced 10 platinum albums and 30 top 40 singles, Won 7 Grammy's with 33 nominations, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award, was inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame the very first year he was eligible, has 2 albums that have been awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award (1999 & Purple Rain). Prince has been one of the most prolific artists of all time. He also has sold about 100 million records worldwide.

As for being the greatest artist of all time, well, Prince has got that covered too. In my opinion a music artist must consist of many things- they have to be Influential, they obviously have to have achievements as you would expect any legendary person to have, they have to be able to sing and Dance and be entertaining especially during a live performance and of course they have to be able to play an instrument because after all what is music without instruments.

Well, we have already mentioned some of the achievements of Prince's illustrious career. As for influential, do you remember 1984-1985? The Purple Rain era totally influenced the eighties! As a matter of fact Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album #2 in the 100 greatest albums of the 80's (#1 was The Clash, "London Calling"). Purple Rain was also nominated for International Album of the Year at the 1985 Juno Awards. Purple Rain sold over 14 million copies in the USA alone. 2 of Prince's songs "little red corvette" and "when doves cry" were included in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 500 songs that shaped Rock & Roll. Time Magazine just 2 years ago put Prince on the list of the 100 most influential people. Prince created and accelerated careers of many musical artists like Sheila E, The Time, and Vanity 6. And Prince has influenced the music industry immensely with his lyrical genius. Influential enough?

As for Singing, Prince is regarded as having one of the widest vocal ranges of a male artist. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #30 on their list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

As for dancing and entertaining, just go to a concert or watch some YouTube clips. He is one of the most eccentric entertainers of all time. Constantly keeping it fresh and being very unpredictable. Unlike MJ, if you've been to one Prince concert you have NOT been to them all. Nothing is rehearsed or choreographed. While MJ usually gets the title of best entertainer he has the same moves for every song so if you have seen him perform Billie jean, smooth criminal, etc; then there is no need to see him perform it again because nothing will change about the performance. Like Wendy Melvoin said, "Michael is Disney." and it's so true in his music and performance it's just for the kids. I mean after all who enjoys repetitiveness more than children?

And then of course we move on to Prince's main instrument, the guitar. However, We all know that Prince is proficient in more than 20 musical instruments. So not only is Prince a multi platinum recording artist, has one of the best voices of all time, can dance and entertain amongst the best of them, he is also regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Guitarists like Santana and Clapton have spoken volumes of Prince's Guitar skills. Just go to YouTube and watch his solo in the tribute to George Harrison with Tom Petty. The song is titled "while my guitar gently weeps." Here is a song Prince has never even been associated with and he tares it up on stage. Once again the music critics of Rolling Stone Magazine have also weighed in on Prince's guitar skills ranking him #33 on their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. As a whole, the critics at Rolling Stone magazine have ranked Prince #27 in their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and #28 in their list of 100 Greatest Rock & Roll Artists of All Time.

In the end I hope you all can see why MJ should never even be compared to Prince. I know that it probably sounds like I hate MJ but that is not true. I respect MJ and love a lot of his music. But in the end he is a pop star and that is all. His reach is not further than that. Prince is a true artist icon that deserves to be in the class of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Chopin. He is truly their contemporary. However, as a fan of Prince it is unfortunate how so many people do not see Prince in this light at all. Instead they compare him to pop stars...

*Critically acclaimed as a Great album, not based on sales.

[Edited 8/30/12 14:10pm]

This thread is gonna be shut down quicker than a mac. This topic has already been hashed out millions of times on this board already. Do we REALLY need to go there again?

Let me get in before the lockdown....

check the sig.

I agree 100%

TheEmperorofFunk said:

I honestly don't get it, there is nothing to compare. Michael Jackson in his solo career had three Great* albums (Off The Wall, Thriller, & Bad), he was a talented performer/entertainer and singer and that covers it. Anytime he wanted something done that was different than his normal kiddy pop music he would just hire people to do it for him.

MJ was also very much like a politician rather than a musical artist. He always was spending millions upon millions of dollars campaigning and promoting his next album. He also spent a large amount of money on making music videos, (which in my opinion has nothing to do with being a musical artist, it is simply just a promotional tool that musical artists invented to make even a larger profit). Take Thriller for instance, a mediocre song at best. However the music video is what made it become a more popular song than it should've been. Truly the song thriller belongs on a $5.00 Halloween CD at a CVS store. Anyways, instead of being creative himself Mj would just hire people. Spielberg, Scorsese, Slash, Eddie Van Halen, and not to mention his illustrious cast in "You rock my world" video and the "Liberian Girl" video and JAM w/ Michael Jordan and the list just goes on and on! Also his terrible movie Moonwalkers was the biggest egotistical, promotional tool, I had ever watched! The fact is while MJ did indeed have talent, there is no argument for Mj to even be placed on the same level as Prince.

Prince was and is a true musician and Artist. And is competing with the likes of musical Legends of ALL genres not just one dimensional POP legends. Michael Jackson should be compared to Madonna, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Katie Perry, etc; NOT PRINCE! Prince is on a higher level. However, if you compare Michael Jackson to the likes of gaga, bieber, spears, etc. You can definitely see why MJ deserves to wear the king’s crown of pop music.

Anyways, back to Prince. Prince pioneered his own genre of music called Minneapolis Sound a hybrid mixture of funk, rock, pop, R&B, and new wave. Prince however also delved deep into each genre individually as well throughout his career. But as we all know he didn't need any help to create what he wanted. Not with writing, not with playing an instrument, not with composing and not with producing. And when he did do music videos he didn’t have a cast full of celebrities, instead, he did just the opposite and had a cast full of nobodies of which some went on to become celebrities. He also never EVER promoted albums and had a strong distaste for popularity. He didn't want to be in the limelight. Yet, Prince still produced 10 platinum albums and 30 top 40 singles, Won 7 Grammy's with 33 nominations, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award, was inducted into the rock & roll hall of fame the very first year he was eligible, has 2 albums that have been awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award (1999 & Purple Rain). Prince has been one of the most prolific artists of all time. He also has sold about 100 million records worldwide.

As for being the greatest artist of all time, well, Prince has got that covered too. In my opinion a music artist must consist of many things- they have to be Influential, they obviously have to have achievements as you would expect any legendary person to have, they have to be able to sing and Dance and be entertaining especially during a live performance and of course they have to be able to play an instrument because after all what is music without instruments.

Well, we have already mentioned some of the achievements of Prince's illustrious career. As for influential, do you remember 1984-1985? The Purple Rain era totally influenced the eighties! As a matter of fact Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album #2 in the 100 greatest albums of the 80's (#1 was The Clash, "London Calling"). Purple Rain was also nominated for International Album of the Year at the 1985 Juno Awards. Purple Rain sold over 14 million copies in the USA alone. 2 of Prince's songs "little red corvette" and "when doves cry" were included in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 500 songs that shaped Rock & Roll. Time Magazine just 2 years ago put Prince on the list of the 100 most influential people. Prince created and accelerated careers of many musical artists like Sheila E, The Time, and Vanity 6. And Prince has influenced the music industry immensely with his lyrical genius. Influential enough?

As for Singing, Prince is regarded as having one of the widest vocal ranges of a male artist. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him #30 on their list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

As for dancing and entertaining, just go to a concert or watch some YouTube clips. He is one of the most eccentric entertainers of all time. Constantly keeping it fresh and being very unpredictable. Unlike MJ, if you've been to one Prince concert you have NOT been to them all. Nothing is rehearsed or choreographed. While MJ usually gets the title of best entertainer he has the same moves for every song so if you have seen him perform Billie jean, smooth criminal, etc; then there is no need to see him perform it again because nothing will change about the performance. Like Wendy Melvoin said, "Michael is Disney." and it's so true in his music and performance it's just for the kids. I mean after all who enjoys repetitiveness more than children?

And then of course we move on to Prince's main instrument, the guitar. However, We all know that Prince is proficient in more than 20 musical instruments. So not only is Prince a multi platinum recording artist, has one of the best voices of all time, can dance and entertain amongst the best of them, he is also regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Guitarists like Santana and Clapton have spoken volumes of Prince's Guitar skills. Just go to YouTube and watch his solo in the tribute to George Harrison with Tom Petty. The song is titled "while my guitar gently weeps." Here is a song Prince has never even been associated with and he tares it up on stage. Once again the music critics of Rolling Stone Magazine have also weighed in on Prince's guitar skills ranking him #33 on their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. As a whole, the critics at Rolling Stone magazine have ranked Prince #27 in their list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and #28 in their list of 100 Greatest Rock & Roll Artists of All Time.

In the end I hope you all can see why MJ should never even be compared to Prince. I know that it probably sounds like I hate MJ but that is not true. I respect MJ and love a lot of his music. But in the end he is a pop star and that is all. His reach is not further than that. Prince is a true artist icon that deserves to be in the class of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach and Chopin. He is truly their contemporary. However, as a fan of Prince it is unfortunate how so many people do not see Prince in this light at all. Instead they compare him to pop stars...

*Critically acclaimed as a Great album, not based on sales.

Thriller may have been a more-mediocre song during the years it was made; but no longer. It is outstanding compared to anything in recent history, and has become a classic over the years.

There's nothing wrong with spending money on promotion, as long as there is something worthy of such promotion. In Michael's case, there generally was.

Michael hiring legendary directors to direct his music videos in no way make him an less of an artist. I don't understand your reasoning behind this; it's ridiculous. As for his film, and acting abilities - which are bad (at best) - again, make him no less of a music artist. Prince's films are awful aswell. Atleast Michael only made one film, with himself as the lead role.

Besides, I'm not sure if opening your argument with music videos is the best idea, since although MJ used the best directors (which is a good thing!), his videos contained both the upmost creativity and the greatest choreography. MJ is the ultimate video artist, and MJ is superior to him in this manner atleast.

More hilarious, is your second arguement: sales and awards. MJ's sales and awards are superior; evidently.

Whilst Prince helped nurture talent, and admiribly so, I think an argument can ensue (and a valid one at that) that MJ influenced more artists.

It's difficult to judge their singing ability because they are both great, great singers, but more particulary because this more-so concerns opinion and perspective - as does the question in topic.

Prince has more versatility in his voice, and he is a better musician. But I think MJ is actually a better singer, and a great musician in his own right.

These same magazines you quote who recognise the genuis of Prince, are the same magazines who rate MJ higher.

I also think Prince has more versatility in his music, and think his music is superior.

I'm torn between the both of them; but at the end of the day, I would pick Prince.

Michael was good but he doesn't blow my mind.

Prince blows my mind and so does Madonna.

MidniteMagnet said:

Michael was good but he doesn't blow my mind.

Prince blows my mind and so does Madonna.

Madonna?

What's so mindblowing about her?

Such a creative thread

Are we back in 1985? Prince vs. MJ discussions are so played out.Let's just appreciate the talents of both,instead of always pitting them against each other.

Yesterday,I was blasting the Off The Wall CD in my car,and tomorrow I'll probably pull out 1999 and do the same.See how easy it is? You can actually like both! It's truly possible.

In the latter years of Micheal's life, he and Prince became very close friends.

Prince attended Michael's memorial.

They both had enormous respect for each other.

Michael was not as prolific a songwriter nor gifted an instrumentalist as Prince.

But does that make him any less great?

No. Michael is exceptional in many other ways, that more than make up for the difference.

They both learned their craft and became masters.

Two different people, two different approaches, two different artists.

Both influenced generations.

Both of them GREAT!!!!!!!!!

The end.

[Edited 8/30/12 15:24pm]

sexyfunkystrange said:

In the latter years of Micheal's life, he and Prince became very close friends.

Prince attended Michael's memorial.

They both had enormous respect for each other.

Michael was not as prolific a songwriter nor gifted an instrumentalist as Prince.

But does that make him any less great?

No. Michael is exceptional in many other ways, that more than make up for the difference.

They both learned their craft and became masters.

Two different people, two different approaches, two different artists.

Both influenced generations.

Both of them GREAT!!!!!!!!!

The end.

[Edited 8/30/12 15:24pm]

The only similarities are both are black and gay. Other than that, Rick was more Prince's rival. I just love when this thread pops up every few weeks.

Hey guys I know pitting them against each other is played out however if you read my thread that is NOT what I am doing actually it's quite the opposite. I am trying to conceptualize why they are always being pitted against each other b/c it doesn't make sense? My whole argument is exactly what most of you are complaining about! that MJ should not be compared to Prince. Prince is in another league and therefore is incomparable... this is not a Prince vs MJ thread its a question of "why" to all those Prince vs MJ threads.

TheEmperorofFunk said:

Hey guys I know pitting them against each other is played out however if you read my thread that is NOT what I am doing actually it's quite the opposite. I am trying to conceptualize why they are always being pitted against each other b/c it doesn't make sense? My whole argument is exactly what most of you are complaining about! that MJ should not be compared to Prince. Prince is in another league and therefore is incomparable... this is not a Prince vs MJ thread its a question of "why" to all those Prince vs MJ threads.

You may try to make it seem like it but all this is is a wolf in sheep's clothing. We're not saying Prince is a billion times better than Michael, you are and don't deny it.

vainandy said:

The only similarities are both are black and gay. Other than that, Rick was more Prince's rival. I just love when this thread pops up every few weeks.

TheEmperorofFunk said:

Hey guys I know pitting them against each other is played out however if you read my thread that is NOT what I am doing actually it's quite the opposite. I am trying to conceptualize why they are always being pitted against each other b/c it doesn't make sense? My whole argument is exactly what most of you are complaining about! that MJ should not be compared to Prince. Prince is in another league and therefore is incomparable... this is not a Prince vs MJ thread its a question of "why" to all those Prince vs MJ threads.

They are pitted against each other because some people are childish,like kids on a playground arguing about who has the better bike It's silly and dumb.I have about a hundred favorite artists (lol) and I see no need to compare them to each other.That's kids stuff.

aardvark15 said:

Such a creative thread

Why did you even bother clicking on the thread if your not enthralled by the topic?

Prince vs MJ AGAIN? oh please

aardvark15 said:

TheEmperorofFunk said:

Hey guys I know pitting them against each other is played out however if you read my thread that is NOT what I am doing actually it's quite the opposite. I am trying to conceptualize why they are always being pitted against each other b/c it doesn't make sense? My whole argument is exactly what most of you are complaining about! that MJ should not be compared to Prince. Prince is in another league and therefore is incomparable... this is not a Prince vs MJ thread its a question of "why" to all those Prince vs MJ threads.

You may try to make it seem like it but all this is is a wolf in sheep's clothing. We're not saying Prince is a billion times better than Michael, you are and don't deny it.

wow! the person who could give a rats ass about the topic and rolled their eyes certainly has the most to say. that's funny. Yes I do believe Prince is greater which is exactly why I want to know why others think that MJ is even comparable? or why he has been compared in the past. except I dont want to hear all the vague shit like black, feminine, 80's pop stars, thats all immaterial bullshit.

It's a question because people like to turn something like art into a competition, which it shouldn't be. The litany of tripe shows like American Idol doesn't help matters, either.

In any case, I far prefer Prince, but I also really like MJ.

claudiax said:

Prince vs MJ AGAIN? oh please

Why did you even bother clicking on the thread if your not enthralled by the topic?

claudiax said:

Prince vs MJ AGAIN? oh please

aardvark15 said:

sexyfunkystrange said:

In the latter years of Micheal's life, he and Prince became very close friends.

Prince attended Michael's memorial.

They both had enormous respect for each other.

Michael was not as prolific a songwriter nor gifted an instrumentalist as Prince.

But does that make him any less great?

No. Michael is exceptional in many other ways, that more than make up for the difference.

They both learned their craft and became masters.

Two different people, two different approaches, two different artists.

Both influenced generations.

Both of them GREAT!!!!!!!!!

The end.

[Edited 8/30/12 15:24pm]

[img:$uid]http://gifs.gifbin.com/3204840swsw.gif[/img:$uid]

Moonbeam said:

It's a question because people like to turn something like art into a competition, which it shouldn't be.

Exactly.People love competition...they love drama....they love to pit one person against each other.That's a ridiculous thing to do when it comes to music.

TheEmperorofFunk said:

Hey guys I know pitting them against each other is played out however if you read my thread that is NOT what I am doing actually it's quite the opposite. I am trying to conceptualize why they are always being pitted against each other b/c it doesn't make sense? My whole argument is exactly what most of you are complaining about! that MJ should not be compared to Prince. Prince is in another league and therefore is incomparable... this is not a Prince vs MJ thread its a question of "why" to all those Prince vs MJ threads.

For you is better prince, for other is better mj = MJ VS PRINCE

The MJ vs Prince thing was so media concocted, pitting two very successful crossover male Black artists against each other. The only simularites between the two other than success, and androgyny is age, that's it.

The real "rivalry" was Prince vs Rick James which was bitter, and MJ vs Lionel which was friendly

Pls dont comment if your just gonna complain! no ones forcing you to read the thread or comment on it. if you dont like it just go on to another one that interests you. I find interest in this topic and that's why I wrote it. what you negative assholes find interesting may be like beating a dead horse in my opinion but I'm not gonna shit on it, it's what interests you so be it!