Born and raised in Minneapolis, Prince signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records at the age of 19, soon releasing the albums For You (1978) and Prince (1979). He went on to achieve critical success with the influential albums Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982). His sixth album, Purple Rain (1984), was recorded with his new backing band the Revolution, and was also the soundtrack to the film of the same name in which he starred. Purple Rain garnered continued success for Prince and was a major commercial achievement, spending six consecutive months atop the Billboard 200 chart. The soundtrack also won Prince the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. After disbanding the Revolution, Prince released the album Sign o' the Times (1987), widely hailed by critics as the greatest work of his career. In the midst of a contractual dispute with Warner Bros. in 1993, he changed his stage name to the unpronounceable symbol logo. Hollow circle above downward arrow crossed with a curlicued horn-shaped symbol and then a short bar (known to fans as the "Love Symbol") and was often referred to as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince (or TAFKAP) or simply The Artist.
After signing with Arista Records in 1998, Prince reverted to his original name in 2000. Over the next decade, six of his albums entered the U.S. top 10 charts. In April 2016, at the age of 57, Prince died after accidentally overdosing on fentanyl at his Paisley Park home and recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was a prolific musician who released 39 albums during his life, with a vast array of unreleased material left in a custom-built bank vault underneath his home after his death, including fully completed albums and over 50 finished music videos. He also released songs under multiple pseudonyms during his life, as well as writing songs that were made popular after being covered by other musicians, most notably "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor and "Manic Monday" by the Bangles. Estimates of the complete number of songs written by Prince range anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000. Released posthumously, his demo albums Piano and a Microphone 1983 (2018) and Originals (2019) both received critical acclaim.
Prince sold over 100 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. His awards included the Grammy President's Merit Award, the American Music Awards for Achievement and of Merit, the Billboard Icon Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2016, and was inducted twice into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)
Studio albums
For You (1978)
Prince (1979)
Dirty Mind (1980)
Controversy (1981)
1999 (1982)
Purple Rain (1984)
Around the World in a Day (1985)
Parade (1986)
Sign o' the Times (1987)
Lovesexy (1988)
Batman (1989)
Graffiti Bridge (1990)
Diamonds and Pearls (1991)
Love Symbol (1992)
Come (1994)
The Black Album (1994)
The Gold Experience (1995)
Chaos and Disorder (1996)
Emancipation (1996)
Crystal Ball (1998)
The Truth (1998)
The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale (1999)
Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)
The Rainbow Children (2001)
One Nite Alone... (2002)
Xpectation (2003)
N·E·W·S (2003)
The Chocolate Invasion (2004)
The Slaughterhouse (2004)
Musicology (2004)
3121 (2006)
Planet Earth (2007)
Lotusflow3r (2009)
MPLSound (2009)
20Ten (2010)
Plectrumelectrum (2014)
Art Official Age (2014)
HITnRUN Phase One (2015)
HITnRUN Phase Two (2015)
Posthumous releases:
Piano and a Microphone 1983 (2018)
Originals (2019)
Welcome 2 America (2021)
Prince also released two albums credited to Madhouse, three albums credited to the New Power Generation, and one credited to the N.P.G. Orchestra:
Madhouse:
8 (1987)
16 (1987)
The New Power Generation:
Goldnigga (1993)
Exodus (1995)
Newpower Soul (1998)
The N.P.G. Orchestra:
Kamasutra (1997)
For Serbian singer Princ, please use Princ.
2gether
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
2gether
Your boy got popped in a driveby yesterday
He'll be lucky if he makes it through the night is what the doctors say
U can take revenge or U can be the one 2 break the chain
U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 rain
CHORUS:
How do we (How do we) make a life that's better? (Yeah)
Cuz when we (Cuz when we) be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother? (Mmm, check it)
U tell me
What's the chance of a brother gettin' off the block?
What's the chance, not a damn if all he wanna do is sell chicken wings and the rock
(Chicken wing and the rock)
U can blame the system, U can be the one 2 even the score, huh
Yeah, huh, U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 pour
Drop it, huh
What are we (What are we) if we're not 2gether? (If we're not 2gether)
How do we (How do we) make a life that's better? (Yeah)
Cuz when we (Cuz when we) be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother?
U tell me (Tell'em)
Why is slangin' them thangs, coppin' a stroll, flashin' a sign
Key topics on a young black mind?
Cuz it's the picture that we give'em and they illustrate
Black on black genocide has started 2 escalate
Every brother ain't a brother cuz o' color, this is true
But I can still say 2 my brother "Much love boo"
Please Lord, give me the strength and make it quick
Cuz my people won't take another nightstick, huh
What are we (What are we) if we're not 2gether? (If we're not 2gether)
How do we (And how do we) make a life that's better? (Yeah)
Cuz when we (Cuz when we) be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (How do we) (I don't know) call each other brother?
U tell me
What are we if we're not 2gether? (The New Power Generation)
How do we make a life that's better? (Straight up 4 '93)
Cuz when we (Come on) (Killin' one another) be killin' one another
(Come on, come on)
(How do we) How do we call each other brother?
U tell me (Yeah)
Yo, it's simple
From the old 2 the young
2 uplift we must give the gift
Gift of knowledge, that is
Teach our young
That all in life ain't fun
And 2 make a life that's better
My people must stick 2gether
The choice is yours
CHORUS
What are we (What are we) if we're not 2gether? (If we're not 2gether)
How do we (How do we) make a life that's better? (2gether)
Cuz when we (Cuz when we) be killin' one another (Be killin' one another)
How do we (How do we) call each other brother?
U tell me
2gether {x2}
The lyrics of Prince's song "2gether" address the issue of black-on-black violence and the need for unity within the black community. The song begins with a story of a friend who has been shot in a drive-by, highlighting the senseless violence that is taking place within black communities. Prince questions the motivation behind such violence and urges listeners to break the destructive cycle by coming together.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of unity in creating a better life for black people. Prince questions how it is possible to call each other brothers when black people are killing each other. He emphasizes that although some blame can be placed on the system, it is up to individuals to take responsibility and work towards creating a better future.
The lyrics also touch on the influence of negative stereotypes within the black community. Prince questions why slang, drug dealing, and gang symbols are the predominant images that young people aspire to. He calls for a shift in focus towards education and uplifting one another.
Overall, "2gether" is a plea for unity, responsibility, and change within the black community.
Line by Line Meaning
Your boy got popped in a driveby yesterday
Someone close to you was shot in a driveby shooting
He'll be lucky if he makes it through the night is what the doctors say
The victim is critically injured and may not survive
U can take revenge or U can be the one 2 break the chain
You have a choice to make, either seek revenge or try to end the cycle of violence
U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 rain
You are searching for a sign or solution and it starts to rain
What are we (What are we) if we're not 2gether? (If we're not 2gether)
What are we as a community if we are not united?
How do we (How do we) make a life that's better? (Yeah)
How can we improve our lives?
Cuz when we (Cuz when we) be killin' one another (Take each other out)
Because we are killing each other
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother? (Mmm, check it)
How can we consider each other family?
What's the chance of a brother gettin' off the block?
What are the odds of someone leaving a dangerous neighborhood?
What's the chance, not a damn if all he wanna do is sell chicken wings and the rock
There is little or no chance of someone succeeding if they are only selling drugs and chicken wings
U can blame the system, U can be the one 2 even the score, huh
You can blame the system for being unfair, or try to make things right yourself
U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 pour
You are searching for a solution and it starts to rain heavily
Why is slangin' them thangs, coppin' a stroll, flashin' a sign
Why do some people feel the need to sell drugs, walk around aimlessly or display gang symbols
Key topics on a young black mind?
Are these the main concerns on the mind of a young black person?
Cuz it's the picture that we give'em and they illustrate
It is the image that we project that they emulate
Black on black genocide has started 2 escalate
Black people are killing other black people at an increasing rate
Every brother ain't a brother cuz o' color, this is true
Not every person of the same race is a true brother or friend
But I can still say 2 my brother "Much love boo"
But I can still express love and support for my friend
Please Lord, give me the strength and make it quick
Please give me the strength to make a change, quickly
Cuz my people won't take another nightstick, huh
Because my community will not tolerate police brutality
From the old 2 the young
From elders to youth
2 uplift we must give the gift
In order to improve our community, we must share knowledge
Gift of knowledge, that is
We must share and teach valuable wisdom
Teach our young
We must educate our youth
That all in life ain't fun
Not everything in life is enjoyable or easy
And 2 make a life that's better
To improve our lives
My people must stick 2gether
My community must unite
The choice is yours
It's up to you to decide
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DollFunk
Yeah
2gether
Your boy got popped in a driveby yesterday
He'll be lucky if he makes it through the night is what the doctors say
U can take revenge or U can be the one 2 break the chain
U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 rain
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (Yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother? (Mmm, check it)
U tell me
What's the chance of a brother gettin' off the block?
What's the chance, not a damn
If all he wanna do is sell chicken wings and the rock
(Chicken wing and the rock)
U can blame the system, U can be the one 2 even the score, huh
Yeah, huh, U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 pour
Drop it, huh
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (Yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother?
U tell me (Tell'em)
Why is slangin' them thangs, coppin' a stroll, flashin' a sign
Key topics on a young black mind?
'cause it's the picture that we give'em and they illustrate
Black on black genocide has started 2 escalate
Every brother ain't a brother 'cause o' color, this is true
But I can still say 2 my brother "Much love boo"
Please Lord, give me the strength and make it quick
'cause my people won't take another nightstick, huh
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (And how do we, yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we call each other brother? (I don't know)
U tell me
What are we if we're not 2gether? (The New Power Generation)
How do we make a life that's better? (Straight up 4 '93)
'cause when we (Come on) (Killin' one another) be killin' one another
(Come on, come on)
(How do we) How do we call each other brother?
U tell me (Yeah)
Yo, it's simple
From the old 2 the young
2 uplift we must give the gift
Gift of knowledge, that is
Teach our young
That all in life ain't fun
And 2 make a life that's better
My people must stick 2gether
The choice is yours
CHORUS
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (2gether)
'cause when we be killin' one another
How do we call each other brother?
U tell me
@danrazART
Yeah
2gether
Your boy got popped in a driveby yesterday
He'll be lucky if he makes it through the night is what the doctors say
U can take revenge or U can be the one 2 break the chain
U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 rain
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (Yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother? (Mmm, check it)
U tell me
What's the chance of a brother gettin' off the block?
What's the chance, not a damn
If all he wanna do is sell chicken wings and the rock
(Chicken wing and the rock)
U can blame the system, U can be the one 2 even the score, huh
Yeah, huh, U look up in the sky 4 an answer and it starts 2 pour
Drop it, huh
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (Yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we (Huh, how) call each other brother?
U tell me (Tell'em)
Why is slangin' them thangs, coppin' a stroll, flashin' a sign
Key topics on a young black mind?
'cause it's the picture that we give'em and they illustrate
Black on black genocide has started 2 escalate
Every brother ain't a brother 'cause o' color, this is true
But I can still say 2 my brother "Much love boo"
Please Lord, give me the strength and make it quick
'cause my people won't take another nightstick, huh
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (And how do we, yeah)
'cause when we be killin' one another (Take each other out)
How do we call each other brother? (I don't know)
U tell me
What are we if we're not 2gether? (The New Power Generation)
How do we make a life that's better? (Straight up 4 '93)
'cause when we (Come on) (Killin' one another) be killin' one another
(Come on, come on)
(How do we) How do we call each other brother?
U tell me (Yeah)
Yo, it's simple
From the old 2 the young
2 uplift we must give the gift
Gift of knowledge, that is
Teach our young
That all in life ain't fun
And 2 make a life that's better
My people must stick 2gether
The choice is yours
CHORUS
What are we if we're not 2gether?
How do we make a life that's better? (2gether)
'cause when we be killin' one another
How do we call each other brother?
U tell me
2gether {x2}
@ElohimPenemue
NPG was Prince’s best band IMO, they were the most versatile being able to maneuver through multi-genre sounds from Funk, to New Jack Swing, R&B, Hip-Hop, to Jazz & Neo-soul towards the end of the 90’s. They made music that was far ahead of it’s time that many Prince fans at the time just didn’t understand because they wanted Prince to keep making the 80’s Purple Rain sound, but Prince always evolved his music & never stayed stagnant, he kept up with the groove of the era he was in & in the 90’s New Jack Swing was the new funk so he adapted his style & took that genre head on. Tony M got hated on so bad by fans back then, but hindsight 20/20, he was actually a very skilled writer & vocalist, he added a much needed new element to NPG & was the epitome of what the 90’s was representing at the time with the New Jack Swing movement. He was Jazzy & Funky, basically the modern era version of Morris Day if he was a rapper, he was very under appreciated for all that he contributed to the NPG.
@k3nn3thinatl
Prince was so far beyond others. Most people have absolutely no clue about the extent of his genius.
@kelleyanderson3216
I agree totally.. I have loved All his music since 1978. The sad part is some of his best work never makes it to radio.. Nice to know there are people who get his message and his genius .
@bmiller2429
Kelley Anderson The vast majority of his best will never hit radio
@tixi76620
k3nn3thinatl fuck that’s fuckin true.. 😉
@antoniomeans6614
Agreed..I was up on him from day 1. As a child I first heard his music in 1978 and ride with him til his death. He was the GOAT period.
@BassMan22
I rest my case.... peace
@ninobossalini4179
This song is so ahead of its time and still relevant in 2018
@Hegmex
2020... and this stuff rocks !!!
💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
@fantomasfanto8469
always loved this song😭, remember when i bought the npg gold nigga from the mail order. such a great sounding record & what an amazing band. 😊 such power & elegance prince showed them what they could be 2gether 😎