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.
Rock Da House
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ladies and gentlemen
Fly girls and fly guys
My name is the Fresh Prince
And I've come here to introduce someone to you
His name is the Human Linn Drum Ready Rock see
And we came to tell everyone that...
( *Ready Rock see starts beatboxing* )
That me and Ready see will turn it out (turn it out)
We're down with the DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazzy Jeff)
And you know that we are def (that we're def)
And you should not settle for less
Than the undisputed best
[ Fresh Prince & Ready Rock see ]
That's right, we are the best
[ Fresh Prince (& Ready Rock C) ]
Everywhere we (go), everytime we do a (show)
Everybody wants to (know) how we make em say (ho)
The way we do is not a magical trick
It's a lotta def rhymes (and beats like this)
( *Ready Rock see breaks into a new beat* )
[ Fresh Prince ]
Somebody yell 'hooo-o'
[ crowd ]
Hooo-o
[ Fresh Prince ]
Say 'ho, ho'
[ crowd ]
Ho, ho
[ Fresh Prince ]
Now I'm the Fresh Prince, hello, how do you do?
I just have a little fun with the rest of my crew
So take a chill and just relax
Yo Ready see, pretend that you're a dj and scratch
( *Ready Rock see imitates scratching* )
[ crowd ]
Go Ready Rock, go Ready Rock...
[ Fresh Prince (& Ready Rock C) ]
Alright now, bust a move
And get the hell out if you're tryin to bust the groove
Cause we came to (party) all through the night
And we're excommunicating those who don't act (right)
This is a (party), so grab some(body)
Drink some Ba(cardi) and dance (with everybody)
The feeling's good, some people think it's great
Get on the dancefloor and let your body girate
In cadence with the beat, just move your feet
While the Prince is on the rhyme (Ready see is on the beat)
[ Fresh Prince (& Ready Rock C) ]
My.. beatbox rocks everywhere we go
Gettin utterly respected at every show
No other can (beat me), no girl can out-(freak me)
(Man, I'm gettin tired) Ready see, give me a beat, please
He does a lot that others cannot do
Ready see and the Prince, the toughest two man crew
We're comin out rockin and we're takin what's ours
Ready see is the man and the suckers he devours
Beat after beat he gains respect
Ready see is the man that's keepin others in check
I like to rock with him, side by side
Me and Ready cold chillin with the utmost pride
So if you're not down by law to rock the spot
Then get the hell out, cause we're never gonna stop
My beatbox
We been rockin kinda hard ever since we begun
Yo Ready see, man, play Stanford and Son
( *Ready Rock see intonates theme from 'Stanford and Son'* )
Now play it under water
( *same routine sounding like it's done under water* )
How 'bout a fresh beat
A fresh beat
Ready see, how 'bout a fresh beat
A fresh beat
Bust it
( *Ready Rock see switches to another beat* )
Well, his name is Ready see, and I'm tellin you
He can play a beat forwards and backwards too
( *Ready Rock see makes the beat sounding like it's being spun backwards on a turntable* )
Play it backwards
[ crowd ]
Go Ready Rock, go Ready Rock...
Bust it
Backwards
[ Fresh Prince singing (& Ready Rock C) ]
Do you know where you're goin to
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
(Showin you) where you're goin to (goin to)
Do you know that we are down by law
We want you all to know that we're primal of all
And when we rock the house there is no doubt
That me and Ready see will turn it out
Do you know where you're goin to
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
( *crowd cheers* )
The lyrics to Prince's song "Rock Da House" are actually performed by The Fresh Prince (Will Smith) and Ready Rock C. The song begins with an introduction by The Fresh Prince, who announces Ready Rock C as a human Linn Drum. The duo declares that when they rock the house, they leave no doubt that they will turn it out. They express their allegiance to DJ Jazzy Jeff and emphasize that they are the undisputed best.
The lyrics continue with The Fresh Prince and Ready Rock C explaining their approach to performing and entertaining. They mention that their success is not based on magic tricks but on their skillful rhymes and beats. The song then transitions into Ready Rock C beatboxing, with the crowd enthusiastically joining in. The Fresh Prince engages the audience and playfully interacts with his crew.
Throughout the song, they invite everyone to party and have a good time. They express the importance of staying true to themselves and not settling for anything less than the best. They encourage the audience to dance, enjoy the music, and let loose.
Overall, "Rock Da House" is a high-energy, feel-good track that showcases The Fresh Prince's charismatic flow and Ready Rock C's impressive beatboxing skills. It is a celebration of their talent and their ability to create a lively atmosphere wherever they go.
Line by Line Meaning
When we rock the house there is no doubt (is no doubt)
When we perform and entertain the crowd, there is no uncertainty or hesitation in our abilities.
That me and Ready see will turn it out (turn it out)
Both me and Ready Rock see will deliver an outstanding performance that will impress and excite the audience.
We're down with the DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jazzy Jeff)
We have a strong affiliation and collaboration with the DJ Jazzy Jeff, emphasizing our close relationship and shared musical endeavors.
And you know that we are def (that we're def)
It is widely recognized and acknowledged that we possess great skill and talent in our craft.
And you should not settle for less
You deserve the best and should not accept anything inferior or subpar.
Than the undisputed best
Only the absolute top performers should be considered as the benchmark for excellence.
That's right, we are the best
Indeed, we confidently assert that we excel above all others in our field.
Everywhere we (go), everytime we do a (show)
Wherever we go and whenever we perform a show,
Everybody wants to (know) how we make em say (ho)
Everyone is curious about our ability to captivate the audience and induce enthusiastic reactions.
The way we do is not a magical trick
Our success is not based on illusions or tricks; it is a result of genuine talent and skill.
It's a lotta def rhymes (and beats like this)
Our performance relies heavily on delivering impressive and skilled rhymes, accompanied by beats of this caliber.
Somebody yell 'hooo-o'
Let's hear a spirited and energetic shout of excitement, expressing the enjoyment of the moment.
Say 'ho, ho'
Join in and chant 'ho, ho' to create a lively and festive atmosphere.
Now I'm the Fresh Prince, hello, how do you do?
I, as the Fresh Prince, am introducing myself and greeting the audience in a friendly manner.
I just have a little fun with the rest of my crew
I thoroughly enjoy entertaining alongside my talented teammates and creating a joyful experience for all.
So take a chill and just relax
I encourage everyone to calm down and unwind, allowing themselves to fully enjoy the moment and the music.
Yo Ready see, pretend that you're a dj and scratch
Ready Rock see, imagine yourself as a DJ and demonstrate scratching techniques.
Go Ready Rock, go Ready Rock...
Encouragement and support for Ready Rock see to showcase his skills and perform with enthusiasm.
And get the hell out if you're tryin to bust the groove
If you are attempting to disturb or disrupt the flow of the music and dancing, it is best for you to leave.
Cause we came to (party) all through the night
Our intention and purpose are to celebrate and have a good time throughout the entire evening.
And we're excommunicating those who don't act (right)
Anyone who behaves inappropriately or disruptively will be removed from the event and not allowed to participate.
This is a (party), so grab some(body)
It is a festive occasion, so find a partner to dance and enjoy the festivities with.
Drink some Ba(cardi) and dance (with everybody)
Indulge in some Bacardi liquor and engage in dancing with everyone present at the party.
The feeling's good, some people think it's great
The overall atmosphere and experience are positive, with some individuals considering it truly exceptional.
Get on the dancefloor and let your body girate
Join the others on the dancefloor and allow your body to move and sway in rhythm with the music.
In cadence with the beat, just move your feet
Follow the beat of the music and let your feet guide your movements accordingly.
While the Prince is on the rhyme (Ready see is on the beat)
As I, the Fresh Prince, deliver the lyrics, Ready Rock see maintains and provides the rhythmic beat for me.
My.. beatbox rocks everywhere we go
My beatboxing skills are highly regarded and well-received wherever we perform.
Gettin utterly respected at every show
We receive immense admiration and respect from the audience during each and every performance.
No other can (beat me), no girl can out-(freak me)
There is no individual who can rival or surpass my beatboxing abilities, and no girl can outperform me in terms of dance moves or style.
(Man, I'm gettin tired) Ready see, give me a beat, please
Expressing a slight weariness, I beseech Ready Rock see to provide me with a new beat to revitalize the performance.
He does a lot that others cannot do
Ready Rock see possesses unique talents and skills that set him apart from others in his field.
Ready see and the Prince, the toughest two man crew
Together, Ready Rock see and I form an incredibly talented and formidable duo.
We're comin out rockin and we're takin what's ours
We arrive with great energy and enthusiasm, ready to claim our rightful place in the music industry.
Ready see is the man and the suckers he devours
Ready Rock see is the dominant force, effortlessly outshining and overpowering any lesser competitors.
Beat after beat he gains respect
With each successive beat, Ready Rock see earns more admiration and esteem from the audience.
Ready see is the man that's keepin others in check
Ready Rock see's exceptional skills and talent serve as a reminder to others of their own limitations and shortcomings.
I like to rock with him, side by side
I thoroughly enjoy performing alongside Ready Rock see, maintaining a strong and harmonious partnership.
Me and Ready cold chillin with the utmost pride
Ready Rock see and I relax and enjoy our downtime together, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and confidence.
So if you're not down by law to rock the spot
If you are not truly committed and dedicated to performing with excellence and skill at this venue,
Then get the hell out, cause we're never gonna stop
I advise you to leave immediately because we have no intention of ceasing our performance anytime soon.
We been rockin kinda hard ever since we begun
From the very start of our journey, we have been consistently and energetically delivering captivating performances.
Yo Ready see, man, play Stanford and Son
Ready Rock see, let's incorporate the theme song from 'Stanford and Son' into our performance.
Now play it under water
Now imagine playing the same theme song as if it were being performed underwater, providing a unique and unexpected twist.
How 'bout a fresh beat
How about showcasing a completely new and original beat?
Well, his name is Ready see, and I'm tellin you
Allow me to introduce again, Ready Rock see, as I emphasize and assure you of the significance of his talent.
He can play a beat forwards and backwards too
Ready Rock see possesses the remarkable ability to perform beats both in their original forward form and in reverse.
Play it backwards
Demonstrate playing a beat in reverse, impressing the audience with his technical skills.
Do you know where you're goin to
Have you considered and contemplated your future path and destiny?
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
Are you enjoying and appreciating the incredible musical talents and performances that Ready Rock see is displaying for you?
Do you know that we are down by law
Are you aware that we are fully committed and adhering to the principles and standards of our profession?
We want you all to know that we're primal of all
It is essential for everyone to understand that we are the ultimate and dominant force in our field.
And when we rock the house there is no doubt
Without a doubt, when we deliver an electrifying performance, no one questions our ability to captivate the audience.
That me and Ready see will turn it out
Both me and Ready Rock see will exceed expectations and deliver an exceptional performance.
Do you know where you're goin to
Have you considered and contemplated your future path and destiny?
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
Are you enjoying and appreciating the incredible musical talents and performances that Ready Rock see is displaying for you?
Go Ready Rock, go Ready Rock...
Encouragement and support for Ready Rock see to showcase his skills and perform with enthusiasm.
Bust it
Go ahead and demonstrate your full potential and skill.
Backwards
Performing in reverse or unconventional ways to surprise and delight the audience.
Go Ready Rock, go Ready Rock...
Encouragement and support for Ready Rock see to showcase his skills and perform with enthusiasm.
Do you know where you're goin to
Have you considered and contemplated your future path and destiny?
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
Are you enjoying and appreciating the incredible musical talents and performances that Ready Rock see is displaying for you?
Showin you where you're goin to (goin to)
Revealing and guiding you towards your destined path and purpose.
Do you know that we are down by law
Are you aware that we fully embody and adhere to the principles and standards of our profession?
We want you all to know that we're primal of all
We want to emphasize and ensure that everyone recognizes our unrivaled dominance and superiority.
And when we rock the house there is no doubt
Without a doubt, when we deliver an electrifying performance, no one questions our ability to captivate the audience.
That me and Ready see will turn it out
Both me and Ready Rock see will exceed expectations and deliver an exceptional performance.
Do you know where you're goin to
Have you considered and contemplated your future path and destiny?
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
Are you enjoying and appreciating the incredible musical talents and performances that Ready Rock see is displaying for you?
And do you like the things that Ready see is showin you?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RUSSELL SIMMONS, JOSEPH SIMMONS, LAWRENCE SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind