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 Sinรฉad 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)
NยทEยทWยทS (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.
Running Game
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ohh
How many gats in the slacks be showin'
Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'
Wax turn to beef when the gangsters meet
Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'
How much do you want for that real dope beat? (How much? Possibilities)
Another A in our name, lyin' through their teeth (he can put it on ya)
Son of a slave master, meet & greet (I wanna see it, you see what I'm lookin' for uh-huh)
There goes the publishing & you're back on the street (let's just see it)
Back on the street
Twenty-five thousand is like selling it free
Seems like a lot next to poverty
How much you really want for all them beats?
Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'
Mmm
Uh-huh
All the gates of henry
Uncovered your past
Checkered like a NASCAR flag, vroom
Movin' too fast (oh)
Betcha if you had your way you'd turn back the hourglass (oh)
What an A-S-S (haha)
Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'
Ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ohh
Don't come to the party unless you bring somebody (hey)
Somebody that wants to dance
Somebody that wants to make sweet romance
(We still got) mad love for ya
Even though (even though) really don't know ya
Black on black crime
Abel and Cain
You would think high yellow would be ashamed oh
The 21st century, it's still about greed & fame
I'm about, I'm about to go insane ('bout to go insane)
Insane
Somebody call 911 and leave his name (leave his name)
Son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a slave master
Son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a slave master
Oh, still running game
Yes, he still running game, y'all (oh Lord)
Yes, he is
Running game, oh, still running game, y'all
Ooh-ooh (running game, running game)
Sonny
Running game (hey, he was gonna call me that day)
Running game (he was gonna call me, you know what I'm sayin', haha whoo)
(I need two drinks and um, bring them something too)
(You know, yeah, my hustle is strong)
In "Running Game," Prince addresses themes of power dynamics, exploitation, and the enduring impact of slavery. The song begins with a playful introduction, emphasizing the band and setting the tone for the narrative that follows.
The lyrics touch on the idea of hidden weapons and secret intentions, suggesting that those in power are aware of the injustices happening but choose not to address them ("How many gats in the slacks be showin', Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'"). The reference to "Wax turn to beef when the gangsters meet" suggests that conflicts arise when different figures of power clash, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and oppression that can be traced back to the historical role of slave masters and their descendants ("Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'").
Prince also critiques the music industry and the exploitation of artists' work and talents. He questions the value placed on creative endeavors, asking "How much do you want for that real dope beat?," indicating the price and commercial aspects that often overshadow artistic integrity. Prince's perspective as someone who has experienced the industry's challenges and injustices is apparent in lines like "There goes the publishing & you're back on the street" as he highlights how artists can lose control over their own creations and end up back in difficult circumstances.
The lyrics further delve into issues of racial identity and societal inequalities. The mention of "Son of a slave master" serves as a metaphor for the perpetuation of power imbalances and the continued struggles faced by marginalized communities. Prince challenges the notion of progress, pointing out that even in the 21st century, greed and fame still drive society ("The 21st century, it's still about greed & fame"). He expresses frustration and hints at the potential loss of sanity due to the enduring injustices and lack of meaningful change ("I'm about to go insane").
Ultimately, "Running Game" is a critique of systemic injustice, capitalism, and the exploitation of power dynamics. Prince's lyrics shed light on the ongoing struggles within the music industry and in society at large, urging listeners to question the status quo and commit to change.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm, band
The presence of a musical performance
How many gats in the slacks be showin'
How many guns are being displayed in their clothing
Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'
I bet that the authorities downtown are aware
Wax turn to beef when the gangsters meet
Situations turn confrontational when the criminals come together
Son of slave master keepin' it goin' goin' goin'
He is the descendant of a slave master and continues to keep things running smoothly
Goin', goin', goin', goin'
Continuously moving forward
How much do you want for that real dope beat?
How much are you asking for that genuinely great musical rhythm?
Another A in our name, lyin' through their teeth
Adding another accolade to our reputation while deceiving others
Son of a slave master, meet & greet
The offspring of a slave master, engaging in introductions
There goes the publishing & you're back on the street
You lose ownership rights and find yourself back in a position of struggle
Twenty-five thousand is like selling it free
Selling it for such a low amount that it almost feels like giving it away
Seems like a lot next to poverty
Compared to being impoverished, it may appear to be a significant sum
How much you really want for all them beats?
What is your true asking price for all of those musical rhythms?
All the gates of henry
All the entrances or opportunities available
Uncovered your past
Revealing your history or background
Checkered like a NASCAR flag, vroom
Marked with various ups and downs, like the checkered flag in a car race
Movin' too fast
Progressing at a rapid pace
Betcha if you had your way you'd turn back the hourglass
I bet that if you had control, you would reverse the passage of time
What an A-S-S
What a foolish or ridiculous person
Don't come to the party unless you bring somebody
You are not welcome at the event unless you bring another person with you
Somebody that wants to dance
Someone who desires to engage in the act of dancing
Somebody that wants to make sweet romance
Someone who seeks to engage in a romantic relationship
(We still got) mad love for ya
We still have immense love for you
Even though (even though) really don't know ya
Even though we don't truly know you
Black on black crime
Violence or criminal acts committed within the Black community
Abel and Cain
Referencing the biblical brothers known for their conflict
You would think high yellow would be ashamed oh
One would expect individuals with light complexion to feel remorse
The 21st century, it's still about greed & fame
Even in the modern era, greed and fame remain significant factors
I'm about, I'm about to go insane ('bout to go insane)
I am on the verge of losing my sanity
Somebody call 911 and leave his name (leave his name)
Someone should contact emergency services and provide his identity
Son of a, son of a, son of a, son of a slave master
Throughout generations, descended from a slave master
Oh, still running game
Continuing to deceive or manipulate others
Yes, he still running game, y'all (oh Lord)
Indeed, he is still deceiving others
Yes, he is
That individual is indeed engaging in deception
Running game, oh, still running game, y'all
Deceptive tactics are still being employed
Sonny
A term of endearment or familiarity
Running game
Engaging in deceptive practices
I need two drinks and um, bring them something too
I require two beverages, and also bring something for them
You know, yeah, my hustle is strong
You are aware that I possess a strong determination and work ethic
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Prince Rogers Nelson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sherrie
Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master) lyrics
How many gats in the slacks be showin'?
Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'
Wacks turn to beef when the gangsters meet
Son of a slave master keeping it goin'
Goin', goin'
Goin', goin', goin', goin'
How much do you want for that real dope beat?
Another A&R man, lyin' through their teeth
Son of a slave master, meet and greet
There goes the publishing and
You're back on the street
Back on the street
25 thousands like selling it free
Seems like a lot next to poverty
How much you really want for all them beats?
Son of a slave master keeping it goin', goin', goin'
All the gates of Henry
Uncovered Your past
Checkered like a NASCAR flag, vroom
Moving to fast
Betcha if you had Your way
You'd turn back the hourglass
What an A-S-S
Son of a slave master keeping it goin', goin', goin'
Don't come to the party
Unless you bring somebody
Somebody that wants to dance
Somebody that wants to make sweet romance
We still got...
Mad love for ya
Even though, even though
Really don't know ya
Black on black crime
Abel and Cain
You would think high yellow would be a shade
21st Century
It's still about greed and fame
Eye'm about, Eye'm about to go insane
About to go insane
Somebody call 9-1-1
Then leave his name, leave his name
Son of a, son of a, son of a
Son of a slave master
Son of a, son of a
Son of a slave master
Still runnin' game
Yeah, she's still runnin' game, you'all
Yes she is, runnin' game
Oh, still runnin' game, you'all
Runnin' game, runnin' game
Runnin' game, runnin' game
#Prince ๐
้ปๅ
[Intro: Prince]
Mm, band
Ooh
[Verse 1: Shelby J]
How many gats in the slacks be showinโ?
Betcha that the man downtown be knowinโ
Wax turn to beef
When the gangsters meet
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepinโ it goinโ
Goinโ
Goin, goinโ, goinโ
[Chorus: Prince & Shelby J]
How much do you want
For that real dope beat?
(โHow much? Possibilitiesโ)
Another A&R Man
(โHe can put it on yaโ)
Lyinโ through their teeth
(โI wanna see itโ)
Son of a slave master
Meet and greet
(โYou see what Iโm lookinโ for?โ)
There goes the publishing
(โLetโs just see itโ)
And youโre back on the street
Back on the street
[Verse 2: Shelby J.]
Twenty-five thousand is like selling it free
Seems like a lot next to poverty
How much you really want
For all them beats?
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepinโ it goinโ
Goinโ, goinโ, goinโ
Mmm
[Chorus: Prince & Shelby J.]
Uh-huh
All the Gates of Henry
Uncovered your past
Checker like a NASCAR flags
Movinโ too fast (Oh)
Betcha if you had ur way
Youโd turn back the hourglass (Oh)
What an A-S-S (Hahaโฆ)
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepinโ it goinโโฆ
Goinโ, goinโ, goinโ
[Verse 3: Shelby J.]
Hey
Donโt come to the party
Unless you bring somebody (Hey!)
Somebody that wants to dance
Somebody that wants to make
Sweet romance
We still got mad love for ya
Even though really donโt know ya
[Outro: Prince & Shelby J.]
Ooh
Black on black crime
Abel and Cain
You would think high yellow would be ashamed
Oh
In the twenty-first century itโs still about greed and fame
Iโm about to, about to go insane
Insane
Somebody call 911 and leave his name
Son of a
Son of a
Son of a slave master
Son of a
Son of a
Son of a slave master
(Master)
Oh, still running game
Yes, heโฆ
Still running game, yโall (Oh Lord)
Yes he is
Running game
Oh, still running game, yโall
Oohโฆ
Running games
Running games
Sonny
Running games
Running games
Hey
He was gonna call me that day
He was gonna call me
You know what Iโm sayinโ
Haha, whoo
Need some drinks in here
Bring them somes too
(โWhat she talkinโ aboutโ)
You know
Yeah, my hustle is strong
Henrique Ramos
RUNNING GAME (SON OF A SLAVE MASTER)
[Intro: Prince]
Mm, band
Ooh
[Verse 1: Shelby J]
How many gats in the slacks be showin'?
Betcha that the man downtown be knowin'
Wax turn to beef
When the gangsters meet
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepin' it goin'
Goin'
Goin, goin', goin'
[Chorus: Prince & Shelby J]
How much do you want
For that real dope beat?
("How much? Possibilities")
Another A&R Man
("He can put it on ya")
Lyin' through their teeth
("I wanna see it")
Son of a slave master
Meet and greet
("You see what I'm lookin' for?")
There goes the publishing
("Let's just see it")
And you're back on the street
Back on the street
[Verse 2: Shelby J.]
Twenty-five thousand is like selling it free
Seems like a lot next to poverty
How much you really want
For all them beats?
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepin' it goin'
Goin', goin', goin'
Mmm
[Chorus: Prince & Shelby J.]
Uh-huh
All the Gates of Henry
Uncovered your past
Checker like a NASCAR flags
Movin' too fast (Oh)
Betcha if you had ur way
You'd turn back the hourglass (Oh)
What an A-S-S (Haha...)
[Refrain: Shelby J.]
Son of slave master
Keepin' it goin'
Goin', goin', goin'
[Verse 3: Shelby J.]
Hey
Don't come to the party
Unless you bring somebody (Hey!)
Somebody that wants to dance
Somebody that wants to make
Sweet romance
We still got mad love for ya
Even though really don't know ya
[Outro: Prince & Shelby J.]
Ooh
Black on black crime
Abel and Cain
You would think high yellow would be ashamed
Oh
In the twenty-first century it's still about greed and fame
I'm about to, about to go insane
Insane
Somebody call 911 and leave his name
Son of a
Son of a
Son of a slave master
Son of a
Son of a
Son of a slave master
(Master)
Oh, still running game
Yes, he...
Still running game, y'all (Oh Lord)
Yes he is
Running game
Oh, still running game, y'all
Ooh...
Running games
Running games
Sonny
Running games
Running games
Hey
He was gonna call me that day
He was gonna call me
You know what I'm sayin'
Haha, whoo
Need some drinks in here
Bring them somes too
("What she talkin' about")
You know
Yeah, my hustle is strong
Produced By Prince
Written By Prince
Release Date July 30, 2021
Album WELCOME 2 AMERICA (2021)
B B
Always love how his songs grow and evolve. Makes you listen closely and hear different things not heard previously. Much too short hope he did this somewhere in concert. ๐
Gia Carangi
I am
Gia Carangi
I agree lol
Janine Coyle-Wierzbicki
It's kinda like the bible. There is always a message that you can use no matter when, what , where? That's called a masterpiece ๐
Tammy L. Victory ๐๐ป
So true. Never really thought about it when I was younger. I have a bad habit of listening to my favorite ones over and over. LOL like with most music I listen to. ๐คฆ๐ผโโ๏ธ These reviews are really helpful!!! ๐ค๐ป๐
Tammy L. Victory ๐๐ป
@Janine Coyle-Wierzbicki โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ BEAUTIFULLY said!!! ๐ ๐๐ป
Wanda Manning
Sitting back, listening to my CD that arrived today and thinking about the mind of Prince. How he was always on point!๐
Jay Skywalker
Truth bearer
Chuck Deezul
INDEED!!!
Allure Searles
The whole album is lit ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ