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.
Stylé
Prince Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Just let me talk to you
Yeah- I just wanna talk to you
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
Just let me talk to me
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
We not together
But I promise I'm committed to you
Open the bible
Ain't a sin I ain't committing for you
I wanna lay under the stars
And just vibe with you
Pull you close, touch your soul
And make plans with you
Yesterday I want to an art gallery
Just so I can tap into the artist side of me
A lot of girls say it
But she really ride for me
And at the crib you I make her ride literally
Up and down
Slow, fast
I like the way she go
Scratching on my back as she cum
And than she beg for more
Oh my God I love your smile, you so beautiful
Body on elastic girl, you Miss.incredible
You keep your ears in my pocket, you don't listen much
Putting words in my mouth, loving you is difficult
Said I know baby, I apologize
There's just a lot of weight in life I haven't exercised
You have a lot to leave
But you still ride
I guess the car gonna have to blow before the love dies
That's why I do anything
Just to see you smile
Anything to see you smile
Baby come over I wanna be behind yeah
I'm just canning for your love, No Mariah
Ring on your finger, make you forever mine yeah
Fuck my clothes, I want my kids made by chyna
I know Tommy want a chance but I'm glad your mine
In life I hope he finds a girl, I hope he's doing fine
But you should be with him or someone else how I feel at times
That's just how I feel at times
I wish the best for him
Nothing less for him
Like his shoe size, he thinks your the right fit for him
That boy really likes
And I understand
Your dope ass girl
He wanna be your man
That's the thing between you two
Let's just not pretend
He has feelings but you don't
Y'all can't be friends
Baby I'm just saying
Yeah yeah, yeah yeah
We still connected but your actions say you out of range
Don't know if you unplugged the modem
Or if you just don't feel the same
If there's a problem
I'm a cashier
I’ll make the change
Ever since the cheating shit
You just the same
We both have dirty hands but I’ll take the blame
I don’t care that I lost you
I care I caused you pain
That had water dripping on the floor
Ain’t talk rain
Girl i'm sorry that I caused you pain
After the truth
I really thought you were coming back
That was selfish
I should’ve never thought of that
At least the truth is in the air
Believe it or not
But I'ma love you till the end baby that's just that
That's just that
I'ma love you till the end yeah that's just that
That's just that
Yeah yeah, yeah
Yeah yeah, yeah
Yeah yeah, yeah
Yeah yeah, yeah
That's just that
In Prince's song Style, the artist goes on to explain in detail what style truly means. He starts by saying that style is not something that is a result of buying a product, but more about how effortlessly one presents themselves in different situations as exemplified by Jackie O. She had a style that was regarded as classy; it wasn't something that she attained by purchasing it. He goes on to say that style is not just a visual aspect but is also related to how one treats oneself and others. It's about owning the court rather than just sitting alongside the owner of the team. It's about loving oneself unconditionally, and this self-love gains the respect of everyone around.
Prince then talks about how style is keeping promises that one makes and staying true to oneself. It's being responsible and not breaking commitments like wedding vows. He continues to explain that having style is not about following trends and copying others; it's more about being original and unique. Style is who you are! It's about showing kindness, having an attitude of peace, growing your food, respecting others, and staying true to your internal values.
In the end, the artist says that style is freedom and is like Ali's jab or hailing a cab, elements that are associated with a sense of authority and confidence. The song focuses on how having one's version of style can be empowering and inspiring to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Style, uh!
Introducing the topic of style with enthusiasm
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Expressing agreement or excitement through repeated sounds
Style, dig it
Encouraging the listener to appreciate and understand the concept of style
(Style) Style, come on
Conveying a sense of urgency or motivation to learn more about style
Uh, style
A continuation of the introduction to the topic with a tone of affirmation
Style is not something that comes in a bottle
Explaining that style cannot be purchased or acquired, but is innate and personal
Style is more like Jackie O. when she was doin' Aristotle
Drawing a comparison between the grace and elegance of Jackie O. and the sophistication of having a deep understanding of philosophy
Style is not a logo that sticks to the roof of one's ass
Rejecting the notion that displaying a brand or logo defines one's style
Style is like a second cousin to class
Describing style as being closely related to class, which entails social standing and cultural legacy
you got it! Style, come on
Encouraging the listener to understand and embody style
you got it! Style, say what?
Prompting the listener to express themselves and describe their own understanding of style
you got it! Style, come on
Encouraging the listener to take action and put their understanding of style into practice
you got it! Style, check it
Encouraging the listener to evaluate their understanding of style and refine it if necessary
Style ain't sittin' court side with the owner of the team
Challenging the notion of being a spectator and instead advocating owning and using one's skills and talents
Style is owning the court and charging 'em all a fee
Putting forward the idea of controlling one's domain and being compensated for it
Style is not lusting after someone because they're cool
Rejecting the idea of being infatuated with someone based on their popularity or status
Style is loving yourself 'til everyone else does too
Asserting that confidence and self-love are essential aspects of style and influence how others perceive us
Style don't get drunk on a Saturday night
Highlighting that true style doesn't involve recklessness or indulgence
Try to dress up every Sunday mornin' bright
Encouraging hygiene and discipline when it comes to personal grooming
Style don't get married then break the vow in a year
Rejecting the idea of making promises that cannot be kept
Style is keepin' a promise
Emphasizing the importance of keeping one's word and being trustworthy
Raise your hand y'all if you hear me
Encouraging the listener to join in and agree with the message being conveyed
Style is not biting style when you can't find the funk
Rejecting the notion of copying or imitating others when one is not in tune with their own instincts
Style is the face you make on a Michael Jordon dunk
Deeming that style is expressing oneself in a moment of triumph and success
Style ain't the jeep you bought when you know your broke ass got bills
Rejecting the idea of living beyond one's means, especially when one has financial obligations to meet
Style is lettin' your lover drive while you talk on the phone and chill
Proposing that style is a balance between assertiveness and relaxation, and being comfortable enough to let someone else take control
Style is a gold-tooth smile with an attitude
Describing that style is not just about physical appearance, but also an inner spirit and energy
Style is a peaceful wild postin' the rude
Drawing a contrast between being at peace and being rebellious, and asserting that true style can blend both elements
Style is growing your own food
Highlighting the value of self-sufficiency and living a healthy lifestyle
Style is a non-violent march
Depicting peaceful protest as an effective way to effect change and demonstrate one's beliefs
Style is an accurate account of what's inside every heart (Style)
Encouraging authenticity and being true to oneself, regardless of how others perceive it
Style is not a lie
Asserting that true style cannot be faked or replicated
Style is a man that cries
Rejecting the notion that emotions are a sign of weakness, and that true style involves being in touch with one's feelings
Style is the glow in a pregnant woman's eyes
Acknowledging the beauty and wonder of creating new life, and how that can be an expression of style
Style is buying your moms a house
Highlighting the importance of family and the ability to provide for them
Style is a clean mouth
Encouraging good hygiene and demonstrating respect for oneself and others
Style is puppy breath
Celebrating the innocence and joy of life
Style is no fear of death
Highlighting the importance of living life without fear and embracing one's mortality
Style is Ali's jab
Referencing Muhammad Ali's famous boxing move, and highlighting the importance of effort and strategy in achieving one's goals
Style is hailing a cab (Style)
Suggesting that even a seemingly mundane action can be done with style and flair
Then you know, givin' 'em the finger when they pass your ass!
Asserting oneself in the face of disrespect or adversity
Shirley, shake your ass, Shirley
Addressing someone named Shirley and urging them to dance and celebrate
(You got it!)
Reinforcing the message that the listener has the ability and understanding to embody style
Hang on, hang on
Urging the listener to pause and reflect on what they have just heard
Style is a soul new power
Suggesting that style can be a transformative experience that gives one new energy and purpose
Style is when all black men are free
Referencing racial equality and social justice as a manifestation of true style
Style is you and me
Elevating the idea that style is not just an individual, but a collective experience
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Hassan MaGan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Prince's Friend
WATCH NEXT: Prince, Nothing Compares 2 U, When You Were Mine (Friend-Off Game Show Episode 4) https://youtu.be/nmOxIZh0r9Y
throughthefire
Kudos to his hairstylist of 30 years, Ms. Kim Berry. She kept his hair TIGHT.
Michael Frazia
amazing
NoirEtBlanc
“With this look, Prince is healing the sick!” Yes! My number one has always been the parade era. But, I think you definitely convinced me on the “Prince of Nazareth” look! I loved “Thieves in the temple” video how he pulled it back in a low ponytail. That video and “Glam Slam”, are my two favorite PofN hairstyles, along with outfit looks. He looked soooo good 😍 Well done Devin, I love your analysis 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😋
devin p.
Thank you!
Aundria Cooper Premo
Listen, he's an icon. Sexiest man who ever walked Earth. He didn't DO bad hair. Ever.
John James
Hey girlfriend I don't do I D pics but can assure u that my hair is what Prince was trying 2 ascend 2 but he just couldn't quite get it right but he gave it a good try. Let's hook up then tell me if am lying eh 😏#
Btw u 🔥
🛑 The press who is that girl?
Vicki Vale and she likes.... 🎵
If a man is considered guilty 4what goes on in his mind
Give me electric chair 4all my future crimes y'all 🎶
Electric chair.
........Btw Musicology era..... Definitely best 👀.....oh and when he appeared on The View day time tv he was sharp ✔️ it out
l Hu
His early days Afro was pretty. I didn't like his latter day afro.
Loni Roni
Prince looks amazing in any hairstyle. He looks good with a beard, 5 o'clock shadow whatever he's feeling. He's godly perfection.
Tabreeca Shynell Woodside
I absolutely adore Devin’s depth of historical contribution rather than just giving her 2 cents. I haven’t followed Prince to this extent but I am so going to do some studying cause this was fun! And not to mention she is comedically creative with these titles 🙌🏾