Prince Writes

PRINCE ROGERS NELSON has no interest in the status quo. Despite countless attempts at deconstructing his persona , he remains, for the most part, a mystery. And so it is with the written word. He declined to sit for a lengthy Q & A. preferring instead to addres s the questions in his own enigmatic style. And you know what? We let him.

EBONY: You have always been an innovator in music. Please talk about your inspiration for creating the music that you have made. from lyrics to instrumentation. For example. there always seem to be messages relating to sexuality and God. Why?

PRINCE: Been studying boox that xplain mankind’s fall from grace. Seems 2 have been quite a long journey from perfection in2 the mortal state we now inhabit. B4 engaging in fatherhood we should all know what The Creator xpects from us. It’s ever so fascinating.

EBONY: On the business side, how did you come to make some of your most surprising decisions-like walking away from your record company without ownership of your name and creating the symbol to represent you? Launching music using new technology (downloading from your Website) and new outlets (Target)?

PRINCE: Changing the name Prince 2 a symbol initially freed me from the record company 2 release the single “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” independently, selling 1.5 million copies (just as many as “Let’s Go Crazy or “Gett Off”). Although eye’ve garnered much success with a major label, it’s much better being independent. maintaining ownership in everything

EBONY: Regarding those who influenced you, many consider that Jimi Hendrix was one of your greatest influences. Your thoughts on that? Little Richard? Santana?

PRINCE: Actually, 1st influence was Ike Turner. It would b fun 2 play Little Richard in a movie. “U’all ain’t never gave me nothin!”

EBONY: Why did you decide to stay in Minneapolis?

PRINCE: Mpls is home—it’s healthy, quiet lifestyle. The fast bachelorlife can get 2 u sometimes. We all need 2 recharge r batteries every now and then.

EBONY: Fortuitously, perhaps. you came to your religious beliefs in 1999. What influence did Larry Graham have on bringing you to the Truth? Has it been a conscious effort to infuse the music since then with religious messages? Do you consider your music to be religious music now?

PRINCE: The word “religion” has been muddied over the years. lt’s safer 2 say that thru xtensive study of Scripture. eye’ve gained a compass in life that eye can rely on. The world is fraught with misin4mation. George Orwell’s vision of the future is here. We all need 2 remain steadfast in faith in the trying times ahead.

EBONY: As a mature artist, what are your challenges as they relate to remaining fresh and innovative?

PRINCE: The box office has always been the gauge 4 us. We made muse way ahead of Its time anyway. It’s as fresh 2day as ever.

EBONY: Though 52 [come June 7], you appear ageless. To what do attribute that? How long have you been vegan? What else do you do to stay healthy? We noticed that the beverage at dinner was water. Do you not drink alcohol?

PRINCE: Study of the solar system tells us that the time it takes 4 the Earth 2 orbit around the sun equals one year. By processing time with a much longer orbit we can slow the perception of time. In Scripture, one day is like 1,000 years 2 Jehovah God.

EBONY: Personal life. marriage, family, love. How do you approach your personal life and find fulfillment, particularly given how fiercely private you are even as you are such an internationally Iconic figure? You introduced Bria Valente as your girlfriend. Are you looking for long·term commitment?

PRINCE: Self-interest is on the back burner 4 now. There is 2 much at stake. The most important thing right now is 2 take advantage of the changing landscape of America. The long-standing monopoly of white ownership of black music should b abolished. We need 2 get back 2 localized music distribution on all levels. In a world fast headed towards globalization we need 2 free the art from the gatekeepers that all c black culture as monochromatic. We come in all colors and it should b reflected that way everywhere around the globe. We were and still r very beutiful and industrious people. Anybody remember the Harlem Renaissance? Google it. (Laughs.) How about Black Wall Street? This has less 2do about skin color than it does when it comes 2 equal oppor2nity and freedom. “Diversity in ownership” should rule the day. It should b demanded from America’s new administration—this repairing r primary focus. All other human xperiments have failed. It was not suggested 2 us 2 love oneanother. It was commanded of us through Scripture. God’s way is best. No longer should we build houses and not occupy them.

Above is only the interview- part of the article that does feature some quotes as well