Almost anyone who was a teenager in the early 80's will tell you Prince is the better between the two. Rick was
a beast. Don't get me wrong. But, Prince was damn near
a force of nature.
Ask yourself this: who was Micheal Jackson afraid of? It sure as hell wasn't Rick James. Mike viewed Prince as his compition. I remember seeing an interview were either MJ, or someone close to him said, Mike would get song ideas and he'd comment on how he needed to develope those ideas before Prince did because their creativity flowed from the same place. Not the exact words but it was something to that effect. I wish I could remember where that interview was or find a link to it.
But, this was MJ at the height of his career saying this. He never publicly said anything close to that about Rick (or anyone else). However, like most black folk, he prolly liked some of his jams. And, I'm sure he respected Rick as
an artist. But, there are levels to everything.
Some of ya'll seem to think only low to mid range voices are what real soulfullness is about. Yeah, try telling that to Smokey Robinson or Philip Bailey among others. Princes falseto was getting panties wet
world wide. Back in the day his falseto would have your woman wondering what you would look like in skinny jeans, high healed boots and a perm ...lol
And if you want to talk about soulful. Throw on "Do Me Baby." You want Funky? Throw on anything from The Time's first 3 albums. All written, produced and performed by Prince. He brought Morris in later. Then hired the rest of the group after that. And, actually, Alexander O'neil was who Prince originally wanted to front The Time. But, they couldn't come to terms. So, he got Morris. Who was actually a drummer.
BTW, have any of you heard the bass lines for "Let's Work" or "777-9311?" That's Prince playing that shit and it's funky as hell. Oh, and that drum beat from "777-9311", that's Prince banging that shit out. What about them funky ass synths and bass
combo "Head?" All Prince. No drum machines, no sequencers and no back up vocalists except the female speaking part.
Remember, Prince played every instrument he put his hands on. And not just played them, but played them well. Dude was totally self taught. They say he never took a lesson. Jimmy Jam said Prince would take your instrument and play it better than you could. And, it wasn't even his main instrument.
Damn near any popular form of music there is, Prince has done it and has charted at least top ten in it. Prince did funky and a whole lot more. He never allowed himself to be limited like many of today's black
artists. That's why black music ain't selling like it used to. Shit is a cliche now. A parody of itself. But, what do I know? I haven't had any hits ether.
What I do know is Rick had some timeless jams. And, yes, "Street Songs" is
a classic album. But, he just wasn't on the same level as Prince. He was very limited in what he could do. And when that great era of black music played out, so did he.however, Prince just kept it moving. Yeah, he put out some experimental B.S.. That happens when you been in the game as long as he has. But, he also put out some hot joints and continues to do so. Plus, he can still pack stadiums all by himself. No opening act needed. Even at the top of his career, Rick was never able to do that.
Prince wins. Hands down.
