How do you launch a hit song? Prince did it by giving it away. On his 33rd birthday, he skipped the usual promotion and dropped “Gett Off” only in nightclubs. This surprise move delivered a ten minute mix of the song on a very rare 12-inch single. It was a bold choice that showed he trusted the music completely.
This song was a new sound for him, blending hip hop with his classic style. But the music video was even wilder. It was inspired by a racy old movie and cost over one million dollars. The set looked like a giant party and was so expensive it caused a huge fight, even a lawsuit, with the production company.
The Story of “Gett Off” By Prince
People in the clubs loved it right away. The song became an instant hit on dance floors before it ever played on the radio. The song was so popular from this nightclub test that Prince decided to add it to his Diamonds and Pearls album at the very last second. It proved he knew exactly what his fans wanted.
That controversial video was just the beginning. He decided to bring that same shocking energy to live television for the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards. If people thought the video was a lot to handle, they were about to see him take it to a whole new level, right on the stage for everyone to see.
PRINCE & THE NPG / GETT OFF / MTV VMA ’91
Prince and his band, The New Power Generation, recreated the video’s wild party. He famously wore a yellow outfit with the back cut out, stunning the audience. He did not hold back, dancing across the stage and showing the world he was not afraid to push boundaries and be himself.
Prince was always an artist who made his own rules. His journey was about mixing sounds, challenging ideas, and creating moments that no one could ever forget. He gave his fans a feeling of freedom in his music. Follow Prince on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to see more of his amazing story.