In 1987, Prince did something shocking just seven days before his new album was set to drop. He had hundreds of thousands of copies pressed for his record, known as The Black Album. Then, out of nowhere, he told the music company to destroy every single one. He even paid for the cost himself using money from his song royalties.
This was a major event in music history. The album was called “the angry email Prince wrote to his haters but never sent.” He made it to prove he was still a stark funk artist after critics said he had become too soft and “too pop.” But on December 1, 1987, on a Blue Tuesday, he decided the angry music was not the path he wanted to take anymore.
Prince – The Black Album (1987) – The Facts You DIDN’T Know
Fans were desperate to hear the hidden record. Because some copies had already been sent out, it became one of the most famous bootlegs ever. One fan said, “He is so ahead of his time.” Another viewer felt that the singer was simply “so critical” of his own work. People loved the album, even if the artist did not.
Prince later did not release the album, but he did release some of the songs. This feeling of darkness and anger that Prince rejected is heard clearly in the song “Dead On It,” which was on the album. The song is a sharp, funky attack on the growing rap and hip-hop scene. It features a heavy beat and a strong, cynical Prince challenging rappers whom he thought were “tone-deaf.”
Prince – Dead On It (remastered)
“Dead On It” shows Prince’s confrontational side. The lyrics and the aggressive sound reflect a period when he was deeply angry and critical of the music world around him. This track, which eventually saw an official, limited release in 1994, is a perfect example of the dark, powerful funk he was trying to leave behind in 1987.
Prince was always an artist who followed his own rules. His journey shows his emotional commitment to his art and his desire to always change. To see more of his unique style and hear his incredible songs, follow Prince on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.