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Posts tagged as “Controversy”

#AAMAM: “Sign O’ The Times” – Celebrating Prince and his Protest Music (LISTEN)

We wanted to get this post up earlier, but today? Server issues. Thankfully, those are resolved and Good Black News is happy to grab a moment during African American Music Appreciation Month to honor what would have been the 62nd birthday of the one and only Prince.

His music is legendary, no question, and we could offer a playlist full of his genius output that could keep your ears busy into the end of next week.

But in light of current events – the literal revolution unfolding before us born in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis – today we offer an appreciation and compilation of Prince’s protest music.

Ever since he started recording, Prince has composed songs addressing war, racism, gender issues, inequality, usury and police brutality.

From well-known singles such as “Controversy,” “1999,” “Pop Life,” and “Sign O’ The Times” to lesser-known album cuts like “PartyUp,” “Colonized Mind,” “Avalanche,” “We March” and “Baltimore,” his 2015 tribute to Freddie Gray, Prince constantly used his unparalleled talent and voice to highlight injustice.

To read more about several of his protest songs, click here. To listen, click below. Power to the New Generation!

[spotifyplaybutton play=”spotify:playlist:0ccCsunMwAuRtwXOUI2dOs”/]

R.I.P. Musical Master, Genius and Unforgettable Legend Prince

Prince (photo via nytimes.com)
Prince (photo via nytimes.com)

article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson
Even though the news is minutes old, I’m sure you’ve all heard by now. I still can’t process it fully, and am having serious trouble accepting it, but after following TMZ, then Huffington Post, then Rolling Stone and the New York Times reports, I have to.   We all have to admit that it’s true – one of the best musicians ever to walk the Earth – Prince (born Prince Rogers Nelson) has passed away at age 57.  Whether it was from complications due to his recent bout with the flu or some other reason – what really matters is that he is gone and the world has lost a genius and musical visionary.
While the grief over his passing will be palpable and far from short-lived, we wanted to take this moment to celebrate the legacy and artistry of the man who won an Academy Award, multiple Grammys, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and gave us “Purple Rain”, “Sign of the Times”, “Controversy”, “Dirty Mind”, “1999” and “LoveSexy” to name a few, and wish his singular spirit all the best on the next phase of his journey.
I have no idea how long the video below will remain up on YouTube, but while it is:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8BMm6Jn6oU&w=420&h=315]