In Prince‘s short but resonating time on earth, the superstar was fiercely fervent about how and where his music was consumed.
Indeed, beyond his ardent activism for artist independence from the major label machine, he was a weary of the digital revolution and made a point to play that game on his own terms. It’s a decision which, in the wake of his sudden death aged 57, is making the rush for access to his vast catalogue the definition of a treasure hunt.
Still, it hasn’t quelled the mass appetite to re-live the tunes that defined a generation and inspired many more.
A perusal of the iTunes charts illuminates this in earnest.
Full story below…
As at writing, an unprecedented 61 Prince songs have charged into the US tally of the Apple retailer.
View just a cross-section of the takeover…
On the album count, it’s a similar picture. All Prince everywhere…
Given the colossal size of Prince’s catalogue (almost 40 full length albums), it’s warming in the midst of the tragedy to see some of his newer music receiving shine.
The circumstances are irreparably sad, yet there is nothing negative about the masses re-discovering his genius and new generations being introduced to it.
What’s more, in a nod to his legal legacy, it’s phenomenal to see folk actually BUYING music in such numbers. A testament, no doubt, to his resistance of the streaming model which he always maintained doesn’t yet compensate artists properly.
It’s worth noting that the Purple One did partner with Jay-Z’s TIDAL recently, whose primary USP is to pay artists a higher % than rival platforms for digital streams.
For now (and presumably the future), TIDAL is the only place to stream purchasable Prince music online.
ANTI’s number1 in danger?
Wtf rih have to do with this Rihanna already came she saw made history already her album can linger it’s no biggie your assumption is mute you haters stay in and out rih p****
I know. I like Rih, no stress. I only asked 🙂
Get a life so what if prince goes number one the man died and a legend yall always come for rih competing with everyone and their mama will it ever stop rih name comes to mind foh
The man was brilliant he was the whole package everytime I listen to rih KIB I hear the guitar part my mind goes to prince immediately when I heard that song I thought he wrote it prince was cool wear what he want he was wearing balmain design before anyone he deserve all the praise not to forget he gave back to the community prince play by his own rule
STFU b**** you’re so annoying.
how dare you mention rihanna in the same sentence with a ICON like him. CRIME.
I f****** mention it because b**** they both humans bleed the same blood gtfoh and go drink bleach and what the f*** you haters going to do about it you think you dirty piece of shits going to degrade rihanna accomplishments
Prince deserves every praise he’s getting right now. From World leaders to corporations and everyone around the world he has impacted everyone’s life with his beautiful music. Its hard to imagine we live in a world where he, MJ, Whitney, and Bowie are gone. I always thought (especially with the medical we have today) that these legends would live well into their 90s/100s. I would push everyone to read up on stories about how Prince fought the music industry into owning ALL of his music, his exposure of labels owning streaming services and shutting artists out, and why he was so protective of his music even from his own fans who tried to pirate it. You’ll have a great appreciation of this gifted talent. I also now have a greater appreciation of the artists we have today like Beyonce, Rihanna, Gaga, Britney, Usher, etc…. they could all disappear tomorrow.
FACTS. Glad today generation are being exposed to his brilliance.
Slay a bit Prince! Rest in Paradise!!!
As yo can see when an aritst dies, they music sales right after. So I never understood the Aaliyah diss when this always been common.
I can’t even listen to his music right now,ugh
So sorry to hear that 🙁 I can only imagine what it’s like to lose your favorite artist. I hope it gets better you and all his fans around the world.
I’m still in a state of shock..I could swear he’d be around 30yrs from now still doing concerts.
Thanks, it’s extremely hard right now.
It should be that way. Prince rocked with Tidal because of what it stands for. He knew first hand how the industry robs artist of their royalties. Tho some projects didn’t sell like his hay day but cares he had IMPACT and a Legacy that nobody can touch or come close to his essence. God I can’t even listen to his music without standing my heavy heart and overwhelming emotions still in disbelief like how could this happen to him of all people.
All I know is too Madonna and Janet’s fan base better cool it with each other, they’re the only two we got from our 80s era left.
LEGENDS live on
And Justin Timberfake Fake @ss writing about Prince is his idol when he dissed him in a song. He’s so fake, same when MJ passed. I bet when it’s Janet’s time, he’ll be just as fake.
Girl something about him I just don’t like. And when it do come to Janet I will dragg his ass, no apology for throwing her under the bus, then have the audacity to jump on an unreleased MJ track that was fine on his own. Like no somebody get his ass outta here. BET don’t invite to the tribute. We don’t need him. I need Patti, Mimi, Maxwell, Tevin, D Angelo, Badu, Chaka, The Roots, Stevie, and Miguel to come into formation turn out in his tribute.
And he dissed and used Brieny. Dude whole career is off the back of others.
.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUvBqHlHDeQ
Nnnn, did he diss MJ before he passed too??? I get that he and Prince had a little tiff almost a decade ago but I guess he was just paying homage. He would’ve been DRAGGED if he didn’t!
Beyonce on Prince https://youtu.be/bm7mNg2Tn1s
The world really did pause for him yesterday and it was beautiful to see. What I respected about him the most was the way he maintained his mystique but whenever he would make a public appearance, it was EVENT! It doesn’t get any more bada** than that. I dont even know where to BEGIN with his vast discography. I have Purple Rain, Sign O’The Times and a Greatest Hits compilation but I’d like to really start somewhere and be more conversant with his craft and influence. So many of our greats are leaving us and not enough are being groomed to carry music forward. Rest in power, Purple One.
Ironic considering Prince didn’t f*** with Itunes, Youtube, or Spotify like that. Companies like that r*** artist pocket and that’s everything he stood against.
Where’s the Girl 6 Soundtrack? That’s a classic!
Man this shīt got my mind blown! Prince is gone?!?! Like it don’t even sound round. I can’t comprehend it. Good lord I hate thinking like this but what’s the world gon’ do when Madonna checks out?
Na shade Na Tea, while Michael Jackson was great, and don’t take anything away from him, I think Prince’s impact out weighs Michael? I mean whether people realize it or not Prince’s influence is more ubiquitous. From JT to Missy Elliot, to Pharrell. Prince just had a different sound that everyone I wanted to copy or felt inspired by.