Unconventional Geniuses: Prince vs. Michael Jackson in the 80s
Trailblazing U.S. Musician Prince Soared with Smash Hit 'Purple Rain' - iconic pop star Prince, famed for his hit single "Purple Rain," etches his name into music history
Written by Helmut Z - the Purple Genie Whisperer
Michael Jackson may have outsold Prince by a margin of three to one, but the resilient pop artist born in '58 brought a unique essence to the realm of music that Jackson could never replicate. Their rivalry was far more than a numerical tussle; it was a dance of grace, creativity, and relentless individuality.
A Tale of Two Genres
Jackson's dominance in the 80s was characterized by scene-stealing albums like Thriller and Bad. Mastering the art of perfectionism, he favored stunning releases over immense output. Prince, on the other hand, churned out an impressive gallery of music, starting with 1999 and ending with Sign o' the Times. Being the man behind the curtain, Prince diligently played most of the instruments on his recordings.
Glitzy Showmanship versus Raw Experimentation
In the arena of showmanship, Jackson's style was classically polished with trademark fedoras, white gloves, and Bubbles, the chimpanzee. Meanwhile, Prince preferred to bedazzle in crotchless pants and sparkling lace outfits, and even had personalized guitars. Jackson's fashion and persona were expertly orchestrated to maintain his throne as the "King of Pop," while Prince's onstage presence grappled with pre-queer and macho manifestations, reflecting his eclectic, experimental style.
Struggle for Autonomy and Freedom
From his troubled upbringing as a biracial child caught between white and black roots to feuding with his mother's significant other and suffering the rejection of his father, Prince's life was a battlefield. Yet, instead of being shackled by these hardships, he embraced them, constantly expressing himself authentically. This included exploring personal themes like sexuality, spirituality, and racial identity in his music and championing his artistic freedom by defying the expectations of record labels – such as distributing his music online from 2001 onward, around the time the iPod was born.
Quite fittingly, Prince bestowed upon us the song "Controversy" – a title that epitomizes his fearless spirit and desire to break boundaries. True to the lyrics, his defiance didn't come easy; it cost him, much like the Jehovah's Witness he once was, when he quoted the Lord's Prayer while advocating nudity. Five short years ago, his battle for independence tragically claimed his life, overcome by an overdose of fentanyl. One thing remains certain: the daring spirit of Prince he left behind has forever etched his name in musical lore.
A Gallery of Iconic Moments
- Prince
- 80s Nostalgia
- Michael Jackson
- Purple Rain Revival
In the realm of music and entertainment that the 80s offered, the titles of 'King of Pop' and mysterious pop maestro were contested by none other than Michael Jackson and Prince, respectively. Both artists transcended the boundaries of pop-culture through their music, with Jackson delivering iconic albums like Thriller and Bad, and Prince churning out a series of experimental masterpieces, including 1999 and Sign o' the Times.
Music enthusiasts continue to celebrate these unconventional geniuses of the 80s, with nods to Prince's purple rein and Jackson's moonwalking moves, squarely placed in the annals of pop-culture. The legacy of both artists continues to spark endless discussion, adding to the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment and music, thanks to icons like Prince, the revolutionary '80s artist who bathed in the hues of purple rain.
