Okay guys let's get started! #PrinceTheOtherHits
Prince is known as one of the most prolific musicians of his time, but many people only think of this guy when his name comes to mind....
While it’s true that this era was the height of his commercial popularity, there are a lot of reasons for that!

Tonight we’ll talk other spikes in Prince’s popularity that came later, other notable awards he’s won, and the game of fame and the impacts of its tradeoffs.
A few disclaimers first though :
1. This is not meant to be an exhaustive spin through P’s discography, but a journey pointing out that P continued to put out hits (that charted in the top 10 or were certified via sales and awards) throughout his career.
2. P is beloved around the world, but for the sake of time, we’ll be doing his US based charting numbers/sales figures impacts (though I might throw other stuff in here and there)
(TLDR : Don’t @ me if you think I forgot something I’m building a case here and picked the things I picked on purpose😂)
Okay let’s start.
Diamonds and Pearls, the album was released October 1, 1991. It sold 2 million physical copies, going double platinum.

https://album.link/us/i/321974384 
Diamonds and Pearls, the album was released October 1, 1991. It sold 2 million physical copies, going double platinum. https://album.link/us/i/321974384 
Diamonds and Pearls, the album was released October 1, 1991. It sold 2 million physical copies, going double platinum. https://album.link/us/i/321974384 
Diamonds and Pearls, the album was released October 1, 1991. It sold 2 million physical copies, going double platinum. https://album.link/us/i/321974384 
Diamonds and Pearls, the album was released October 1, 1991. It sold 2 million physical copies, going double platinum. https://album.link/us/i/321974384 
You’ll remember Gett Off (which went Gold by the way), and the infamous performance on the MTV Music awards. First released as a single in July of 1991, this performance happened in September of 1991, just before the release of the full album.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x46u2k6 
After that it climbed to #1 on the Billboard charts for Dance Club Songs, #6 for Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, and #21 on the Hot 100.
(It also had several remixes that had videos but like I said we’re talking about the charting stuff tonight…so…moving on)
The next single was Cream released September 9 1991, it also went Gold and had a video that featured this spiffy outfit designed by a one @StaciaLangDsign .

This song peaked #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

https://song.link/us/i/321974417 
On November 4, 1991, Insatiable made the scene. Though it only peaked at 77 on the Hot 100, the R&B chart loved it, climbing to #3 and staying in the charts for 17 weeks.

https://song.link/us/i/321974507 
The final single for the album, Money Don’t Matter Tonight, was released March 3, 1992. This one didn’t chart as but it did have two takes on the video, one done by a one Spike Lee…

Video 1 :

Spike Lee Version : https://vimeo.com/276573279 
(breaking my own rules already bit I do what I want)
Again Prince was everywhere promoting this album. We got a whole night devoted to him on NBC’s Friday Night Videos with A Different World’s Darryl Bell.
He even opened up a Superbowl XXVI promo with Willing and Able in January of 1992
While we didn’t get to witness fabulous moments like this on the Diamonds and Pearls tour that toured overseas here in America….
(By the way ICYMI here’s P and the gang rehearsing for this tour)

)
We all did get the Diamonds and Pearls Home Video collection where we got to see all the videos for the album (with some remixes) and some interviews like this with his new band members.
Phew! That’s a lot, huh? And that’s just one record! Notice all the work one has to put in to sell 2 million copies of an album. Keep this in mind as we keep going here….
Up next, what is sometimes known as the “Love Symbol” album. Released October 13, 1992, it went Platinum selling over 1 million physical units in a few months.
(2 links here because of the tricky name)

https://album.link/t/51245087 
https://album.link/i/217476034 
Up next, what is sometimes known as the “Love Symbol” album. Released October 13, 1992, it went Platinum selling over 1 million physical units in a few months.(2 links here because of the tricky name) https://album.link/t/51245087  https://album.link/i/217476034 
Up next, what is sometimes known as the “Love Symbol” album. Released October 13, 1992, it went Platinum selling over 1 million physical units in a few months.(2 links here because of the tricky name) https://album.link/t/51245087  https://album.link/i/217476034 
Up next, what is sometimes known as the “Love Symbol” album. Released October 13, 1992, it went Platinum selling over 1 million physical units in a few months.(2 links here because of the tricky name) https://album.link/t/51245087  https://album.link/i/217476034 
Up next, what is sometimes known as the “Love Symbol” album. Released October 13, 1992, it went Platinum selling over 1 million physical units in a few months.(2 links here because of the tricky name) https://album.link/t/51245087  https://album.link/i/217476034 
(and before y’all jump on me for calling it that, check the copyrights for the songs on this. They actually do say “Love Symbol” lol)
This album had quite a lot of promotion as well!
A two part tour…of the US and Europe
Two TV Specials on ABC. (Yes that one). One that introduces the band and the album concept…
And one that showcases artists on the Paisley label and of course Prince himself hosted by Troy Beyer.
There was also a straight to VHS “Rated R” movie 3 Chains O Gold
A comic book that also explained the story...
Even a Prince night on Playboy’s Hot Rocks show! (Yes THAT Playboy…adult link y'all step lightly)

http://videos.sapo.mz/CswJ15zok8V6m6BZRGQU
Despite that, only 1 song from this album charted in the top 10 for a main Billboard chart…
7 which went gold March 10, 1993.

https://song.link/us/i/217477816 
The album was panned by critics. Understandably, Prince was upset by this…
A war was brewing with WB…it was time for a change.
Cue name change….June 7, 1993.
Here’s where it starts to get messy in a number of ways…
The Paisley Park imprint is no more.
(as of 1994)
Music is being created at a furious pace…but WB won’t release it.
The next few albums in the discog go through several configurations with songs that started on one ending up on others and back again…
P is in an open war with WB. Cue the next album, Come. Released August 16, 1994. https://album.link/us/i/213035023 
2 Singles Let it Go (Peaked #10 on the R&B Chart only)

https://song.link/t/50380389 
And Space. (Peaked #1 on the Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs). https://song.link/us/i/213035091 
This album had minimal promotion, and no official tour, just a few one off shows and the songs would pop up in aftershows from the previous tour, as the songs had been around for a while. O(+> and WB both posted ads for stuff going on...
This album had minimal promotion, and no official tour, just a few one off shows and the songs would pop up in aftershows from the previous tour, as the songs had been around for a while. O(+> and WB both posted ads for stuff going on...
This album had minimal promotion, and no official tour, just a few one off shows and the songs would pop up in aftershows from the previous tour, as the songs had been around for a while. O(+> and WB both posted ads for stuff going on...
And though both of these were filmed in 1993 but released in 1995...
We did get this fabulous VHS collection from this time…The Sacrifice of Victor
And this one as well….the Undertaker https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1155303539821961216
And also note that The Ride was just tossed on Crystal Ball with a bunch of other randomness….this era is rich with treasures man…that got lost in the fog...
So we’re at an impasse with WB…what would happen if O(+> didn’t need a big record label to promote him? What if he could do it via a smaller distributor all on his own?
Someone call Bellmark!
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World was released February 9, 1994. It topped #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, Mainstream Top 40 and Rhythmic Top 40, and #2 on US Hot R&B Singles.
For the inside scoop on the release of this album read more about here! https://twitter.com/Miss_EThompson/status/1182765340297781249
And of course shout out to the The Beautiful Experience featuring a one, Nona Gaye, also known as…all of us. https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1053484022905610240
A wild success, WB decided to put more effort behind their artist…and he got better promotion with…
The Gold Experience, released September 26, 1995. Another album that had “old songs” (recorded between 1992 and 1995) as this was part of the group that had songs shifting between them.
The Gold Experience, released September 26, 1995. Another album that had “old songs” (recorded between 1992 and 1995) as this was part of the group that had songs shifting between them.
The Gold Experience, released September 26, 1995. Another album that had “old songs” (recorded between 1992 and 1995) as this was part of the group that had songs shifting between them.
The Gold Experience, released September 26, 1995. Another album that had “old songs” (recorded between 1992 and 1995) as this was part of the group that had songs shifting between them.
Oops just noted I missed a bit stay with me ya'll... Come went Gold also and was #2 on Billboard's top R&B chart...

Needed that in there for the record. Moving on...
Oops just noted I missed a bit stay with me ya'll... Come went Gold also and was #2 on Billboard's top R&B chart...Needed that in there for the record. Moving on...
Oops just noted I missed a bit stay with me ya'll... Come went Gold also and was #2 on Billboard's top R&B chart...Needed that in there for the record. Moving on...
So The Gold Experience 1992 song that I'm half counting was done by another artist...who was the recipient of quite a few songs by Prince on this album...
https://song.link/us/i/301001054 
Prince's version of Shh! here. https://song.link/us/i/1421416953 
Shhh by Prince

https://song.link/us/i/1421416953
The promotion machine is going again! We got 2 whole VH1 Specials. The VH1 Video Break Takeover https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1162559905133473792
And the Love4OneAnother Special https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1162566907003842567
We also got the VH1 Fashion Awards
An appearance on SOoooouuulll Train (before the album came out but songs from this album and other songs from this period were performed like The Most Beautiful Girl, Acknowledge Me, Love Sign with Nona). https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1170183548655099906
The infamous Dolphin performance on Letterman
Artist of Merit Award at the AMA's

Europe and Japan got a whole tour…
Again…the man was everywhere!
Of the singles that were released, only one charted in the top 10…
Eye Hate U was released September 25, 1995. Topped at #3 on Hot R&B singles and #9 Rhythmic Top 40
https://song.link/us/i/1421417358 
Shout out to that time my parents’ alma mater covered this song btw! @SU_HumanJukebox
And shout out to designer Michael Van Huffel for his work on this as well! @MVH_photos https://twitter.com/mshvan/status/1157507193383481344
But only one Single charted from this album guys.

And only 2 were released from this album (not counting Most Beautiful).

After all that work….

O(+> was over it.

And so was WB.
Fast forward to 1997… (Because again we’re talking about his hits and not what should have been hits you see)
Finally in 1996, O(+-> was released from Warner/Chappell Music publishing and he was free to do his own music!
Emancipation released November 19, 1996. It’s the 4th best selling 3 disc album of all time in the United States.
Emancipation released November 19, 1996. It’s the 4th best selling 3 disc album of all time in the United States.
Emancipation released November 19, 1996. It’s the 4th best selling 3 disc album of all time in the United States.
Emancipation released November 19, 1996. It’s the 4th best selling 3 disc album of all time in the United States.
The Singles? Only charting one was Betcha By Golly Wow US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay #10, Rythmic top 40 #10 https://song.link/us/i/1421451946 
The sprawling album saw him in the limelight again with an interview with Oprah…
Appearances on the NAACP Image awards https://twitter.com/IAmMissTLC/status/961811947699294208
Two supporting tours Love 4 One Another Charities and Jam of the Year.
Two supporting tours Love 4 One Another Charities and Jam of the Year.
Two supporting tours Love 4 One Another Charities and Jam of the Year.
It was a time y’all…
(a tragic time too, but we're keeping it to the music)
Sidenote Love4OneAnother Charities @L4OACharities is back in the game! Head over here to check out the giveaway they’re doing! https://l4oa.org/ 
P is has been on a roll productivity wise, but honestly, unless you were a deeper fam (or were tuned into Black media because he was literally everywhere on our stuff) you might agree with some of the criticism he got around this time...
Fast forward to…Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic released November 9, 1999. https://album.link/us/i/1421848107 
Fast forward to…Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic released November 9, 1999. https://album.link/us/i/1421848107 
Fast forward to…Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic released November 9, 1999. https://album.link/us/i/1421848107 
Fast forward to…Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic released November 9, 1999. https://album.link/us/i/1421848107 
Of course we know all about the Pay Per View Special…that was reissued not too long ago.
But despite what Clive Davis did for others, he could not do the same for The Artist known once again as Prince with the start of the millennium. (It didn't sell too well)
Fast forward…past my favorite time period (again no charting and top certifications during this period but plug because reissues coming May 19!)

https://store.prince.com/dept/one-nite-alone?cp=103229_104317_107503
Musicology released April 20, 2004. NPG/Columbia distributing (he ain't no fool). 2x Platinum (on a technicality...and honestly was in the top 5 of too many Billboard charts to name here). It was the start of a 4 album run debuting top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicology released April 20, 2004. NPG/Columbia distributing (he ain't no fool). 2x Platinum (on a technicality...and honestly was in the top 5 of too many Billboard charts to name here). It was the start of a 4 album run debuting top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicology released April 20, 2004. NPG/Columbia distributing (he ain't no fool). 2x Platinum (on a technicality...and honestly was in the top 5 of too many Billboard charts to name here). It was the start of a 4 album run debuting top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Musicology released April 20, 2004. NPG/Columbia distributing (he ain't no fool). 2x Platinum (on a technicality...and honestly was in the top 5 of too many Billboard charts to name here). It was the start of a 4 album run debuting top 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Don’t call it a comeback, perhaps call it…playing the game…but on your own terms?
How do you get people back on the wagon?
A hits tour, but sneak in your current stuff too you see.
And put a CD with a ticket purchase…even if you're just seeing it in a movie theater so you can go 2x Platinum.
Also, maybe start throwing some parties, so people can have access to you… 📷 Afshin Shahidi
So they’ll remember you when it’s time to vote for things like say…Grammy’s…
Call My Name : Winner Best Male R&B Vocal Performance

https://song.link/us/i/1421413805 
Musicology : Winner Best Traditional R&B Performance

https://song.link/us/i/1421413801 
And they’ll remember you when it’s time to vote for you the first year you’re eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On your own terms you see.
3121 released NPG/Universal distributing March 21, 2006. Topped too many charts to name and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.

https://album.link/us/i/1421415958 
3121 released NPG/Universal distributing March 21, 2006. Topped too many charts to name and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. https://album.link/us/i/1421415958 
3121 released NPG/Universal distributing March 21, 2006. Topped too many charts to name and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. https://album.link/us/i/1421415958 
3121 released NPG/Universal distributing March 21, 2006. Topped too many charts to name and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. https://album.link/us/i/1421415958 
None of the songs from this album charted, but boy did we get some excellent visuals…

Te Amo Corazon
Fury
We also got a residency in Las Vegas
We also got a residency in Las Vegas
We also got a residency in Las Vegas
And more lavish parties…(if you were famous and stuff) 📷 Afshin Shahidi
Planet Earth released (NPG) debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200…and top 10 again on several other charts.

Look at him and his bad self! Charting this album with no majors distributing!

https://album.link/us/i/1421414238 
Planet Earth released (NPG) debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200…and top 10 again on several other charts.Look at him and his bad self! Charting this album with no majors distributing! https://album.link/us/i/1421414238 
Planet Earth released (NPG) debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200…and top 10 again on several other charts.Look at him and his bad self! Charting this album with no majors distributing! https://album.link/us/i/1421414238 
Got a residency in London…And an Opus (and more affordable book) to document this residency...
Got a residency in London…And an Opus (and more affordable book) to document this residency...
Got a residency in London…And an Opus (and more affordable book) to document this residency...
Also randomly…our guy got another Grammy for…

Future Baby Mama. Winner : Best Male R&B Vocal Performance https://song.link/us/i/1421414459 
Future Baby Mama by Prince

https://song.link/us/i/1421414459
And around this time...a Golden Globe award because people be knowing you as again you are in these streets being seen…

For A Song of the Heart from the Movie Happy Feet
https://song.link/us/i/202270826 
The movie in which he allowed this to happen...
Y'all tired yet? We still got more to go this man was BUSY!
The Lotusflow3r collection released March 24, 2009. 4th consecutive top 3 debut in the US for the Billboard 200 and as it were a chart topper on other charts as well.

Lotusflow3r : https://album.link/us/i/1421413710 

MplsSound : https://album.link/us/i/1421413032 
The Lotusflow3r collection released March 24, 2009. 4th consecutive top 3 debut in the US for the Billboard 200 and as it were a chart topper on other charts as well.Lotusflow3r : https://album.link/us/i/1421413710 MplsSound : https://album.link/us/i/1421413032 
The Lotusflow3r collection released March 24, 2009. 4th consecutive top 3 debut in the US for the Billboard 200 and as it were a chart topper on other charts as well.Lotusflow3r : https://album.link/us/i/1421413710 MplsSound : https://album.link/us/i/1421413032 
The Lotusflow3r collection released March 24, 2009. 4th consecutive top 3 debut in the US for the Billboard 200 and as it were a chart topper on other charts as well.Lotusflow3r : https://album.link/us/i/1421413710 MplsSound : https://album.link/us/i/1421413032 
The Lotusflow3r collection released March 24, 2009. 4th consecutive top 3 debut in the US for the Billboard 200 and as it were a chart topper on other charts as well.Lotusflow3r : https://album.link/us/i/1421413710 MplsSound : https://album.link/us/i/1421413032 
(The album Elix3r isn't streaming and it's a real shame. Ignore what you might hear about it and give it a try! This song in particular, a sexy duet with Prince.)
We’re on a roll! In the streets with a commercial with Target because again, Prince do what he want and releases things ON HIS OWN TERMS, y’all!
Lots more happening once again…
AMAZING Montreux shows. He’s here doing Bria’s All this Love from her Elix3r album (again it's a good project and he wrote all the songs!)
The amazing LA shows... https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1005686465999900672
Ellen… https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5nTEk_GvhKY&feature=emb_title
Really…so much…

Fast forward….
And we’re back with WB as distributors. 2 albums released on the same day…September 26, 2014.

Plectrumelectrum : https://album.link/us/i/911632119 

Art Official Age : https://album.link/us/i/911631220 
And we’re back with WB as distributors. 2 albums released on the same day…September 26, 2014.Plectrumelectrum : https://album.link/us/i/911632119 Art Official Age : https://album.link/us/i/911631220 
And we’re back with WB as distributors. 2 albums released on the same day…September 26, 2014.Plectrumelectrum : https://album.link/us/i/911632119 Art Official Age : https://album.link/us/i/911631220 
AOA had a charting single, Breakfast Can Wait, AND RIGHTLY SO (according to me)
https://song.link/i/911631227 
Video here : https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15z5hk 
Making of the video here : https://twitter.com/darlingnisi/status/1072543206485696517
Still gotta shout out this remix in particular….
And shout out to that time P hosted a live stream on Yahoo from Paisley Park and Kendrick Lamar was there… https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=zXY93Iyxq4s&feature=emb_title
HITnRUN Phase One released September 7, 2015. Did well on the R&B charts, peaking #2 on the R&B Albums Chart

https://album.link/us/i/1440937466 
HITnRUN Phase One released September 7, 2015. Did well on the R&B charts, peaking #2 on the R&B Albums Chart https://album.link/us/i/1440937466 
HITnRUN Phase One released September 7, 2015. Did well on the R&B charts, peaking #2 on the R&B Albums Chart https://album.link/us/i/1440937466 
That episode of New Girl didn’t help Fallinluv2nite do anything though…

https://song.link/us/i/1440937521 
And finally, HITnRUN Phase Two was released December 15, 2015 on Tidal (you could get copies if you had a hook up through his Peer2Peer network. Shout out to the local fams like @SaxAddict93 who were willing to do the work!
https://album.link/us/i/1068030454 
And finally, HITnRUN Phase Two was released December 15, 2015 on Tidal (you could get copies if you had a hook up through his Peer2Peer network. Shout out to the local fams like @SaxAddict93 who were willing to do the work! https://album.link/us/i/1068030454 
And finally, HITnRUN Phase Two was released December 15, 2015 on Tidal (you could get copies if you had a hook up through his Peer2Peer network. Shout out to the local fams like @SaxAddict93 who were willing to do the work! https://album.link/us/i/1068030454 
You could also get this CD with the purchase of a ticket to a P&M show. It otherwise wasn’t widely distributed until April 29, 2016 (previously planned for this date by P before his ascension. )
This album was a bit of a compilation album with its songs being recorded as early as 2010...and it's really really good. (In my top 10 of his 40, honestly).

For example if you be still to this, I feel for you. https://song.link/us/i/1068030643 
Xtralovable by Prince

https://song.link/us/i/1068030643
(That song was originally done back in 1982, but the updated version happened in 2011.)
Another "older song", here's Black Muse being performed at a Welcome 2 America show back in 2011)
All of the "singles" from this album have videos, but only one charted. RocknRoll Love Affair back in 2013.
AND WHAT A VIDEO THAT WAS!
So…that’s it!

What a journey huh?
Prince’s career is so dense with incredible music it’s hard to remember all the times he popped in with high profile moments, award recognition, or even all the times he continued to sit at the top of the charts.
Perhaps that’s more due to the way the industry has changed the way we consume music, but let it be said, the man never went anywhere and neither did his prolific talent.
Let it be known that #Prince continued to put out hits from 1978 until 2016 and the people should be reminded of his contributions to music over the ENTIRE duration of his career.

(this isn't even all of them!)
Prince has always made keeping up with him an adventure…and what a fun ride it has been and continues to be! We will be chasing him until the end of time. 💜
If you're ready to deep dive past "the hits" here's a collection of songs from his albums from 1990-2016. #SorryInAdvance #ISaidTheManStayedBUSY

Tidal : https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/07875705-f9f8-4446-b433-2c70b0f6c4de

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3uHJR1T6FPQJ2DRzqRFyAV?si=lpVrDh5_QmSF1ZYNtnSOjA

Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/princetheotherhits/pl.u-GgA5kvzIo7gjjpG
You can follow @darlingnisi.
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