It’s been a day now that we’ve lived in a world without Prince Rogers Nelson. And frankly I can’t deal. Growing up in the 80’s Prince was the musical food I was fed, that filled me up and yet, had me still hungry for more. I can recite Purple Rain and Under the Cherry Moon line for line, even recalling seeing the latter in theaters at the prime Prince fan age of 5! (I was told I also saw Purple Rain, but who can remember seeing such greatness when they're 3!) I had to cover my eyes for a few parts, but even at that age I knew his hair was laid and his outfits were EVERYTHANG! And oh yeah, I totally realized the value of a “wrecka stow”.

Prince was even one of the first artists to provide me with credentials back in 1998 for his show in Detroit, MI at Joe Louis Arena. I was a High School Senior, and in my mind Prince had hand selected me to receive those press tickets, because back then he wasn’t too fond of the media. And, we all know that he had his hands in every aspect of his shows/career, so he bestowed that amazing opportunity on me all by his own decision; and no one can tell me any different.

Prince made it cool to be yourself and among all his hits, “Raspberry Beret” always spoke to me not just because I love berets, but because I was indeed that girl “ . . . going in through the out door”. I have always been a self-proclaimed eccentric and Prince was one of those artists that any good creative connected and vibed with. Not to mention he inspired many hairstyles and outfits, including a black velvet skirt suit that I rocked with a ruffled blouse in the 4th grade! He also made us realize that as young black kids there was no one way to be, and that even in a ruffled blouse and heels he could still steal your woman! Prince was the epitome of be you and WIN! As fans, we may not have met him in person, but he still felt like he was our friend, and on many a night when one of his songs was just what we needed when we couldn’t fully express an emotion, be it happiness, sorrow, sheer joy, love, sex, and everything in between; he was our confidant that laid out what we were feeling, in a sometimes ethereal musical form for us to connect with.

As we all sit back and go through our respective Prince catalog collections; be they vinyl, cassette, digital, or streaming (big ups to Tidal for saving the day!) let’s not only be sad, but glad we got to experience this man. He is a standard that I doubt anyone will ever meet, and not only has he left a musical legacy that will stand unmatched, but he was a huge humanitarian and the master of throwing shade! He will forever be our Prince, and he will forever be missed!

Marissa Pierce

Jane of All Trades, Phashion Phish