Publication: Toronto Star [Can]
Date: November 3, 1994
Section:
Page Number(s):
Length:
Title: "Not Fit For A Prince"
Reviewed By: Staff

When Prince pulled the plug on his legendary Black Album seven years ago next month, he said it was because the music was too "negative". So, now that he's decided to finally release the widely bootlegged work, does that mean: a) he's changed his mind? b) the likes of Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dog make the Black Album sound like cheery burbling by comparison? Or c? he's trying to get out of his contract?

According to informed sources, Prince has four albums left on his $100 million deal with Warner Music. He's already delivered one, The Gold Experience, which Warner is reluctant to release so soon after Come. The limited release of The Black Album - it's due out Nov. 22, but all orders will be cut off after Jan. 31 - would count as another. A release release from Prince's L.A. flacks goes so far as to say, "(Prince)" now feels that his much-publicized $100,000,000 deal may have just been a way to lock him into "institutionalized slavery".

Whatever the reason, when The Black Album does come out legitimately, most listeners will wonder why Prince was so concerned about its "negativity". Even at its most extreme - Le Grind, 2 Nigs United For West Compton, Rockhard In A Funky Place - it is simply no longer shocking.