Movers and Shakers: Prince & Maxwell (Updated)

Leave it to a Gemini to get things started.  Even when these two are speaking, it’s like music to my ears.  Because no one else is going quite that deep…

So, this morning I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that Yahoo had a featured article on Prince and how he recently revealed that he was born with epilepsy.  He touched on that and some other serious matters on the Tavis Smiley show last week.  I had no idea that Prince was gonna be on Tavis’ show, so I missed it, but thanx to pbs.org I was able to catch the full interview.  As we all know, I adore this man to no end, but I gotta say – my love & respect for him has grown even stronger after watching the show.

He talks about the new album, about Dick Gregory and chemtrails…  He hipped me to some stuff I had no knowledge of.  It’s interesting.  And my man is a sight for sore eyes in his suit ‘n’ satin tie.  Ai yai yai.  Oh, and on Part 2 of the interview Tavis talks with Bria Valente…so for those who want to know more about her this is a great chance to learn a thing or two.

Prince on Tavis Smiley 4.28.09

Dick Gregory @ The State of the Black Union Pt. 1

What is a chemtrail?

Last but not least, I came across this video of Maxwell at a press conference for his new album that was held on the same day as the Prince interview.  I was juiced that day because Maxwell had mentioned something on Twitter about his website going up on the 28th.  But I found out thru MFF’s MySpace that his new single was also going on sale and he would be appearing on 106th and Park to present the ‘Pretty Wings’ video at 6pm, so I sure was in front of that screen @ 5:55.  And I learned a new dance, y’all.  The Ricky Bobby. 

JUST ADDED:  Maxwell also appeared on Tavis’ show last night (5/14).  Here is a link to the full interview:

Maxwell on Tavis Smiley

Yeah, if you don’t already know, I luv, luv, LUV that man.  I think he’s one of the greatest artists of all time…his music is timeless.  And I really see some god-like qualities in him.  Actually, he’s the muse.  Or the male equivalent.   Something like the Gandharva in Hinduism.  Listen to him talk about the role and responsibility of the musician.  I’m tellin’ you…

This is good stuff.  So if you have the time, please check it out.  And support these great artists by purchasing LotusFlow3r at Target or on www.lotusflow3r.com or the ‘Pretty Wings’ single on Rhapsody or Itunes.

Ciao…

Prince’s “Lotus Flow3r”

Hey, what does that 3 in the Flow3r stand for?  I would love to know.  Oh, maybe it’s cuz there are three discs.  Idk…

So I picked the CD up at Target yesterday.  I hate going inside Target, man.  I don’t like big stores with fluorescent lighting.  But there must be a good reason why the man is selling this album exclusively thru Target, rite??  I’ve heard about how they donate millions of dollars to charitable causes and stuff.  Maybe that’s why he chose it.

Video for \’Chocolate Box\’ feat. Q-Tip

Well after doing a little research I found this article on Time.com.
Prince and Target: A Match Made in Discount Heaven

Then I found this one:
Why Prince’s Free CD Ploy Worked

I like his mind.  And the things that come out of his mouth sometimes…  Prince is a str8 fool.  And a great guitarist.  Check the instrumentals on this album.  Bellisima!

My favorite joints:
LotusFlow3r:  1. From the Lotus, 4. 4ever, 7. Love Like Jazz, 8. 77 Beverly Park, 11. Dreamer (Rock out James Marshall Hendrix-style to this one.)
MPLSoUND:  5. HERE (I love this one!!),  8. Ol’ Skool Company.  Funky as ever.

As for the Elixer disc?  It’s cool.  She (Bria Valente, his new protoge) has a pretty voice and the production is good.  Jazzy….Snazzy….I like her.   Lovin’ the last song, Elixer and Track number 7.  Like water for chocolate…

Here’s a short interview with Miz Bria that I just found on Youtube…

Man, Prince needs to get hip to my sis! [myspace.com/kimchappell] She has the vocals, great songwriting capabilities, AND she can play guitar and piano.  Together those two would make magic!  They need to get acquainted anyway, since they will be brother and sister-in-law in the future.  Omg I crack myself up.

Ok, so go get a copy for yourself.  No, you cannot borrow mine…

p.s.  One day I’m gonna do an album cover for this dude.  I’m feeling like I want to do my first Prince piece sometime soon… and it will be purplishly delicious.  As they say in India, “Wait and watch, wait…and…watch.”