Apr 23, 2016

Listen: @Prince Tribute - Mixed by @RamseySaidWHAT

When you think of the word "Artist" Prince is the first that comes to mind. This is truly a tragedy that hits me on a very personal level. Prince taught me a lesson I didn't take as such a big deal in my youth.

Once upon a time Little Red Corvette came on 98.7 Kiss FM. I had no idea who it was and my folks couldn't wait to get home so we could pull out their vinyl. Still fairly unimpressed they play Purple Rain on VHS for the kid. I wasn't sure how I felt about the music but I thought this weird kid from Minnesota was cool. I didn't exactly wanna wear heels and makeup but I wanted to be a boy who likes the color purple and ride a motor bike. So the next week I go to school in an old Prince and the Revolution T-Shirt my mother couldn't fit (I couldn't really either) and some purple chucks that I begged her to buy me. Of course, I got made fun of. My pops knew I would but he gave me the ultimate comeback....

Prince was so much more than just music. He was an icon. He rejected barriers and stereotypes of what was expected. Whoever your favorite artist listened to Prince growing up if you didn't. He transcended time and in his career he's amassed just as much music. He stood for what was right, social justice, rights to his own music and so much more. I don't want to get to lengthy past what he meant to me personally. I hope you enjoy my curated mix as much as you did my anecdote. Rest Peacefully Prince. Thank you for what you've done for a little black boy in a world built to destroy him. Now purify yourselves in Lake Minnetonka after the break.

Jonathan C. Ramsey
Jonathan C. Ramsey

Multimedia Journalist, Founder and Chief Editor of WTM Host of A-Side B-Side Podcast and more. I like to talk about stuff and write it down. Sometimes to a microphone. Either way, I need you to feel this.

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