11 Artists Who Wouldn't Exist Without Prince
Today, the world lost legendary musician Prince at the age of 57.
The musician was found dead in his home in Minnesota on Thursday morning.
This is a huge loss for not just fans of Prince but for fans of modern R&B music. Prince is considered a revolutionary innovator of the "Minneapolis sound," a mix of funk, rock, pop, R&B and soul.
He is perhaps most well-known for his film and soundtrack, Purple Rain, which is often ranked as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Prince's influence will never be forgotten in the music world. His legacy will live forever through the many, many musicians he inspired.
Here are just some artists who wouldn't be where they are today without the artist known as Prince.
1. Justin Timberlake
You can hear Prince vocals all over those high falsettos in "FutureSex/Love Sounds." After Prince died, Justin Timberlake wrote a memorial to the artist on his Instagram saying Prince was "somewhere within every song [he's] ever written."
2. The Weeknd
The Weeknd cited Prince as an important inspiration for his vocals in an interview with Complex back in 2013.
3. Beyoncé
Beyoncé and Prince are longtime friends, and the pair performed together at the 2003 Grammy's. You can definitely hear the influence on her self-titled album.
4. Kendrick Lamar
Top Dawg Entertainment's co-president Punch said Kendrick's most recent album, Untitled Unmastered, was inspired by Prince's 1987 album -- no song titles, no covers, just music.
5. Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is a known Prince fan, calling him the "the original based god" on his Tumblr. He's even covered some of Prince's songs.
6. D'Angelo
One of D'Angelo's most popular hits, "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)" is a tribute to Prince, and he cites Prince as one of his main influences.
7. Janelle Monàe
The Prince influence on Janelle Monàe's music and aesthetic is obvious, and Prince was even featured on Janelle's song "Givin Em What They Love."
8. St. Vincent
St. Vincent said she strove for a "Prince-y vibe" on her song "Digital Witness."
9. Beck
Beck's sound shares a striking similarity to Prince's, and he performed several Prince songs live.
10. Pharrell Williams
Like Justin, the Prince influence can be hear loud and clear in Pharrell's high notes.
11. Alicia Keys
Alicia Key's brand of contemporary R&B wouldn't be possible without the foundation Prince lay down, and she has cited him as a major influence.
RIP, Prince. You will never be forgotten.
Citations: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCE: 10 ARTISTS WE WOULDN'T HAVE WITHOUT HIM (Gigiwise)
