“It’s time for new education. The former rules don’t apply. We need a power structure that breeds production Instead of jacks who vandalize.” -Prince, Dance On Lyrics (1988)
Last week, I was blessed to attend the Q Conference in Denver. Before I could settle in my chair, my Twitter feed buzzed, “Sources confirmed Prince has died.” I couldn’t believe it. My first tweet in shock and response was, “Is it true, Prince died?” My mind couldn’t fathom that someone so iconic would leave us so soon. Although I’m a Millennial (born 1980-2000), I cannot deny the impact and influence that Prince Rogers Nelson had on ALL of us! Growing up, my parents would watch the Purple Rain movie and it was awkward learning that he was my Mom’s first childhood crush. Prince was a musician’s musician, and a BOLD artist, making his presence known wherever and however he could. With all of the news filtering in, the question now comes: where do we go from here?
In an age of click tracks, auto tunes, and vulgar lyrics, where is music headed? Just as Philosophy claims as its greatest Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the Big 3 of our lives have been Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and now Prince. Prince was a LEGEND, and was not afraid to stand firm in what he believed. There’s a lot of lessons his life has taught me and I’m sure you can attest that we can all learn from the Purple Prince himself.
1. You are called to someone, not everyone. Prince espoused this principle in everything he did. He was a musician, an artist and a humanitarian. He didn’t care who didn’t agree. He was himself! One of the most frightening things about our fast paced, social media generation is that we subtly become people pleasers, worrying more about what people think then being who we are! Prince knew who he was and what he stood for and boldly declared it to the world, no matter how strange it may have seemed to anyone. Are you authentically being yourself?
2. Never forget the people who believe in you. I was stunned by how many parties he hosted at his home and invited the public. He didn’t just treat his fans like fans, he HONORED them. He made them feel valued. You can see that he was just as excited as they were to create music and experiences that they would enjoy. Today’s narcissistic culture almost breeds entitlement. Too many artists and leaders forget how to walk amongst the people. Prince honored his tribe and they respected and admired him for it. Do you HONOR those who believe in you?
3. Fight for what you believe in. Prince was an artist. A real one. He didn’t take that art lightly. When he announced to the world that albums still matter, just like books and Blacks lives he meant it. He fought hard for his copyrights. I mean REALLY hard. He championed his cause and understood that the artist was still entitled to their fair share. It is unfortunate that he wasn’t able to work out deals across all of the streaming services, but you can see his passion in fighting. Our world is insanely singles driven. Most people just listen to one or two songs and toss out the concept of an album. However, Prince brought his best to the table and inspired new generations of artists. Do you have a cause BIGGER than yourself?
In the middle of a hugely contested Presidential election, where Establishment and Anti-Establishment values are at war, Prince’s example rises amongst us. He boldly defied his critics, and created music that had meaning.
Although I was not a huge fan, I respected his work ethic and contribution to our world. He was radical, even changing his name as a symbol. He knew the power of a brand and mastered it for all those to watch.
As a Christian, his life challenges me. It is a clarion call to champion the symbol of the Cross to a world that is hungry and hurting and in need of a Savior.
Somehow, I know music will rebound from this loss. His death will inspire a new generation of musicians and artists. He will NEVER be forgotten. But even for so, I pray that new voices would awaken who aren’t ashamed to speak truth to power and embrace the weight of criticism that comes with taking a stand.
To the music world, I grieve with you and I hope that this lights a spark to capture authentic music that touches the heart and brings us all together again.
D. A. Sherron is the founder and senior pastor of Global Fire International, and the convener of the Global Alliance in Brooklyn, New York. His messages are broadcasted weekly with a digital audience of over 75,000. A bridge builder, his ministry blends theology, history, and technology into a creative Kingdom enterprise. He recently his new book, Color Outside The Lines this Winter. For more information, visit http://www.dasherron365.com (http://www.dasherron365.com/).
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