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Paisley Park’s Celebration 2023 Pays Tribute to Prince’s Life and Legacy with Star-Studded Performances and Panels

June 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The spirit of Prince reverberated through Paisley Park once again as the highly anticipated Celebration 2023, captivating fans and music enthusiasts alike. The four-day extravaganza dedicated to honoring the iconic artist featured a lineup of hip-hop and R&B legends, ensuring a memorable experience for all in attendance.

One of the day’s highlights was the thought-provoking Hip-Hop 50 panel, which delved into Prince’s ever-evolving and complex relationship with the hip-hop genre. Presented by The Source, the panel was a meeting of legends featuring hip-hop pioneers Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh, alongside Tony M. from NPG. Guiding the conversation was none other than Prince’s longtime attorney and trusted confidant, L. Londell McMillan. The panelists engaged in a captivating discussion, shedding light on Prince’s influence on hip-hop and his boundary-pushing musical collaborations.

1497292210 — L. Londell McMillan moderating the Hip-Hop Panel at Celebration 2023 at Paisley Park

The surprises continued with a spontaneous performance by the incomparable Doug E. Fresh, who took the stage and skillfully intertwined his rapping prowess with Prince’s timeless hit “Kiss.” The crowd applauded as Fresh effortlessly commanded the stage, paying homage to the legendary musician.

In another captivating moment, Chaka Khan, the celebrated queen of funk, sat down for an exclusive interview with Shelby Morrison, the Director of Artist Relations & Curatorial Operations at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The conversation centered around the 25th anniversary of Khan’s groundbreaking album, “Come 2 My House,” and explored her profound connection with Prince. Khan’s anecdotes and insights provided a deeper understanding of the musical genius that united the two artists.

Meanwhile, Paisley Park’s Studio A witnessed an exclusive live recording session featuring members of NPG. The intimate gathering allowed lucky attendees to witness the creative process firsthand as the musicians poured their hearts and souls into their craft. Following the session, a lively Q&A session ensued, offering fans a unique opportunity to gain insights into the inner workings of Prince’s musical universe.

The Celebration 2023 continued to delight with a soul-stirring performance by Shelby J., a longtime collaborator, and member of Prince’s musical family. Her electrifying stage presence and mesmerizing vocals paid tribute to the late artist’s extraordinary legacy, stirring emotions and captivating the audience.

As the night progressed, the atmosphere shifted into a pulsating dance party with DJ D-Nice taking over the turntables. The renowned DJ transformed Paisley Park into a vibrant dancefloor, spinning Prince’s hits and an eclectic mix of crowd-pleasing tunes, igniting an infectious energy that had attendees grooving into the early hours.

With each passing day, Paisley Park’s Celebration 2023 is an unparalleled tribute to Prince’s life and artistic brilliance. As fans eagerly anticipate the remaining days of this extraordinary event, the celebration continues to unite music enthusiasts from all walks of life, reinforcing Prince’s enduring impact on the world of music and beyond.

Please visit the official website for more information on Paisley Park’s Celebration 2023 and upcoming events.

The post Paisley Park’s Celebration 2023 Pays Tribute to Prince’s Life and Legacy with Star-Studded Performances and Panels appeared first on The Source.

Chaka Khan, Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, D-Nice And More Celebrate Prince Over The Weekend

June 12, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Over the weekend, Prince lovers from around the world gathered at Paisley Park to celebrate and honor Prince’s life on what would have been his 65th birthday and 7th year of his passing. The 7th Annual Celebration event was a major success thanks to star-studded programming, uplifting performances, and engaging panels, all in celebration of Prince’s outstanding legacy and once-in-a-lifetime cultural impact.

Over June 8-11, Paisley Park hosted exclusive presentations of unreleased music from the famous Prince Vault and special appearances by and conversations with Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan and Hip-Hop legends Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh. Guests were also treated to live performances from powerhouse Minnesota super group Sounds of Blackness, R&B star Stokley of Mint Condition, artist, DJ, and BDP co-founder D-Nice, members of Prince’s band New Power Generation (NPG), Prince protegé Shelby J, and Minneapolis youth choir Known MPLS, and an exciting showcase of new artists Nunnabove and Nur-D. Supporting new, and young artists was something that was extremely important to Prince, and remains one of Paisley Park’s core values. Celebration included a special Prince Legacy Tribute to one of the founding members of NPG—the beloved vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rosie Gaines, accepted by her daughter and grandson. The event also honored both Prince and Tina Turner through a unique tribute led by Prince’s longtime DJ and collaborator DJ Rashida.

Attendees were gifted special cassette-shaped USB keys with two previously unreleased tracks from the Prince Vault– “All A Share Together Now,” recorded on September 4, 2006, and “7 (E Flat Version),” recorded on August 9, 1992. Both tracks are set for a worldwide DSP release on July 7, 2023.

Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan on Celebration 2023: “Thank you to all who contributed to a monumental Prince Celebration 2023. We celebrated Prince and lifted his name, in his house, with many who loved him, on the 7th Anniversary of his transition — we miss him dearly. The music, conversations, events, food, and fellowship were all done with love and gratitude to honor Prince. We look forward to Prince Celebration 2024, the 40th Anniversary of Purple Rain.”

The post Chaka Khan, Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, D-Nice And More Celebrate Prince Over The Weekend appeared first on The Source.

Paisley Park’s Annual Celebration Set to Kick Off, Honoring Prince’s Legacy

June 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The highly anticipated annual Celebration at Paisley Park, dedicated to honoring the legendary musician and cultural icon Prince, is set to kick off this weekend. The star-studded four-day event, scheduled from June 8 to June 11, promises an unforgettable experience for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

One of the main highlights of the Celebration will be exclusive presentations of unreleased music from Prince’s famous Vault. Fans will have the rare opportunity to delve into the musical treasures left behind by the prolific artist. Moreover, the event will feature special appearances and conversations with Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan and Hip-Hop legends Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh.

Chaka Khan, who first crossed paths with Prince back in 1977 during the recording of his debut album, will share her unique connection to the Purple One during the event. The two artists fostered a decades-long friendship and musical partnership, which included Chaka’s Grammy-winning cover of Prince’s hit song “I Feel For You” and her album “Come 2 My House” released on NPG Records.

Hip-Hop enthusiasts will have a lot to celebrate this year, as the event will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh, two influential figures in the genre, will reflect on Prince’s impact on Hip-Hop music and culture during a special discussion. Prince, who had an evolving relationship with Hip-Hop, collaborated with both Chuck D and Doug E. Fresh, showcasing his mutual respect and appreciation for the genre.

Throughout the Celebration, various panels will delve into the significance of the number “7” in Prince’s work and the efforts of dedicated fans, known as the “fams,” who continue to preserve his legacy.
“Prince was and remains the greatest artist of All-Time. We are honored to gather yet again to celebrate Prince and his legacy at Paisley Park this year with many who knew him up close or adored him from afar,” says, L. Londell McMillan, Prince’s former attorney, manager, and friend.

The grounds of Paisley Park will be brimming with surprises for attendees, including the chance to view Prince’s original 1994 Tour Bus. VIP ticket holders will also have a unique opportunity to record live vocals over a segment of a Prince song in the legendary Studio C control room. To commemorate the event, exclusive Celebration 2023 merchandise will be available for purchase, alongside concession stands located in the outdoor tent on Friday and Saturday.

In keeping with tradition, attendees will be divided into two tracks, namely “Diamond” and “Pearl,” to ensure intimate and immersive experiences throughout Prince’s legendary complex.

While VIP tickets have sold out, limited General Admission and Single Day tickets are still available for purchase. Additionally, standalone tickets for the Sexy MF Dance Party with DJ D-Nice and the 3121: A Tribute to Prince and Tina Turner with DJ Rashida can be obtained.

Don’t miss out on the biggest Prince Celebration in the world. Secure your tickets now at https://www.paisleypark.com/celebration2023 and join the unforgettable tribute to the musical legacy of Prince at Paisley Park’s annual Celebration.

A daily schedule of events is available below:
Friday, June 9
Special viewing of exclusive archival Prince concert footage
Exclusive Listening Sessions of Prince Music from the Vault
New Artist Showcase – Nunnabove and Nur-D
Shelby J live performance
One on One conversation with Chaka Khan where she will reflect on Prince, her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the 25th anniversary of her album, Come 2 My House, recorded at Paisley Park on NPG Records
Hip Hop 50 Panel: Prince’s Evolving and Complex Relationship With Hip Hop, presented by The Source Magazine and Paisley Park featuring Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, DJ D-Nice
Sexy MF Dance Party with DJ D-Nice

Saturday, June 10
Special viewing of archival Prince concert footage
Exclusive Listening Sessions of Prince Music from the Vault
For the FAM Panel: A discussion on Prince’s legacy featuring Rodney Fitzgerald, Casey Rain, Kim Camilia, Dr. Funkenberry, and De Angela Duff
VIP Lunch in NPG
7 Panel: An exploration of Prince and the significance behind the number 7
Rosie Gaines legacy award tribute
Sounds of Blackness live performance
Stokley live performance
VIP Dinner in Soundstage
Club 3121: Tribute to Prince and Tina Turner with DJ Rashida
+ Live Music Tribute To Tina Turner

Sunday, June 11
VIP Gospel brunch with Known MPLS Choir catered by Prince’s private chef Juell Roberts, and Ray Roberts with Peoples Organic

The post Paisley Park’s Annual Celebration Set to Kick Off, Honoring Prince’s Legacy appeared first on The Source.

Prince’s Estate Is Opening His Vault For Its Annual Paisley Park Celebration And Giving Fans Tours

May 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Each year, Paisley Park, Prince‘s home and production studio holds its Celebration, honoring Prince’s impact and legacy. In 2023, the Celebration will take place on June 8-11 with appearances from the likes of Chaka Khan, Chuck D, The Steels, and Sounds Of Blackness. However, the biggest selling point of the announcement is being met with a mixed reception.

While the Prince Legacy Tribute show is definitely a draw, Prince’s estate has announced that it’ll be opening the singer’s legendary vault for tours of the complex, presenting some of his unreleased music. The number seven is said to feature prominently in the proceedings, as it’s the seventh anniversary of his death on April 21, 2016, and the number seven was significant to him throughout his life — he was born on June 7, and frequently referenced the number in his music.

A statement released by Paisley Park touches on the power of this digit in Prince’s life, reading, “This year marks 7 years of uplifting Prince’s legacy and carefully preserving his prolific artistic output and his creative sanctuary. At Celebration 2023, guests will take a deep dive into understanding the cultural significance of 7 and how it has been reflected throughout history.”

However, some fans misread the news on Twitter, believing that “opening the vault” means releasing music he never wanted the public to hear and disrespecting his wishes. It doesn’t seem that that is completely the case, but it does sound like there’s a possibility some of his unreleased work will finally be heard. Whether that’s a good thing depends on where you stand on statements he made before his death.

You can find more information about Celebration 2023 here.

Prince Had One Demand Of Alicia Keys Before Letting Her Perform At Paisley Park

June 7, 2021 by newhiphopnews

Over the weekend was the 20-year anniversary of Songs In A Minor, the breakout debut album from Alicia Keys. She marked the occasion over by joining Ebro Darden on Apple Music Hits to discuss the album. Since the release contains a cover of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me,” they talked about The Purple One (who would have celebrated his 63rd birthday today, June 7), including the specific demand Prince had of a young Keys before letting her perform at Paisley Park.

Keys told the story:

“He takes me to Paisley Park, and this place is like a dream. And he’s walking me through Paisley Park, [I’m] 18 years old. He has like 900 pianos. ‘This is the piano from Purple Rain. This is the piano when I wrote ‘When Doves Cry.’ This is the room that we sit on the floor with the purple things, and we write songs.’ I could not believe it. Then he says, ‘This is the stage. We want you to perform a little set for my closest people.’ He would invite them to Paisley Park every whatever he did. He had his own universe going. And he was like, ‘One thing: You can’t curse.’ And I was like, ‘Well, he must not know me, because I curse.’”

Keys was there to request Prince’s approval of her cover, which she eventually got. During a Tonight Show appearance from 2017, Keys spoke more about her first phone call with Prince, the first step in getting his blessing for the cover:

Watch the full Apple Music Hits interview here. Also revisit Keys’ cover of “How Come You Don’t Call Me” below.

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