THE RITUALISTIC LIFE and MURDER OF PRINCE: PT. 4 SEGMENT 19 (PT.1): "The Fight to Escape Warner Brothers Begins" 1993-1994

In this first part of a 3-part SEGMENT 19, the LAST SEGMENT of this PART 4, we rewind a bit to 1993 in order to understand these last years for Prince under contract with Warner Brothers Records.

We discussed in the last episode, how first Prince signs a reputed $100 Million, 6-album contract with WB in the Summer of 1992.  But immediately, Prince regrets re-signing with the label.  In an effort to escape the restrictions placed upon him, Prince announces his "retirement" from a traditional music career in April 1993.  Prince was just announcing some plans for alternative media and film projects he had already begun putting together.  

The Joffrey Ballet produces a ballet using Prince music called "Billboards" that tours the world in 1993, and Prince develops a few new projects of his own.  

Prince now owns 3 Glam Slam clubs: One in Minneapolis, one in Yokohama, Japan (that has opened and closed already), and a 3rd in Los Angeles, and a few NPG retail stores.  Then, Prince writes dozens of songs, that he plans for a musical.  

Then in June 1993, Prince changes his name to the "Love Symbol".  Soon after, Prince invites 18-year old Nona Gaye, daughter of soul music legend Marvin Gaye to a concert at Paisley Park, and to Mayte's chagrin, Prince and Nona start dating and working together.  Prince starts producing some film projects starring Nona, and records more new music for a musical and a future album.  

Prince produces his musical "Glam Slam" Ulysses, starring Carmen Electra and it premieres at the LA Glam Slam.  It flops, so Prince moves that music to other projects.  

Prince records more new music for The Love Symbol's new release, and moves the weaker music to an album for "Prince" to release.  

There is much upheaval at WB Records behind the merger of Time Inc and Warner Communications, and WB Records faces problems with its artists, mainly Prince.  These issues at Warner Brothers will continue for the next few years as we will see in the next parts of SEGMENT 19.

WB shuts down Paisley Park Records, and all its artists lose their record deals.  Prince launches NPG Records in response and independently releases a new single outside of WB Records.  WB hopes for "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World to fail, but it becomes a worldwide hit, with all profits to Prince and none for WB.  Prince feels validated and continues to push to free himself from the label.