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The Prince Mixtape

CNN

On each episode of The Prince Mixtape, we’ll meet people who knew Prince, worked with him, or simply loved him from afar. Host Nichole Perkins will dig deep into key moments of his life, like when his sexually liberated lyrics gave birth to the Parental Advisory Sticker, when he fought to own his masters, and when he rocked that infamous, delicious booty cut-out pantsuit. The first season of this series explored the unforgettable life of Princess Diana. On season two, just like a treasured mixtape from your favorite crush, the series is a reflection of all the care and passion, the big moments and small, that made up a life. Prince's life. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Prince Mixtape podcast explores Prince's incredible life. The host, Nichole Perkins, is an author and host of many podcasts. She started this particular podcast in 2022 and brought her unique view to her show. Her own passion for Prince and his music is vital to the podcast.

Perkins has made a name for herself for her critical view and excellent writing. In 2021, she wrote her memoir Sometimes I Trip On How Happy We Could Be. Perkins also worked on other podcasts like This Is Good For You, Thirst Aid Kit, and The Waves. In The Prince Mixtape, she delivers a great study of Prince's life and legacy. Her love for Prince is evident, but she also learns with her listeners. Each episode brings her closer to an understanding of the artist.

Perkins conducts a variety of interviews on The Prince Mixtape podcast. She talks to people from Prince's life, fans, and his early colleagues. She speaks with Susan Rogers, who produced Prince's Purple Rain album, and Chris Moon, who was Prince's first producer. Apart from them, she also talks to Lynneé Denise, Anil Dash, Patrice Rushen, Kat Okedeyi, and Alicia Garza. Every talk deepens listeners' understanding of the legendary musician.

The Prince Mixtape podcast finished its first season in June 2023 with a touching finale. In this episode, Perkins talks with friends Mickey and Rashad about their grief over Prince's death. This personal touch adds depth to the podcast.

The Prince Mixtape is a fitting tribute to a memorable icon. It's great for people discovering Prince too. It offers an inside view of his life and work for fans. Music history enthusiasts and others should find value here. It's an excellent way to learn about Prince's impact on pop culture and his many fans worldwide.

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Introducing The Prince Mixtape
Dec 28 2022
Introducing The Prince Mixtape
The Prince Mixtape takes listeners inside the life of one of the greatest American music icons of all time through the people who knew him, worked with him or simply loved him from afar. Host Nichole Perkins digs deep into key moments of his life like when his sexually liberated lyrics gave birth to the Parental Advisory sticker, when he fought to own his masters, and when he rocked that infamous booty cut-out pantsuit. Just like a treasured mixtape from your favorite crush, this show is a reflection of the moments, the thrill and the passion, that made up Prince’s life. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episodes

Introducing The Prince Mixtape
Dec 28 2022
Introducing The Prince Mixtape
The Prince Mixtape takes listeners inside the life of one of the greatest American music icons of all time through the people who knew him, worked with him or simply loved him from afar. Host Nichole Perkins digs deep into key moments of his life like when his sexually liberated lyrics gave birth to the Parental Advisory sticker, when he fought to own his masters, and when he rocked that infamous booty cut-out pantsuit. Just like a treasured mixtape from your favorite crush, this show is a reflection of the moments, the thrill and the passion, that made up Prince’s life. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Minneapolis Always Been the Bomb
Apr 19 2023
Minneapolis Always Been the Bomb
How did Prince Rogers Nelson become an international superstar? The story begins in Minneapolis in the 1970s. We speak to Prince’s first producer, Chris Moon, about helping Prince find his voice in the studio. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
She’s Doing What with a Magazine?!
Apr 26 2023
She’s Doing What with a Magazine?!
How did Prince’s music end up being debated in the halls of Congress? Susan Rogers, the recording engineer on Prince’s Purple Rain album, shares what it was like making songs like “Darling Nikki” in Prince’s basement home studio. And scholar Lynnée Denise shares a personal story of how “Darling Nikki” impacted her life.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Barbarella Meets The Godfather
May 3 2023
Barbarella Meets The Godfather
How did Prince become synonymous with ruffled shirts and peekaboo lace? The women behind his most iconic looks lift the veil on what it was like to dress and design for a style superstar. We’ll meet Marie France, Prince’s costume designer during the Purple Rain and Under the Cherry Moon eras, and Stacia Lang, Prince’s costume designer responsible for his infamous booty cutout pantsuit.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Love Symbol No. 2
May 10 2023
Love Symbol No. 2
What inspired Prince to scrawl the word “slave” on his face and change his name to an unpronounceable symbol? Prince’s first manager, Owen Husney, scholar Lynnée Denise, and writer Anil Dash unpack Prince’s battle with his label to own his masters.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nothing But The Funk
May 17 2023
Nothing But The Funk
What made Prince such a unique performer? Musician and Prince muse Patrice Rushen, professor Kat Okedeyi, and writer Anil Dash explore how funk infused Prince’s performance style, including his Super Bowl Halftime Show and one of his last concerts ever.  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Beyond The Lace
May 24 2023
Beyond The Lace
How did Prince engage with the world? Prince was a quiet activist and some say a feminist. We talk to Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza about Prince’s activism. And professor Lynnée Denise helps us makes sense of Prince’s complicated relationship with women.    To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
God, Prince, and Chocolate
May 31 2023
God, Prince, and Chocolate
What makes Prince fans so intensely passionate? Our superfan host Nichole sits down with some other superfans to unpack their collective and individual love of Prince, and how he contributed to their sexual awakenings. Also, Nichole and Prince expert Anil Dash reflect on the surprising ways Prince connected with fans. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
U R With Me
Jun 7 2023
U R With Me
For our season finale, Nichole sits down with her good friends Mickey and Rashad to share how they continue to process their grief over Prince’s death and celebrate his unforgettable legacy. And we hear from several guests featured this season with their answers to the question “If you had five more minutes with Prince, what would you say or do?”  To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices