by Real Wreckords Inc.

Few artists in history have waged a war for creative control quite like Prince. The legendary musician not only revolutionized the music industry with his genre-defying sound but also challenged the industry's exploitative business practices. His battle for independence—culminating in a public feud with Warner Bros. and his decision to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol—led many to believe that powerful forces were working against him. Even after his tragic and sudden death in 2016, conspiracy theories surrounding his legacy persist, with many wondering if his resistance to industry control made him a target.

The Fight for Ownership

At the height of his career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Prince found himself at odds with Warner Bros., the label that had released his music since the late ‘70s. While Prince was a commercial powerhouse, selling millions of albums and winning Grammy awards, he was still bound by industry contracts that limited his control over his own creations. His catalog, including classics like Purple Rain, 1999, and Sign o’ the Times, was owned by Warner Bros., meaning they profited immensely from his work while he remained restricted in his ability to release music on his own terms.

By the early ‘90s, Prince wanted to release music at a faster pace, but Warner Bros. resisted, fearing market oversaturation. To him, this was a form of artistic imprisonment. His frustration boiled over publicly in 1993 when he changed his name to a symbol, often called "The Love Symbol." This was a radical move designed to defy Warner Bros., forcing them to refer to him as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince." He also began appearing in public with the word “SLAVE” written on his face, a direct message about how he viewed his position under the label.

The Industry’s Response

Prince’s rebellion was almost unheard of at the time. While other artists had complained about unfair contracts, few took such a bold stance. The industry’s response was swift: they worked to paint him as erratic and unstable. Media narratives labeled him eccentric, unpredictable, and even difficult to work with. Some believe this was a deliberate attempt to discredit him and reduce his influence.

Despite the backlash, Prince continued to fight. He eventually freed himself from Warner Bros. in 1996 and began releasing music independently. His independence paved the way for future artists to challenge the traditional record label system, inspiring figures like Jay-Z, who later launched Tidal as an artist-owned streaming service.

The Conspiracy Around His Death

Even in his later years, Prince remained outspoken about industry exploitation. He frequently spoke about artist ownership and the dangers of streaming services that paid musicians fractions of a cent for their work. His advocacy for self-reliance made him both admired and, in the eyes of some, a threat to industry executives who thrived on control.

His sudden death on April 21, 2016, raised eyebrows among fans and conspiracy theorists alike. The official cause was an accidental fentanyl overdose, yet many found this hard to accept. Prince had been known for his clean lifestyle, avoiding drugs and alcohol for most of his career. Just days before his death, he reportedly told associates, “They’re trying to kill me.”

Some believe that Prince’s death was not an accident but an orchestrated event to silence his advocacy for artist independence. Theories suggest he may have been targeted by the same forces he had battled for decades—record executives, industry elites, or even government agencies concerned about his influence. While there is no concrete proof of foul play, the circumstances surrounding his death remain suspicious to many.

Prince’s Lasting Legacy

Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Prince’s fight for artistic freedom left an undeniable impact. His battles helped reshape the industry, with more artists today demanding control over their music and royalties. His decision to regain ownership of his masters was a crucial victory that ensured his estate—and not the record labels—would benefit from his life’s work.

Prince's struggle serves as a cautionary tale about the entertainment industry’s darker side. Whether or not he was actively sabotaged, it is undeniable that he faced immense pushback from powerful figures who preferred artists to remain dependent on the system.

In the end, Prince was more than just a musician—he was a revolutionary force who challenged an industry built on exploitation. His courage in standing up for himself and other artists continues to inspire musicians today, ensuring that his legacy remains as powerful as his music.