Has the Artist Formerly Known As Prince become a Witness?

(circa October 1999)

I was watching TV last night and caught part of a ninety-minute interview with the Artist. Larry Graham (sp) and Chaka Kahn (sp) were interviewed too.

The Artist kept saying the reason he was doing the interview was to say that it was time that people "unite" for something, and that something could be "freedom." he said, when praised by a very emotional fan, that he was nothing and the important thing is that "Jesus has returned."

They program also featured The Artist's newest video. During the video, Prince is dressed as a old man street musician. Different people walk by and most of them are dismissive to him. But then a couple dressed in kind of Hip-Hop clothes (not JW service clothes, that's for sure!)...come by the man and show him scriptures in The New World Translation. It was easy to see the Bible and see it was the old familiar JW black hardcover....Since I was sort of surprised and telling my husband to come look at THIS, I almost missed the best part ..the Hip Hop couple showing Prince a JW tract or something....The camera showed it very clearly, but I was far from the TV...I think it said, "You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth--How?" I'm not sure of the title, but it said Paradise for sure. The Artist is very happy to get the info from the hip- hop couple, and they move on, blowing him a kiss.

Can the WT stop him from using the books and stuff in videos? I can't imagine that they would be happy about the connection to such a worldly person, even if he is studying....

Larry Graham said a few very JW comments during the interview, talking about Jehovah and how He has the right to tell us what to do and how His commands "filter down to us." Later, he explained he would make 700,000 dollars from his CD if he sold so-many, so "please buy it!"

A big point in the interview as that The Artist, Larry, and Chaka Kahn are working together, but have no contracts and how the relationship is based on love and they don't need contracts. I was wondering, are contracts between JWs a no-no? I know they aren't supposed to take each other to court...

Anyway, just thought I would pass on what I saw. Now, I know lots of you guys don't like the Artist....but I do, so be nice! :)

---Lisa

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