Professor: Michael Jackson Was Great… But Y’all Know Prince Was Better

The recent trailer for Michael Jackson’s biopic has everyone talking about their favorite MJ songs, albums and performances—and rightfully so. Michael Jackson was and remains the King of Pop. His videos are legendary and his dancing inspired millions. But it is time we come to terms with reality. MJ was legitimately great at what he did…but Prince was the better artist. 

I’ve upset you. I get it. Well, before ya’ll drag me like you did when I told the truth about The Wiz, hear me out.

There are many things that can  make a musician an artist. But usually we look at songwriting, ability to play instruments and vocal ability when we judge the greatness of these kinds of artists. In two of categories, Prince was clearly superior. Let’s talk about those first.

Prince was a prolific songwriter.

The man who had a thing for Lake Minnetonka wrote and composed thousands of songs for his own albums and for other artists. And he did not just write songs in one kind of genre. He wrote funk, rock, R&B, disco, and pop music. (The man even composed Jazz records.)  And his lyrics? Deep as hell.

MJ wrote some of his music, yes. But he was nowhere near as prolific as Prince. His songs did not have the lyrical depth of Prince’s output. And his most memorable work, he did not write alone.

Prince was a multi-instrumentalist

Legend has it that Mr. Nelson played 27 instruments on his 1978 debut album, For You. (His name was Prince Rogers Nelson if you don’t know who I’m referring to.) That number comes from the detailed album liner notes which list every type of instrument used including different synthesizers and percussion instruments, as well as “hand claps” and “finger snaps.” In reality, he probably played around five instruments, but his proficiency on all of them was outstanding.

And I’d legit put his guitar playing against anyone. Eric Clapton, Jimmi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan—ANYONE.

MJ? Not so much. In theory he could play the piano, synthesizers, guitar, and drums. But he was not proficient in any of them. And that’s no shade. He still made beautiful music. But when he was in the studio, he’d often used his voice to demonstrate musical parts to musicians.

The above two are areas where Prince was clearly better than MJ. This last one is controversial but hear me out.

Prince had the better singing voice

Aiight. Calm down. Look, this is subjective, but I think I can make a strong case.

Mike’s tone and power were unquestionably great.  But Prince’s range was wide as hell. The man could hit high notes like on “Soul Sanctuary.” And then talk to an interviewer like he was a quiet storm DJ.

What’s more, he did not just use his voice on pop and soul records. The man could do whatever the f*ck he wanted and do it well. If you want rock, listen to Endorphinmachine. You want funk? Listen to Housequake. You want something weird? He’s got that too. Just listen to Cloreen Bacon Skin. And his voice never felt wrong on a record. That’s mad impressive.

Listen, both were phenomenal vocalists. MJ had a more powerful, controlled, and technically polished voice. But Prince had a MUCH larger vocal range and he used his voice in more experimental ways across different genres. 

So, on this point it is close. But I think Prince wins…but just barely.

Look, I’m not hating. I am not saying MJ was bad. Or that he was not gifted.

I just need to set the record straight. People need to stop acting like MJ was something he was not. He was the King of Pop. But Prince blows him out the water artistically.