Sexy MF

Last updated
"Sexy MF"
Prince SexyMF.jpg
UK 7-inch single
Single by Prince and the New Power Generation
from the album Love Symbol
A-side "Strollin'" (UK)
B-side "Daddy Pop"
ReleasedJune 30, 1992
RecordedEarly December 1991
Studio Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota, US
Genre Funk, funk rap, R&B
Length
  • 5:25 (7-inch)
  • 7:32 (12-inch)
Label Paisley Park, Warner Bros.
Songwriter(s) Prince, Levi Seacer Jr., Tony M.
Producer(s) Prince
Prince and the New Power Generation singles chronology
"Thunder"
(1992)		"Sexy MF"
(1992)		"My Name Is Prince"
(1992)
Music video
"Sexy MF" on YouTube

"Sexy MF" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, released as a single from their 1992 album Love Symbol . The music and most of the lyrics were composed by Prince, while Levi Seacer Jr. came up with the chorus and the song's title. Tony M. also delivers a rap, which he wrote. The song and its refrain "You sexy motherfucker" caused some controversy, [1] and edited versions were produced for radio, the music video and the US version of the album. The song was recorded in Paisley Park's Studio A in December 1991.

Contents

"Sexy MF" was released as the first single from Love Symbol in June 1992. In the United Kingdom, the song's explicit lyrical content prompted Warner Bros. Records to issue "Sexy MF" as a double A-side with the more radio-friendly "Strollin'"; however, UK radio stations preferred airing the former track. [2] Commercially, the double A-side reached number four on the UK Singles Chart while "Sexy MF" peaked at number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a top-20 hit in Australia, New Zealand, and 12 European countries.

Recording

While specific recording dates are not known, basic tracking took place in early December 1991, at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (during the same set of sessions that produced "Love 2 the 9's", "The Sacrifice of Victor", "The Morning Papers", "Arrogance", and "And God Created Woman"). "Sexy MF" was placed as the opening track of the Symbol album for a while, until Prince later added the track "My Name Is Prince", recorded a few months previously. It was included as the third track (second song) on the March 1992 and Summer 1992 configurations of Love Symbol, before the Album Intro segue was removed.[ citation needed ]

Chart performance

The song was released in an edited version in the US, where it peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 76 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart. In the UK, the song peaked at number four.

Critical reception

Andy Kastanas from The Charlotte Observer wrote, "Funkier than his latest stuff and a little more vulgar, this is a cool tune with plenty of jazzy guitars and trumpets." [3] Dave Jennings from Melody Maker said, "I'd love to have been in the room when the WEA executives sat down to listen to this for the first time. Imagine the consternation when they realised that Prince's new single was called "Sexy Midget F***wit"!" He added, "Naturally, there's no hope of getting airplay for such a song, especially since it's a maddeningly monotonous one-chord wonder with only a moderate measure of lecherous panache and a fair-to-middling brassy hook to recommend it; so the languid "Strollin'" has had to be pulled from the last LP to lende the single commercial potency." [4] A reviewer from Music Week commented, "It's a very sparse, basic groove not dissimilar to those churned out by James Brown in the Sixties, with lyrics that are alternately facile and controversial, the latter of which will keep airplay to a minimum. His fan base is such that it should, however, make significant inroads into the chart." [5]

Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel felt the song is "getting good performances out" of the New Power Generation, adding that NPG rapper Tony M. is "improved", and the band "really rocks". [6] Johnny Dee from Smash Hits gave it two out of five, noting its "grunting and grinding in the usual Paisley Park sassy funk style with some gorgeous jazzy brazz-n-stuff". [7] Charles Aaron from Spin found that the "Sexy MF" video "is simply Prince playing catch-up with Madonna's "Justify My Love" and hundreds of pimpin'-ain't-easy hip hop clips. But the song itself is a cuddly monster of as groove, his first party-tape must-have since "Housequake" from 1987's Sign o' the Times ." [8] Another editor, Alec Foege, declared the track as "blissfully puerile". [9] Richard Harrington from The Washington Post complimented its "lean, wickedly propulsive energy" in the grand tradition of James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Prince's own "Housequake". He concluded, "It's too bad the chorus's explicitness undermines its airplay potential." [10]

Retrospective response

In an 2020 retrospective review, Andy Healy from Albumism called "Sexy MF" "raucous", noting the "funk stew" with "its punching beat and irresistible callout backed by powerful horn blasts". He stated that the song "remain just as intoxicating" as it did when the album first dropped." [11] Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic remarked the song's "deep funk", stating that Love Symbol has Prince's best dance tracks since The Black Album . [12] In 2019, Alexis Petridis from The Guardian ranked the song number 11 in his list of "Prince's 50 Greatest Singles", writing that it "offers up a JB's-ish groove that's simultaneously raw and tightly controlled, a chorus punctuated by the kind of lip-smacking noise also featured on Kiss and its author on superb priapic form: "I got wet dreams comin' out my ears!"" [13]

Single formats

The single was available in multiple formats, including a Love Symbol-shaped vinyl disc. It was also included on The Hits 2 , which is also a part of The Hits/The B-Sides . In addition, the "My Name Is Prince" maxi single includes a club mix of "Sexy MF". The music video has a direct-to-tape release, with the VHS single reaching number two on the Billboard music video chart. [1]

Personnel

Credits from Benoît Clerc and Guitarcloud [14] [15]

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Sexy MF"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesJune 30, 1992
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • cassette
[ citation needed ]
United KingdomJuly 6, 1992
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 [44]
JapanAugust 10, 1992Mini-CD Warner Music Japan [45]

Related Research Articles

<i>Diamonds and Pearls</i> 1991 studio album by Prince and the New Power Generation

Diamonds and Pearls is the thirteenth studio album by American recording artist Prince, and the first with his backing band The New Power Generation. It was released on October 1, 1991, by Paisley Park Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album produced several hit singles, including "Gett Off", "Cream", "Money Don't Matter 2 Night", "Insatiable", and the title track. Dancers Lori Werner and Robia LaMorte, known as "Diamond" and "Pearl" respectively, appeared on the holographic cover. Diamond and Pearl also appeared in the music videos for "Cream", "Strollin'", "Gett Off", and the title track, and also participated in Prince's Diamonds and Pearls Tour.

<i>Love Symbol</i> 1992 studio album by Prince

Love Symbol is the fourteenth studio album by American recording artist Prince, and the second of two that featured his backing band the New Power Generation. It was released on October 13, 1992, by Paisley Park Records and Warner Bros. Records. It was originally conceived as a "fantasy rock soap opera" with various spoken segues throughout, and contains elements of R&B, funk, pop, rock, and soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cream (Prince song)</span> 1991 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"Cream" is a song by American singer-songwriter Prince and his backing band the New Power Generation, released in September 1991 as the second single from Prince's 13th studio album, Diamonds and Pearls (1991). In a 2004 MTV special, Prince joked that he wrote the song while looking at himself in the mirror. "Cream" became Prince's fifth and last number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, staying at the top for two weeks. The song entered the top 10 in 15 other countries worldwide, peaking within the top three in Australia, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. Its music video was directed by Rebecca Blake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gett Off</span> 1991 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"Gett Off" is a song written and produced by American musician Prince, released in June 1991 as the lead single from his thirteenth album, Diamonds and Pearls (1991). The album was his first with his backing band the New Power Generation. "Gett Off" was a hit on both sides of the Atlantic, reaching number four in the United Kingdom; the maxi-single was too long and pricey to appear on the UK Singles Chart, so this release was classified as an album, peaking at number 33 on the UK Albums Chart in August 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diamonds and Pearls (song)</span> 1991 single by Prince and The New Power Generation

"Diamonds and Pearls" is the title track of American musician Prince and The New Power Generation's 1991 album and was released as a single in November 1991. The song is an upbeat ballad, given a rock edge with guitar and heavy drumming. It also features the vocals of NPG member Rosie Gaines. The ballad is an expression of love and not lust, as is the theme on some of the other singles from the album. It was a top 10 hit, reaching number three in the US and the top spot on the R&B chart. The pearls in the accompanying music video come from Connie Parente, a Los Angeles jewelry collector and designer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Money Don't Matter 2 Night</span> 1992 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"Money Don't Matter 2 Night" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation from their 1991 album, Diamonds and Pearls. Co-written with Rosie Gaines, the lyrics deal directly with money, poverty, and greed. Overall, the song is a smooth delivery with layered vocals by Prince. It peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 19 on the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video was directed by Spike Lee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">(Everything I Do) I Do It for You</span> 1991 single by Bryan Adams

"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams. Written by Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange, the power ballad was the lead single for both the soundtrack album from the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Adams's sixth studio album, Waking Up the Neighbours (1991). The single was released on June 17, 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Name Is Prince</span> 1992 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"My Name Is Prince" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, released as the second single from the 1992 Love Symbol album. The song is about Prince himself and his musical prowess. The rap sequence is performed by NPG member Tony M. The intro to the song features vocal samples from Prince's earlier songs "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "Partyup", and "Controversy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7 (Prince song)</span> 1992 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"7" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, from their 1992 Love Symbol Album. It was released in late 1992 as the third single from the album, and became the most successful in the United States. It features a sample of the 1967 Lowell Fulsom song "Tramp" and is composed of heavy drums and bass in an acoustic style. It has a distinct Middle Eastern style of music, and a Hindu reincarnation theme, and an opera-like chorus which features Prince's multi-tracked vocals. The lyrics have religious and apocalyptic themes. The song is ambiguous and can be interpreted in many ways, as the "7" mentioned in the chorus could be the song referring to the Seven Deadly Sins or the seven Archon of Gnosticism or the seven names of God in the Old Testament. The song received positive reviews and peaked within the top forty of many of its major markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Morning Papers</span> 1993 single by Prince and the New Power Generation

"The Morning Papers" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation from their 1992 album Love Symbol. It was released as the fourth worldwide single from the album in March 1993; the B-side is "Live 4 Love", a track from Prince's previous album, Diamonds and Pearls. The UK CD single included "Love 2 the 9's" as well, also from Love Symbol.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damn U</span> 1992 single by Prince and The New Power Generation

"Damn U" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, released in November 1992 as the fourth single from his fourteenth studio album, Love Symbol (1992). It is a slow-grooving romantic R&B ballad, featuring strings and violin. Prince sings of a woman who affects him greatly emotionally, and uses the term "damn u" as an expression of surprise at the woman's power over him. His vocal range shifts throughout the song from very high falsetto to his deeper lower baritone. The B-side was "2 Whom It May Concern", which was also available on the maxi single for "7". Its music video was directed by Randee St. Nicholas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Letitgo</span> 1994 single by Prince

"Letitgo" is a song by American musician Prince from his fifteenth studio album, Come (1994). Despite statements that the album consisted entirely of "old" material, "Letitgo" was actually newly composed for the album. The mid-tempo song relies heavily on a drum machine pattern and bass guitar with synthesizers in the refrain. A keyboard and percussion solo appear toward the end. The song is sung in falsetto in unison with another track layered in his regular, lower register. Kathleen Bradford provides backing vocals, while Eric Leeds provides flute accompaniment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (Prince song)</span> 1994 single by Prince

"The Most Beautiful Girl in the World" is a song by American musician Prince, released in various forms on the 1994 remixes EP The Beautiful Experience and later on his seventeenth album, The Gold Experience (1995). In his singles chronology, it was his third major release since changing his stage name to an unpronounceable "Love Symbol". In his albums chronology, it along with the EP was his second release after changing his name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Purple Medley</span> Single by Prince

"Purple Medley" is a medley of songs by American musician Prince from 1995. There is no album accompanying the single. The track is a mix of many hits and well-known songs from Prince's career. Some of the pieces of music are samples, while others are re-recorded for the mix. Some of the additional instrumentation is credited to The New Power Generation. The "Purple Medley" consists of snippets from the songs: "Batdance", "When Doves Cry", "Kiss", "Erotic City", "Darling Nikki", "1999", "Baby I'm a Star", "Diamonds and Pearls", "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy" and fades for the edit. The full version continues with "Sexy Dancer", "Let's Work", "Irresistible Bitch", "I Wanna Be Your Lover", "Alphabet St.", "Thieves in the Temple", the bassline to The Time's "777-9311", Sheila E.'s "A Love Bizarre", "If I Was Your Girlfriend", "Raspberry Beret", "Little Red Corvette", "Cream" and "Peach".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Hate U (Prince song)</span> 1995 song by Prince

"I Hate U" is a song by American musician Prince, released on September 12, 1995, as the lead single from his seventeenth studio album, The Gold Experience (1995).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?</span> 1978 single by Rod Stewart

"Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", also written "Da' Ya' Think I'm Sexy", is a song by British singer Rod Stewart from his ninth studio album, Blondes Have More Fun (1978). It was written by Stewart, Carmine Appice, and Duane Hitchings, though it incorporates the melody from the song "Taj Mahal" by Jorge Ben Jor and the string arrangement from the song "(If You Want My Love) Put Something Down On It" by Bobby Womack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Too Sexy</span> 1991 single by Right Said Fred

"I'm Too Sexy" is a song by British pop band Right Said Fred, released in July 1991 as their debut single from their first album, Up (1992). The song was written by band members and brothers Fred Fairbrass and Richard Fairbrass with Rob Manzoli and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Outside the United Kingdom, it topped the charts in seven countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the United States. In 2023, Billboard magazine ranked "I'm Too Sexy" among the 500 best pop songs of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best of My Love (The Emotions song)</span> 1977 single by The Emotions

"Best of My Love" is a song by American band the Emotions from their fourth studio album Rejoice (1977). It was composed by Maurice White and Al McKay of Earth, Wind & Fire, and produced by White and Clarence McDonald.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prince singles discography</span>

Prince released several hundred songs both under his own name and under pseudonyms and/or pen names, as well as writing songs which have been recorded by other artists. Estimates of the actual number of songs written by Prince range anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000. He has released 117 singles, 41 promotional singles, 24 internet singles, and eight internet downloads.

"Way 2 Sexy" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake featuring American rappers Future and Young Thug. Released on September 3, 2021 as the lead single from Drake's sixth studio album Certified Lover Boy, it is a bass-heavy take on Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy" (1991), which it interpolates throughout the chorus and refrain. A comedic music video was released on the same day as the song and sees the artists pay homage to numerous pop culture events and icons. "Way 2 Sexy" received mixed responses from critics.

References

  1. 1 2 Hajari, Nisid (July 24, 1992). "Video Capsule Review: Sexy M.F. (1992)". Entertainment Weekly. Time. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  2. ↑ Jones, Alan (July 18, 1992). "Chart Focus" (PDF). Music Week . p. 9. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  3. ↑ Kastanas, Andy (July 15, 1992). "Sounds of Progress". p. 22. The Charlotte Observer .
  4. ↑ Jennings, Dave (July 11, 1992). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 29. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Mainstream: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. July 4, 1992. p. 8. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  6. ↑ Gettelman, Parry (October 23, 1992). "Prince and the New Power Generation". Orlando Sentinel .
  7. ↑ Dee, Johnny (July 8, 1992). "New Singles". Smash Hits . p. 51. Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  8. ↑ Aaron, Charles (November 1992). "Spins". Spin . p. 109. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  9. ↑ Foege, Alec (December 1992). "20 Best Albums Of The Year". Spin . p. 69. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  10. ↑ Harrington, Richard (October 11, 1992). "Prince's Latest Musical Indulgence: A Rock Soap Opera". The Washington Post . p. G04.
  11. ↑ Healy, Andy (October 12, 2017). "Prince's 'Love Symbol' Album Turns 25: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  12. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Prince & the New Power Generation / Prince - The Love Symbol Album". AllMusic . Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  13. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (September 12, 2019). "Prince's 50 greatest singles – ranked!". The Guardian . Retrieved November 16, 2020.
  14. ↑ Clerc, Benoît (October 2022). Prince: All the Songs. Octopus. ISBN   9781784728816.
  15. ↑ "The Love Symbol Album". guitarcloud.org. Retrieved 2023-05-09.
  16. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  17. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 33. August 15, 1992. p. 16. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 32. August 8, 1992. p. 17. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  21. ↑ "European Dance Radio" (PDF). Music & Media . August 22, 1992. p. 24. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  23. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  24. ↑ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 44. October 31, 1992. p. 22. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  25. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Sexy MF / Strollin'". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  26. ↑ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 9, no. 45. November 7, 1992. p. 50. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  27. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 32, 1992" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  29. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  30. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF". VG-lista. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  31. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  32. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF". Singles Top 100. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Prince & The New Power Generation – Sexy MF". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  34. ↑ "Prince: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  35. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  36. ↑ "Prince Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  37. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
  38. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1992" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1992" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1992". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1992" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  42. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 1992" (in German). Retrieved November 23, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Year End Charts: Top Singles". Music Week. January 16, 1993. p. 8.
  44. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. July 4, 1992. p. 21.
  45. ↑ "Sexy MF | プリンス" [Sexy MF | Prince] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved September 8, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.