Four years before the news of Prince’s death, “Chappelle’s Show” co-creator Neal Brennan told an amazing story of partying with His Purple Badness — and with Dave Chappelle, Prince, and Questlove.
It’s a weird, delightful story in the way everything involving Prince was weird and delightful. It takes place in 2004, soon after Prince’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and features Prince’s Canadian in-laws, matching gold pajamas and socks, and pancakes.
Yes: Prince had seen the famous “Chappelle Show” basketball-and-pancakes skit, and called it back. Though he was known for being coy and mysterious with his public identity, the Brennan story suggests an excellent sense of humor about himself in private.
TMZ reported the singer’s body was discovered at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota this morning, while the Associated Press tweeted the artist’s publicist confirmed, “Prince has died at his home in suburban Minneapolis.” A death investigation is underway.
While the cause of death is not known at this time, Prince’s private plane made an emergency landing at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, last Friday morning, as the singer was en route home from a concert in Atlanta. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, had apparently been experiencing flu symptoms, which worsened during the flight. He was released from the hospital after three hours.
Rest in peace, Prince.
Brennan’s story:
The skit Prince referenced:
#PrinceDay: A Life in Pictures, From Before 'Purple Rain' Fame to Final Appearances (Photos)
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince grew up in a musical home as both his parents were both jazz musicians.
Prince's debut solo album, "For You," was released in 1978.
Warner Bros.
Prince exuded an individual sense of style even during his early years.
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An early promotional shot of Prince
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Prince's second solo album was self-titled, released in 1979.
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A promotional image, taken in the 1970s
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Prince rocked the world with "Purple Rain" in 1984 -- both the album and movie.
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Prince, dressed as The Joker, performs his single “Batdance” from the 1989 “Batman” movie soundtrack.
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Prince performs at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2004, in Los Angeles.
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Beyonce Knowles and Prince perform at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, 2004, in Los Angeles.
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Prince and his then-wife Manuela Testolini sit in the audience at the 35th Annual NAACP Image Awards in Hollywood on March 6, 2004.
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Prince performs at the 10th Anniversary Essence Music Festival at the Superdome on July 2, 2004 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Prince speaks onstage during the 2015 American Music Awards on Nov. 22, 2015, in Los Angeles.
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Even from his earliest days, Prince was destined for musical greatness. TheWrap takes a look back at key moments from the rock icon’s life
Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Prince grew up in a musical home as both his parents were both jazz musicians.