Prince’s tragic and untimely death in 2016 left fans and the music industry grappling with unanswered questions and theories about potential hidden motives behind his passing.

The iconic artist, known for his intense dedication to artistic freedom and independence, had a long-standing struggle with the music industry over ownership of his work, notably his master recordings. Prince fought tirelessly for control over his music catalog, a battle dating back to his early career with Warner Bros. in the 1970s. After signing a contract as a teenager, he later discovered how restrictive the music industry’s practices were, especially in terms of artists’ rights over their work.

In a symbolic protest, Prince famously appeared with “slave” written across his face, condemning Warner Bros.’ ownership of his masters and asserting that artists who don’t own their work remain under the control of the companies they sign with. His public resistance was a stand for other artists, inspiring many to think critically about creative rights and ownership.

While Prince managed to regain control of his catalog from Warner Bros. in 2014, he faced additional pressure after partnering with Jay-Z’s streaming platform, Tidal. The original agreement was intended to be artist-friendly, allowing Prince to retain control of his work while promoting it through the platform.

However, reports suggest that the deal eventually shifted, with Tidal seeking complete ownership rights to Prince’s entire catalog. After Prince’s death, Tidal began streaming his music catalog without formal permission, leading to a copyright dispute between the platform and Prince’s estate. The dispute centered around ownership rights and distribution agreements that Prince had fought hard to protect.

Rumors about Prince’s death and the possible influence of powerful figures in the industry have circulated widely. Some suggest Prince may have uncovered or recorded sensitive information about other artists, including figures like Jay-Z and Diddy, who have both amassed significant influence in the industry. Cat Williams, a comedian known for his bold insights into Hollywood, claims that Prince had damaging information on these industry giants, potentially endangering his own position.

Prince’s death raised further questions due to the circumstances surrounding his passing in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate. Prince had previously referred to the “elevator” as a metaphor for the devil, adding an eerie layer of intrigue to the details of his death.\

Just weeks before, he had posted a cryptic message on social media saying, “Just when you thought you were safe,” which some fans now interpret as a premonition or warning.

In his final years, Prince reportedly increased security at Paisley Park and became highly selective about whom he allowed into his inner circle. He was vocal about the darker aspects of the music industry, specifically exclusive parties that allegedly pressured young artists into uncomfortable situations for career advancement.

Prince’s journey reflects the ongoing challenges many artists face in an industry often shaped by power, control, and ownership battles. His legacy is more than just his music—it’s also a symbol of artistic independence and the importance of standing against exploitative industry practices.