I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon

Touré

Mar 2013 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

An expansive and insightful exploration of one of the most iconic and electrifying artists ever, this book reveals the stunning, multi-generational influence and appeal of Prince and his revered music—from celebrated journalist, author, and host of the popular podcast The Touré Show.

Infused with Touré’s unique pop-culture fluency, I Would Die 4 U is as passionate and radical as its subject matter. Building on his lifelong admiration for Prince’s oeuvre and interviews with those closest to the late artist, including band members, his tour manager, and music and Bible scholars, Touré deconstructs the life and work of the enigmatic icon who has been both a reflective mirror of and inspirational force for America.

By defying traditional categories of race, gender, and sexuality, but also presenting a very conventional conception of religion and God, Prince was a man of profound contradictions. He spoke in the language of 60s pop and soul to a generation fearing Cold War apocalypse and the crack and AIDS epidemic, while simultaneously being both an MTV megastar and a religious evangelist. He creatively blended his songs with images of sex and profanity to invite us into a musical conversation about the healing power of God and religion. By demystifying Prince as a man, an artist, and a cultural force, I Would Die 4 U shows us how he impacted and defined a generation.

Ratings and reviews

When I read this biography, it made me appreciate Prince as an artist even more! It also helped me understand who Prince was on a artistic and musical level. Through various friends, producers, and band-mates. Prince is an iconic figure, and will be for the generations to come. From his musical style, to influencing and inspiring new artists. Thanks Touré for writing this! I would most definitely recommend this to fellow Prince fans!

I love this book I am only on page 75 and I am drawn to it. I am a big Prince fan and I love him so much. And when reading this I am finding out so much about him that makes me feel closer to him. I suggest if you are a fan or if you want to find out why he has so many fans please read it is so honest and helping my understand the man behind Prince..I love it and I know you will too.

I did not even read this book. I put the widget on the screen, I touched the book cover to see the price, and it was at the end of the book. I'm sure they will charge me now, and I want to read it, but are they all to the last page when you open them? So they can change you? my first time on here😒

About the author

Touré is an author who has published six books, including I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon and Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?: What It Means to Be Black Now, a New York Times and Washington Post Notable Book. He was a TV host at MSNBC, MTV, and BET, and a correspondent at CNN. He hosts the podcast Touré Show. He has written for The New York Times, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The Washington Post, The Nation, Vogue, and many other publications. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children. Follow his Instagram @Toure.