Prince was one of the most outspoken artists when it came to fighting for ownership and control over his music. For years, he warned others in the industry about the corrupt system run by major record labels and powerful figures like Diddy. But as we reflect on the events surrounding his life and untimely death, many now believe Prince was right: the music industry and its big players are willing to go to extreme lengths to silence those who expose the truth.

Prince’s battle with the industry was rooted in his fight for artistic freedom. He believed that artists should own their music, not be exploited by record labels for profit. His conflicts with Warner Brothers, his label for much of his early career, are legendary. Prince was so adamant about owning his work that he famously changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol and wrote “slave” on his face to protest the company’s control over his music and identity. His fight for independence was a career-long crusade, but it was clear that the powers that be did not want him challenging the system.

Prince’s issues weren’t just with record labels. He also had serious concerns about figures like Diddy, who, according to many, engaged in similar exploitative practices. Diddy’s deal with Warner Brothers, which gave the label a 50% stake in Bad Boy Records, was something Prince saw as a direct continuation of the same exploitation he had fought against. Diddy was profiting off the backs of his artists, just as Prince felt the industry had profited off of him.

The friction between Prince and Diddy was further complicated by the fact that Prince reportedly lent his house to Diddy for parties, but never attended them. This was allegedly because Prince had suspicions about the kind of activities Diddy was involved in behind closed doors. It’s possible that Prince, who had always been deeply suspicious of the industry, recognized a darker side to Diddy’s operations—a side that he wanted no part of.

Prince’s concerns about the industry were not limited to Diddy. He also had a falling out with Jay-Z, another key figure in the music world. In a surprising turn of events, Jay-Z’s streaming service, Tidal, became embroiled in a lawsuit with Prince’s estate over the unauthorized distribution of his music. The lawsuit revealed that Tidal had made deals to distribute Prince’s albums without proper authorization, adding to the growing list of betrayals Prince faced in the industry. It seemed as though every major player in the industry was aligned against him.

This ongoing battle for control over his work eventually took a toll on Prince. In 2016, he died suddenly at the age of 57, under circumstances that many found suspicious. Officially, it was reported that he died of an accidental fentanyl overdose, but given his history of good health and commitment to clean living, many fans and those close to him believe there may have been foul play involved. Some even suggest that Prince’s death was the result of a deliberate attempt to silence him before he could expose more of the industry’s dirty secrets.

It’s no secret that those who challenge the status quo in the entertainment industry often face a steep price. From Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston, many stars who spoke out about the dark side of the business met untimely and suspicious ends. Prince was no different. His efforts to take control of his music and expose the corruption of record labels made him a target, and some believe that his death was no accident.

Looking back, Prince was right about Diddy and others in the industry. He saw through the facade of success and fame that these figures presented. He knew that the system was designed to exploit artists, and he spent his life trying to break free from it. Unfortunately, in an industry where control is everything, those who expose the truth often face the harshest consequences.

Prince’s death has left many unanswered questions, and his warnings about the music industry are more relevant than ever. As we reflect on his legacy, it’s clear that he was a true revolutionary—someone who was willing to risk everything to protect his art and the rights of artists everywhere. But his story also serves as a cautionary tale: in an industry ruled by powerful corporations and figures like Diddy, speaking out often comes at a deadly price.

Prince was right all along. The music industry isn’t about talent—it’s about control, manipulation, and profit. Those who expose its inner workings and challenge its power often end up paying the ultimate price. The question remains: who will be next to speak out, and at what cost?