Sexy MF

Lore & Background

Basic tracking for "Sexy MF" took place on October 10, 1991, at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN, USA, during the same day as "Damn U". The song was placed as the opening track of the *Love 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. 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".

In Their Own Story

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. 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. 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. The music video has a direct-to-tape release, with the VHS single reaching number two on the Billboard music video chart.

Reader's Guide

Structurally, the song is built on a sparse, basic groove not dissimilar to those churned out by James Brown in the Sixties, with lyrics that are alternately facile and controversial. The arrangement features a punching beat and powerful horn blasts, with jazzy guitars and trumpets. Critics noted its "lean, wickedly propulsive energy" in the grand tradition of James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Prince's own "Housequake". The song was recorded in Paisley Park's Studio A in December 1991. Personnel includes Prince on lead and backing vocals, Tony M. on rap, Levi Seacer Jr. on co-lead vocals and electric guitar, Tommy Barbarella on Hammond organ and synthesizers, Sonny T. on bass guitar, Michael B. on drums, Kirk Johnson and Damon Dickson on percussion and backing vocals, DJ Graves on turntables and scratching, and a horn section of Michael B. Nelson, Kathy Jessen, Brian Gallagher, Dave Jensen, and Steve Strand.

Did You Know?

• Levi Seacer Jr. came up with the chorus and the song's title, while Prince composed the music and most of the lyrics.
• Basic tracking took place on October 10, 1991, at Paisley Park Studios, during the same day as 'Damn U'.
• The single was available in a Love Symbol-shaped vinyl disc.
• The VHS single for the music video reached number two on the Billboard music video chart.
• In the UK, Warner Bros. issued it as a double A-side with 'Strollin'' due to the explicit content, but UK radio stations preferred airing 'Sexy MF'.