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The Untold Story of the Alleged "Beef" Between Prince and The Gap Band: A Tale of Rivalry and "Disrespect"


For decades, whispers of a supposed feud between musical icon Prince and funk legends The Gap Band have circulated in music circles, largely centered around The Gap Band’s 1984 track “Disrespect.” While much of the story remains anecdotal and undocumented, it has fueled speculation of a professional rivalry marked by artistic differences and ego clashes.

The Gap Band, known for their iconic hits like “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Outstanding,” rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, carving a space in the world of funk and R&B. Around the same time, Prince was ascending to superstardom, blending rock, funk, and R&B with his unmistakable sound. With both acts dominating the funk genre, rumors of rivalry naturally emerged.

According to some accounts, tensions between the two acts may have escalated due to perceived slights. Prince, known for his confidence and sometimes eccentric behavior, may have made comments or actions seen as dismissive of The Gap Band’s contributions to funk. Though these claims remain speculative, they fueled narratives of competitive tension.


The Gap Band’s song “Disrespect,” from their 1984 album Gap Band VI, is often seen as a direct response to this tension. With lyrics that center on defiance and standing up against being slighted, many believe the track was aimed at Prince, reflecting the underlying friction between the two.


Though much of the supposed “beef” is based on industry whispers and remains undocumented, it continues to add an intriguing layer to the story of two of funk’s most iconic acts.

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