The Soundtrack of a Friendship: How Prince and Spike Lee Collaborated Through Music

The creative worlds of film and music have often intertwined, but few partnerships have been as unique and enduring as that of filmmaker Spike Lee and musical legend Prince. Theirs was a friendship rooted in mutual respect, admiration, and a shared passion for pushing the boundaries of art. It spanned over three decades, beginning in the late 1980s, shortly after Spike released his groundbreaking film She’s Gotta Have It and was invited by Prince to visit his iconic Paisley Park complex. What followed was a lifelong collaboration that left a lasting mark on both film and music history.

The Beginning of an Artistic Bond

The first spark of friendship ignited when Spike Lee, still a rising star in Hollywood, caught the attention of Prince. With his unapologetic style and flair for storytelling, Spike’s debut feature captivated audiences, and it clearly made an impression on the Purple One. In an era when artistic experimentation was celebrated, the two found common ground in their ability to disrupt conventions—Spike through cinema and Prince through music.

After that initial meeting, the two stayed in touch, their connection deepening over time. Throughout the years, they collaborated on several projects, whether through Spike’s use of Prince’s music in his films or through Prince’s contributions to Spike’s soundtracks. They also supported one another’s individual creative endeavors—two iconic artists, each in their own right, united by a shared vision of art that was bold, boundary-pushing, and socially conscious.

A Musical Gift for Girl 6

Their most notable collaboration came in 1996, when Prince generously contributed a host of tracks to the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s film Girl 6. The movie, a comedy-drama exploring the life of an actress who becomes a phone sex operator, needed a soundtrack that was just as vibrant and unconventional as its narrative, and Prince delivered. Among the recordings were hit songs like “Girls & Boys,” “Erotic City,” and “Adore,” alongside tracks from Prince’s side projects Vanity 6 and The Family. He even offered up three previously unreleased songs, solidifying the importance of the film to his musical repertoire.

Spike Lee, deeply moved by Prince’s contributions, wrote a heartfelt note in the soundtrack’s liner notes to express his gratitude. “Many thanks 2 The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, U made a great sacrifice to make this happen. I love U and U will see the dawn,” Spike penned, making reference to Prince’s recent name change to the unpronounceable symbol. This note of thanks exemplified the deep respect Spike had for Prince and the sacrifices the musician made to contribute to the project.

A Posthumous Tribute in BlacKkKlansman

Though their collaborations continued over the years, one of the most poignant moments of their partnership came long after Prince’s passing. In 2018, Spike Lee once again turned to Prince’s music to underscore a pivotal scene in his critically acclaimed film BlacKkKlansman. As the movie’s final moments unfolded, audiences were treated to a haunting rendition of “Mary, Don’t You Weep,” a gospel song performed by Prince, recorded during the early ’80s but unreleased until after his death. The song, pulled from Piano and a Microphone 1983, served as a powerful close to the film, embodying both spiritual reflection and political resonance.

The inclusion of Prince’s long-lost recording felt like a full-circle moment in their friendship, a musical tribute that transcended time and loss. In a way, it was as if Prince’s voice, even from beyond the grave, was still part of Spike’s artistic journey.

A Fitting Tribute

Spike Lee’s admiration for Prince was made unmistakably clear on February 24, 2019, when Spike took home his first Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman. It was a historic moment in the director’s career, but even in this personal triumph, Spike found a way to honor his late friend. Clad in a striking purple suit and wearing a custom-made necklace of Prince’s iconic symbol—crafted from gold, diamonds, and opals—Spike paid tribute to the artist whose friendship and music had influenced him throughout his life.

In a reflection on their relationship, Spike shared with The New York Times how, despite the ebbs and flows of life, their connection remained steady: “It might be six, eight months before we talked but when we talked it was like, we see each other.” Their friendship was one of those rare connections that transcended time, distance, and circumstance.

A Legacy That Endures

Spike Lee and Prince may have come from different artistic worlds, but their decades-long collaboration was a testament to the power of creative respect and genuine friendship. Whether through music, film, or personal moments, they supported one another’s journeys, leaving an indelible mark on both industries. Spike Lee’s tribute to Prince at the 2019 Oscars was not just a nod to their shared history—it was a celebration of the soundtrack that their friendship had created, one filled with laughter, respect, and music that will resonate for generations to come.