Darling Nikki

The song *Darling Nikki* by Prince, included in the 1984 album Purple Rain, is distinguished by a deliberately raw production with a live performance feel, contrasting with the polished sound of other pieces on the record. The story it narrates revolves around a figure named Nikki, described as a "sex fiend" who seduces the protagonist. In the context of the film Purple Rain, the lyrics are directed at the character of Apollonia Kotero, at a time when she decides to collaborate with the rival of Prince's character, played by Morris Day. Towards the end of the piece, the music fades to make way for the sound of rain and wind, over which backward-played voices are heard. If played in their original sense, Prince can be heard singing: "Hello, how are you? I'm fine, 'cause I know that the Lord is coming soon. Coming, coming soon." During performances on the Purple Rain Tour, this final section was played forward, as can be seen in the live video Prince and the Revolution: Live from 1985.

The recording of *Darling Nikki* took place on May 27, 1983, at Kiowa Trail Home Studio, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota. The song, classified within the hard rock genre, has a duration of 4:14 and was composed, produced, and arranged by Prince himself. Despite not being released as a single, it gained notoriety for its explicit lyrics, including a reference to female masturbation. This lyrical content was pointed out by Tipper Gore, who, after hearing the song in 1985 while her 11-year-old daughter Karenna was listening to it, was moved to co-found the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). The PMRC included *Darling Nikki* on a list of 15 songs deemed "filthy," and this controversy was a key factor in the eventual adoption of the "Parental Advisory" label on album covers. The album Purple Rain, released on June 25, 1984, became a massive success and is considered a masterpiece by the artist.