Sexy MF

"Sexy MF" is a song by American musician Prince and the New Power Generation, released as a single from their 1992 album ''Love Symbol''. The music and most of the lyrics were composed by Prince, while Seacer came up with the chorus and the song's title. Tony M. also delivers a rap, which he wrote. The song and its refrain "You sexy motherfucker" caused some controversy, and edited versions were produced for radio, the music video and the US version of the album. The song was recorded in Paisley Park Studios' Studio A in December 1991.

"Sexy MF" was released as the first single from ''Love Symbol'' in June 1992. 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.

Recording

While specific recording dates are not known, basic tracking took place in early December 1991, at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA (during the same set of sessions that produced "Love 2 The 9's", "The Sacrifice Of Victor", "The Morning Papers", "Arrogance", and "And God Created Woman"). "Sexy MF" was placed as the opening track of the 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.

Critical reception

Andy Healy from Albumism called "Sexy MF" "raucous", noting "the funk stew" with "its punching beat and irresistible callout backed by powerful horn blasts". He stated that the song "remain just as intoxicating" as it did when the album first dropped." Also Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic noted "the deep funk", stating that ''Love Symbol'' "has Prince's best dance tracks since ''The Black Album''." Andy Kastanas from ''The Charlotte Observer'' wrote, "Funkier than his latest stuff and a little more vulgar, this is a cool tune with plenty of jazzy guitars and trumpets." Alexis Petridis from ''The Guardian'' said that the song "offers up a JB's-ish groove that's simultaneously raw and tightly controlled, a chorus punctuated by the kind of lip-smacking noise also featured on Kiss and its author on superb priapic form: "I got wet dreams comin' out my ears!"" A reviewer from ''Music Week'' commented, "It's a very sparse, basic groove not dissimilar to those churned out by James Brown in the Sixties, with lyrics that are alternately facile and controversial, the latter of which will keep airplay to a minimum. His fan base is such that it should, however, make significant inroads into the chart." Johnny Dee from ''Smash Hits'' noted the "grunting and grinding in the usual Paisley Park sassy funk style with some gorgeous jazzy brazz-n-stuff".

Chart performance

The song was released in an edited version in the US, where it peaked at number 66 on the Hot 100 chart and number 76 on the R&B chart. In the UK, the song peaked at number four.

Single formats

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

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Release history

References

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Prince (musician) songs
1992 singles
1992 songs
Obscenity controversies in music
Paisley Park Records singles
Song recordings produced by Prince (musician)
Songs written by Prince (musician)
Warner Records singles