I woke up this morning still having a hard time accepting the fact that the honorable Prince Rogers Nelson was no longer with us. As a musical icon, I could count on him to have a song for every emotion I experienced in life. But it was his ability to boldly clap back with such ease as the King of Shade that was truly soothing to my petty soul. I’ve taken a moment from my grieving to reflect on some of my favorite shady moments.

10. I want to start with a moment that I didn’t even know happened until recently. He always gave me Mr. Steal Your Girl Vibes, but this gem in my timeline really set the bar.

Rick James had a gorgeous girlfriend named Dee Dee. Operative word being HAD. Dee Dee ends up in said group originally called The Hookers

— Dart_Adams (@Dart_Adams) April 21, 2016

Prince renamed Denise “Vanity” & The Hookers became Vanity 6. Prince then began to slowly eclipse Rick James’ popularity AND influence…

— Dart_Adams (@Dart_Adams) April 21, 2016

9. Speaking of Mr. Steal Your Girl, who could forget that time Prince was unmoved by Trey Songz’ tribute.

No, but you did cause this side-eye

8. Remember that time during a Tavis Smiley interview when he shaded any and every one who ever lip synced across the land.

7. Later on in that same Tavis Smiley interview he let him know the quickest way anyone could ever play themselves #majorkeyalert

6. Some of the younger generation may be more familiar with Dave Chappelle’s imitation of Prince, than Prince himself. Which Prince fully embraced and owned right before trolling Chappelle and making him the cover of his song, “Breakfast Can Wait”.

5. After making a decision that could have almost ruined his career by refusing to participate in the “We Are the World” recording, he pulled the ultimate shady move by offering Quincy Jones his sucker after he offered him the mic. Probably because he couldn’t say “Blow Me”on national TV.

Quick side note…. who knew Immature was cropped out of this photo all these years

4. Prince’s shade game was so cold that he froze Kim Kardashian West (then Humphries) when he kicked her off the stage.

When Prince kicked Kim Kardashian off the stage. This man set the precedent for exemplary shade. pic.twitter.com/neiulVUJMr

— Jouelzy (@Jouelzy) April 22, 2016

I was so nervous I froze when Prince touched me!!!! http://twitpic.com/3xkig7

— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) February 8, 2011

3. More recently he took his shade to the Grammys.

2. And who could forget when Lil Mo tried to come for the great purple one and he shut that all the way down…da da da da damn

I’d like to end this with one of my favorites. When Prince had to tell Chris Rock “Y’all haters corny with Prince Rogers versus MJ mess.”

speaking of which….who is wondering if this is happening right now.

-prince entering heaven-
Michael: hey
Prince: hey pic.twitter.com/UfWP1cDIgo

— evil witch (@sparklykunt) April 21, 2016

Prince is an icon and was a musical genius. I know I will never love a man in heels quite like I loved him. His beauty, brains, style, individuality, activism, and most of all his sense of humor will truly be missed.

#Prince was 1 of the most talented artist/icons & he’ll truly be missed…along with his impeccable shade #RIPPrince https://t.co/3am2uWTJej

— Dylan (@pettyyonceh) April 21, 2016

READ NEXT: The immortality of the artist forever known as Prince Rogers Nelson

Shannon Perkins

Writing since April 2016 · 2 stories contributed