The Illusion Continues: A Funk Odyssey You Can’t Shake Off
Alright, let’s get into it. The Illusion Continues by The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince)—yeah, that’s a mouthful—is one of those albums that sneaks up on you like a funky ninja in the night. Released back in 2000 under Thunderball Records, this gem blends funk and soul with an unmistakable Euro twist. And honestly? It feels like someone handed Prince a time machine set to "groove mode."
Now, I gotta say, this record ain’t perfect—it's kinda messy, but in the best way possible. It’s like when your friend tries to DJ at a party, and they mash songs together recklessly, but somehow everyone ends up dancing anyway. That’s what we’re dealing with here.
Let me break down two tracks that stuck in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk:
First off, there’s “Gett Off (Damn Near 10 Minutes).” Oh man, this one is wild. Imagine being at a club where the bassline alone could knock over drinks from across the room. This remix stretches out like bubblegum pulled too far, but instead of snapping, it just keeps getting better. There’s something hypnotic about how long it goes—like the artist knew exactly how much groove people could handle before losing their minds entirely. By the time it finishes, you're either sweating bullets or questioning every life choice that led you to listen to nearly ten minutes of pure chaos. Either way, mission accomplished.
Then there’s “Batdance (Batmix),” which is basically what would happen if Batman went disco-dancing in Gotham City. It’s chaotic, loud, and borderline ridiculous—but also impossible not to love. Listening to this track feels like stepping into some alternate universe where superheroes solve crimes through interpretive dance battles. The mix layers samples and beats so thick you might need a machete to cut through them, but damn if it doesn’t leave you grinning like an idiot. Every time I hear it, I picture myself strutting around in a cape while busting moves only I think are cool.
Other standout moments include “Sign O’ The Times (Remix II)” and “Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic,” both of which remind you why Prince was—and still is—a legend. But let’s be real, half the fun of this album is its unpredictability. One minute you’re vibing, the next you’re scratching your head wondering if he just threw random sounds into a blender and hit ‘puree.’
So yeah, The Illusion Continues isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for polished perfection, maybe stick to his earlier stuff. But if you wanna dive into a chaotic, genre-bending trip full of raw energy and weird brilliance, this album delivers big time.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this makes me wonder…was The Artist trying to tell us something deeper? Or was he just having fun messing with our expectations? Maybe both. Either way, it leaves you thinking—and grooving—all at once.
