Betrayer

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Betrayer

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Song details
Performer: Prince (assumed)
Writer(s): Prince (assumed)
Producer(s): Prince (assumed)
Live Appearances
First and last live appearance:
  • This track is not believed to have been performed live by Prince.
Performed regularly on tour:
  • none
Performed occasionally in shows:
  • none

Betrayer is an unreleased song believed to have been recorded in December 2004 or early 2005, most likely at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, MN, USA. The song was unknown until a 2021 Sports Illustrated article on Prince’s passion for basketball, in which the song was mentioned as being written about player Vince Carter:

"Friends say Prince was taken at first with the high-flying shooting guard’s dunking, and later with his overall game. He invited Carter to Paisley Park; allegedly wrote an unpublished song, “Betrayer,” about him; and was fond of wearing Carter’s No. 15 jersey, both onstage for performances and around Paisley Park, never mind that it fit like a nightgown. At one point, in conversation, a bandmate confused Vince Carter with longtime Vikings receiver Cris Carter. At which Prince cast his familiar side-eye. “No offense to Cris,” Prince said flatly, in a deep, rolling voice. “But you got to get your Carters prioritized.”"

The date of recording is assumed, based on Carter’s acrimonious split with the Toronto Raptors, the team Prince most closely followed at the time. Given Prince’s own battles for independence, it’s likely that the song is supportive of Carter rather than accusatory as the title might suggest. Nothing else is known about the song, which remains unreleased.


Recording Information
Recording Sessions
Date Studio Additional info
December 2004 or early 2005 (assumed) Paisley Park Studios,
Chanhassen, MN, USA (assumed)
Tracking
Recording Personnel
  • Prince - all vocals and instruments, except where noted (assumed)
  • No other recording personnel known

Versions
Unreleased Versions
Title Version Additional Info
Betrayer Studio Recorded December 2004 or early 2005 (assumed; see notes above)


 
Additional Information

See also Trivia


References
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