(AllHipHop News) Music mogul Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid is still in disbelief at the “very mysterious” death of his friend Prince, because he was always “super healthy”.
The superstar passed away at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota on Thursday morning (April 21), a week after he had been briefly hospitalized for what his representatives insisted was just a nasty bout of the flu.
His death sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and fans alike, and now Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid has offered up his thoughts on the tragedy.
The producer, who has worked with Prince in the past, told U.S. breakfast show Today: “I’m still in shock. I spent the day yesterday just listening to Prince, and for whatever reason, it sounded even better. What a great guy.”
Praising his musical talent, Reid added, “I’ve always said it (that Prince is the greatest musician), I believe it. The greatest at everything: playing, writing, composing, fashion. Everything. The masculinity of Teddy Pendergrass but he could take your girl while wearing high heels!”
However, the label executive admitted he was uncomfortable commenting on reports suggesting Prince had suffered an alleged drug overdose last week (April 15), when the pilot of his private jet had to make an emergency landing in Illinois while en route from Atlanta, Georgia to Minnesota, so the superstar could seek medical attention at a nearby hospital.
“The thing that really bothers me about it (his death) is the Prince I know, he was super healthy, vegan, wasn’t an abuser of drugs, wasn’t an abuser of alcohol,” Reid explained. “He lived right and he was clean. He looked young and looked really healthy and vibrant, so the whole thing is just very mysterious to me.”
An autopsy to determine Prince’s cause of death is underway.
Meanwhile, Prince’s Purple Rain film writer/director and one-time manager, Albert Magnoli, has also shared his grief over the sad loss.
In a statement posted on his website, Magnoli claims the news of his “creative partner” and friend’s passing “is very difficult to process”.
“We shared tremendous times together during and after the making of Purple Rain,” he continued. “I know his fans are devastated. I know his music meant so very much to so many people. He was a good man, complicated and diligent, and like men of his caliber (sic), he always demanded from himself and others the very best.”
Concluding the note with a heartfelt message, he wrote, “Travel well, friend, wherever your next journey takes you.”
Purple Rain became a cult hit upon its release in 1984, grossing more than $80 million at the global box office and earning Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.