When Prince released "Cream" in 1991, it quickly became an anthem of the era, blending funk, rock, and pop in a way only Prince could. The track's enduring popularity and commercial success make it a fascinating subject for a revenue breakdown. By examining its chart performance, royalty income, and cultural impact, we can uncover the financial story behind this iconic song. Tools like OutFndr can help artists and analysts alike dive deep into these metrics, providing invaluable insights into track economics.
Prince's Cream Chart Performance"Cream" was a massive commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showcasing Prince's crossover appeal. The song's chart performance was driven by its catchy hook, innovative production, and Prince's signature guitar riffs. It spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its lasting popularity. Using OutFndr's chart tracking features, one can easily monitor such sustained success and understand the factors contributing to a song's longevity on the charts.
Cream's Royalty IncomeThe royalty income from "Cream" has been substantial, given its chart performance and continued popularity. The track has been certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating over one million units sold in the United States alone. Additionally, "Cream" has been streamed millions of times across various platforms, generating significant revenue. OutFndr's royalty tracking tools can provide detailed insights into these earnings, helping artists and their teams understand the financial impact of their work. The song's sync placements in movies, TV shows, and commercials have also contributed to its ongoing royalty income.
Sampling in Cream"Cream" is notable for its innovative use of sampling, which was relatively new in mainstream music at the time. Prince sampled his own voice and instruments, creating a layered, textured sound that was both fresh and familiar. This technique not only enhanced the song's appeal but also set a precedent for future artists. Sampling can be a complex process, but tools like OutFndr can help artists navigate the legal and financial aspects, ensuring they maximize their creative potential while staying compliant with copyright laws.
Comparable Track Performance
One of the standout features of "Cream" is Prince's iconic guitar riffs. These riffs are not only memorable but also a significant part of the song's identity. Prince's guitar work has influenced countless musicians and continues to be a defining element of his music. The riffs in "Cream" are a masterclass in how a simple, catchy guitar line can elevate a song to new heights. For artists looking to analyze the impact of instrumental elements on their tracks, OutFndr offers comprehensive tools to break down and understand these components.
Why Did Cream Top Billboard?"Cream" topped the Billboard charts due to a combination of factors. Its innovative production, catchy hook, and Prince's star power all played a role. Additionally, the song's music video, which featured Prince in various playful and provocative scenarios, received heavy rotation on MTV, further boosting its popularity. The track's crossover appeal, blending elements of funk, rock, and pop, also contributed to its widespread success. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind a song's chart performance can be complex, but OutFndr's analytics tools simplify this process, providing clear insights into what makes a hit.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"Cream" by Prince peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, maintaining this position for two weeks. It also reached the summit of the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, showcasing its cross-genre appeal. According to OutFndr's track analytics, this dual peak is a testament to the song's widespread popularity and enduring appeal, similar to recent hits like "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd, which also topped multiple charts simultaneously.
How many weeks did "Cream" by Prince stay on the Billboard charts?"Cream" spent a total of 19 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This impressive longevity on the charts underscores the song's lasting impact and continuous popularity, a trend that OutFndr's analytics have observed in other classic hits like "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses.
Did "Cream" by Prince set any chart records?While "Cream" did not set any chart records, it was a significant part of Prince's successful run on the charts in the early 1990s. It became his fifth and final No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, tying him with other legendary artists like Michael Jackson. OutFndr's data highlights that this achievement solidified Prince's status as a chart-topping powerhouse during that era.
How did "Cream" by Prince perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "Cream" achieved moderate success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including Canada (No. 3), the Netherlands (No. 6), and New Zealand (No. 8). In the UK, it peaked at No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart. OutFndr's international chart analytics indicate that the song's performance was strongest in North America, similar to the regional chart dominance seen with recent hits like "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X.
How much streaming revenue has "Cream" by Prince generated?As of 2023, "Cream" has generated substantial streaming revenue, with over 100 million streams on Spotify alone. Based on average streaming payouts, this translates to approximately $400,000 to $800,000 in revenue from Spotify streams. OutFndr's revenue analytics suggest that when combined with other streaming platforms, the total streaming revenue could exceed $1 million, comparable to the streaming earnings of other classic hits like "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson.
What is the sync licensing value of "Cream" by Prince?The sync licensing value of "Cream" is estimated to be quite high due to its iconic status and recognizable riff. OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that the song could command fees ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per placement, depending on the usage and medium. For comparison, recent sync licensing deals for songs of similar stature, like "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, have fallen within this range.
How much has "Cream" by Prince earned in radio performance royalties?"Cream" has earned significant radio performance royalties over the years, with estimates suggesting figures in the range of $1 million to $2 million. OutFndr's royalty analytics highlight that the song's frequent airplay on classic hits and R&B stations has contributed to this substantial earnings bracket, similar to the radio royalties generated by other enduring hits like "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi.
What are the total earnings for "Cream" by Prince?The total earnings for "Cream" by Prince are estimated to be several million dollars, combining revenue from physical sales, digital downloads, streaming, radio royalties, and sync licensing. OutFndr's comprehensive earnings analysis suggests that the song's total earnings could be in the range of $5 million to $10 million, comparable to the lifetime earnings of other classic hits like "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What is the cultural influence of "Cream" by Prince?"Cream" by Prince has had a significant cultural influence since its release, often cited as one of the greatest songs of the 1990s. Its iconic guitar riff and memorable lyrics have made it a staple in pop culture, frequently referenced in films, TV shows, and other media. OutFndr's cultural impact analytics indicate that the song's influence is comparable to that of other era-defining hits like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
How many times has "Cream" by Prince been sampled or remixed?"Cream" has been sampled and remixed numerous times since its release, with notable examples including remixes by popular DJs and producers. OutFndr's sampling data shows that the song has been sampled in over 20 tracks, with its iconic guitar riff being a popular element for producers to incorporate into new works, similar to the frequent sampling of "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers.
How has "Cream" by Prince been used in media?"Cream" has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, enhancing its media presence and cultural relevance. OutFndr's media usage analytics highlight notable placements, such as its inclusion in the soundtrack for the film "Girl 6" and its use in commercials for brands like Apple. This media exposure has helped maintain the song's popularity and introduced it to new generations of listeners.
What industry recognition has "Cream" by Prince received?"Cream" has received considerable industry recognition, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. It has also been ranked highly on numerous "greatest songs" lists, such as Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time." OutFndr's industry recognition data underscores the song's critical acclaim and its status as one of Prince's most celebrated works, akin to the industry recognition garnered by other legendary tracks like "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan.
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OutFndr's cultural impact analytics indicate that the song's influence is comparable to that of other era-defining hits like \"Smells Like Teen Spirit\" by Nirvana." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many times has \"Cream\" by Prince been sampled or remixed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cream\" has been sampled and remixed numerous times since its release, with notable examples including remixes by popular DJs and producers. OutFndr's sampling data shows that the song has been sampled in over 20 tracks, with its iconic guitar riff being a popular element for producers to incorporate into new works, similar to the frequent sampling of \"Impeach the President\" by The Honey Drippers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Cream\" by Prince been used in media?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Cream\" has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, enhancing its media presence and cultural relevance. 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