Better known by his stage name Prince Be, this talented hip hop artist made a lasting mark on the music scene during the 1990s. Prince Be is best remembered as the founding member of the influential group P.M. Dawn, which gained widespread acclaim for its unique blend of soulful beats and introspective lyrics. Throughout his career, Prince Be helped produce two major hits—The Bliss Album? and Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience—both of which went on to achieve U.S. Gold certification, solidifying Prince Be’s place in music history.
Even before fame found him, Prince Be showed a deep passion for music. As a teenager, he began writing songs and spinning tracks as a DJ, laying the early foundation for what would become a remarkable journey. Determined to bring his vision to life, Prince Be used money he saved from working as a security guard to fund the recording of P.M. Dawn’s original demo tape—an investment that would eventually pay off in a big way.
Prince Be grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, alongside his brother Jarrett Cordes, who also played a key role in P.M. Dawn as both a collaborator and creative partner. Their family background added another layer of musical influence; their stepfather, George Brown, was a member of the legendary rhythm and blues, disco, and jazz ensemble Kool and the Gang. This rich musical environment likely shaped Prince Be’s artistic direction and helped inspire the dreamy, genre-blending sound that fans came to love. Through dedication and creativity, Prince Be left behind a legacy that continues to resonate with listeners today.
He’s best known for his hit singles, and one of the standout tracks was “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss,” which actually climbed all the way to number 1 in both the United States and New Zealand—pretty impressive, right? Then there’s “I’d Die Without You,” another major success that reached number 3 on the U.S. charts. His ability to craft such memorable songs really solidified his place in music history, and honestly, it’s no surprise why he remains a fan favorite. His sound, his style—everything about his work during that era showed just how talented he truly was.