TC Ellis (Prince’s Rap Pioneer at Paisley Park)

The Minneapolis rapper and longtime Prince acquaintance who became one of the first hip-hop artists signed to Paisley Park Records, bringing rap into the Prince universe in the early 1990s

OVERVIEW

David “TC” Ellis (born in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area) is a rapper, singer, and educator. He is best known for his 1991 album True Confessions, the first rap-focused release on Prince’s Paisley Park Records. TC had known Prince since their teenage years in Minneapolis.

EARLY LIFE & MUSICAL BEGINNINGS

Raised in the Twin Cities, Ellis earned the nickname “TC” as a youth. He was inspired by early hip-hop (such as “Rapper’s Delight”) and released local singles like “Twin City Rapp” and “Bat Rap” (the latter tied to the Batman film). His sister, Sue Ann Carwell, was also a vocalist who had early connections to Prince.

PRINCE CONNECTION

TC had known Prince since junior high and persistently encouraged him to embrace rap. His breakthrough came when Prince heard his “Bat Rap” on local radio. Prince invited him to Paisley Park, leading to a signing in 1989. TC appeared as a rapper in Prince’s 1990 film Graffiti Bridge. Prince contributed to his album by providing songs and production.

KEY RELEASES

True Confessions

Released: May 28, 1991 Label: Paisley Park / Warner Bros. Notes: Produced primarily by Levi Seacer Jr. Features three Prince-related tracks:

• “Miss Thang” (written by Prince, originally for Morris Day)

• “Girl O’ My Dreams” (an old Prince composition)

• A cover of Prince’s “Bambi”

Other contributors included George Clinton and Eric Leeds. The album mixed rap with New Jack Swing and Minneapolis Sound elements.

STAGE WORK & LATER CAREER 

TC performed at the album launch at Glam Slam nightclub in Minneapolis. After Paisley Park closed, his contract ended and True Confessions became his only major-label album. In 1998, he founded the High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) in St. Paul, focusing on music education for at-risk youth. He continues to perform occasionally and remains active in the Minneapolis music community.

WHY THEY MATTER TO THE PRINCE UNIVERSE 

TC Ellis represents Prince’s attempt to incorporate hip-hop into the Paisley Park roster during the genre’s rise. As one of the earliest rappers directly tied to Prince’s label and projects, he helped bridge the gap between the Minneapolis funk scene and emerging rap culture. His story highlights Prince’s support for local talent and his evolving interest in different musical directions.

SOURCES 

Prince Vault, Goldies Parade, First Avenue, interviews with TC Ellis.

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