By Status Ain't Hood Staff
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September 25, 2025
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1982, when Prince introduced the world to his protégée girl group, Vanity 6, and their provocative single “Nasty Girl.” Written and composed by Prince—though he initially credited lead singer Vanity—the track was released as the second single from the group’s self-titled debut album. With its daring lyrics and infectious groove, the song made waves in clubs across the U.S., ultimately topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for four weeks. Despite its dance floor success, “Nasty Girl” faced pushback from mainstream radio due to its explicit content, limiting its performance on the Hot 100. Still, the track found international success, reaching number seven on the Dutch singles chart and number 11 in Belgium. Its bold narrative, ending with a tongue-in-cheek lyrical letdown, cemented the song’s reputation as both controversial and unforgettable in early ‘80s pop culture. Over the years, “Nasty Girl” has remained a touchstone in music history. In 2005, Inaya Day’s cover version climbed to number nine on the UK Singles Chart, proving the song’s enduring appeal. Vanity herself, who later left the entertainment industry to become a Christian preacher, denounced the track in her later years. Even so, Billboard honored the song’s cultural impact, ranking it number 37 on their list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.” Decades later, “Nasty Girl” still stands as a quintessential blend of Prince’s fearless artistry and the boundary-pushing spirit of Vanity 6.