Mazarati was an American funk band formed in the mid-1980s, closely associated with Prince. The band was originally formed by Brown Mark, a bassist from Prince's band The Revolution. Their debut self-titled album, "Mazarati," was released in 1986 under Prince's Paisley Park Records label and included the single "100 MPH" which became their most notable hit, reaching #19 on the U.S. R&B charts​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Ultimate Prince)​.
"100 MPH" was written and co-produced by Prince, and the song stands out due to its energetic funk vibe, characterized by a dynamic mix of bass lines, funky riffs, and the unique Minneapolis Sound that Prince helped popularize. Mazarati's connection to Prince didn't end with "100 MPH"; Prince also contributed to other tracks on their debut album, reworking the lyrics for "Strawberry Lover" and "I Guess It’s All Over"​ (Ultimate Prince)​.
Despite their early success and high-energy live performances, Mazarati struggled to maintain their momentum. They released a second album, "Mazarati 2," in 1989 under Motown Records, but it failed to achieve significant success​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Prince Vault)​. After a series of lineup changes and limited commercial impact, the band eventually disbanded.
In later years, some of the original members reunited for special performances and continued to influence the music industry through various collaborations​ (OneGunn Entertainment)​. For more detailed information about Mazarati and their music, you can check out their Wikipedia page and other fan resources.
Here are some fun facts about Mazarati:
Prince’s Influence: Prince was significantly involved in the creation of Mazarati's music. He not only co-produced their debut album but also offered them the track "Kiss," which he later decided to keep for himself after Mazarati reworked it into a funkier version. "Kiss" went on to become a No. 1 hit for Prince​ (Ultimate Prince)​​ (Prince Vault)​.
Unique Name Origin: The band's name, Mazarati, was inspired by the luxury car brand Maserati, but they altered the spelling to give it a distinctive touch​ (Ultimate Prince)​.
High-Profile Performances: Mazarati performed at the premiere party of Prince’s movie "Under the Cherry Moon" in 1986, alongside other notable artists. This event took place at the Centennial Theater in Sheridan, Wyoming, and was part of an MTV contest​ (Wikipedia)​.
Unreleased Tracks: Some of the songs initially given to Mazarati were later re-recorded by other artists and became hits. For example, "Jerk Out," which was rejected by Mazarati, was later re-recorded by The Time and became one of their biggest hits​ (Ultimate Prince)​.
Live Shows: Known for their high-energy live performances, Mazarati toured extensively with artists like Prince, Sheila E., and New Edition. Their concerts were a mix of funk and rock, making them a popular live act during their peak years​ (OneGunn Entertainment)​.
Reunion and Legacy: In 2011, original members Craig "Screamer" Powell and Marvin Gunn reformed the band as "Mazarati Revisited." They planned to release new music and tour, celebrating the legacy of their original sound​ (Prince Vault)​​ (OneGunn Entertainment)​.
These facts highlight the band's close ties to Prince, their dynamic live performances, and their enduring influence on the funk music scene.