Katt Williams recently shared a powerful story about how a childhood encounter with Prince profoundly shaped his self-belief and confidence. Speaking on Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson’s IMO Podcast, the comedian reflected on meeting the legendary musician when he was just 12 years old—an experience he says permanently altered the way he viewed himself and his potential.

“I met Prince when I was 12, and he completely changed the trajectory of belief for me,” Williams recalled. According to him, seeing Prince up close was transformative because it challenged the limitations Williams had subconsciously placed on himself. “I realized I didn’t have to make any changes to who I was. Here was a man who was shorter than me, already rich and famous, and clearly living with purpose.”

Williams also revealed a personal connection that made the meeting even more memorable. He said Prince’s cousin was his first girlfriend, and he first met the “Purple One” in Dayton, Ohio. That proximity allowed Williams to observe Prince not just as a global icon, but as a real person with extraordinary intellect and creative depth.

“You ever meet someone and instantly think, ‘Wow, this person is way smarter than me?’” Williams said. “That was my first time being around true brilliance.” He described their interaction as a “super deep conversation,” noting that Prince treated him with respect and openness despite his young age. Over time, Williams came to consider Prince not only a friend but also one of the greatest musicians to ever live.

The impact of that meeting stayed with Williams as he grew older. He admitted that before meeting Prince, he believed he would need to change himself to be “good enough” to succeed. “I thought I needed to get taller or fix something about myself,” he said, joking that he once wondered if his height was “the first mistake God ever made.”

Prince’s example helped dismantle those insecurities. Williams pointed out that by the time they met, Prince had already signed a record deal, produced his own album, and played 26 instruments on it entirely by himself. “He did every job, and it worked,” Williams said. “That showed me that I didn’t need to change anything about who I was.”

Ultimately, the comedian said Prince gave him clarity and confidence that lasted a lifetime. Rather than trying to fit a mold, Williams learned that success comes from being authentic, prepared, and positioned correctly when opportunity arrives. “I just had to be myself and be in the right place when it was time,” he concluded—a lesson he credits as foundational to his career and personal growth.

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