✦ 1999 (The New Master) – Single: Feb. 1999

A millennium‑timed reimagining of a classic, rebuilt with NPG family fire

✦ Summary

1999 (The New Master) was released independently by NPG Records on February 2, 1999, arriving just six weeks after Warner Bros.’ reissue of the original 1982 single. Rather than a simple remaster, Prince rebuilt the track from the ground up with new vocals, fresh instrumentation, and guest appearances from Rosie Gaines, Larry Graham, and Doug E. Fresh. The release included multiple remixes — from deep‑house explorations to hip‑hop‑infused takes — and was issued on CD and 12-inch vinyl (including a purple‑vinyl US pressing). Without major marketing or a video, the single charted modestly, peaking at No. 150 on the Billboard 200 and No. 58 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Today, it stands as a fascinating late‑’90s experiment in reclaiming catalogue material during Prince’s independent era.

✦ Highlights

• Released February 2, 1999 on NPG Records

• Complete re‑recording featuring Rosie Gaines, Larry Graham & Doug E. Fresh

• Multiple remixes: Inevitable Mix, Keep Steppin’, Deep House, Single Edit, Acapella

• Released shortly after Warner Bros.’ reissue of the original 1999

• Charted at No. 150 on Billboard 200 and No. 58 on Top R&B Albums

• Issued on CD, 12-inch, and promo formats

✦ Track Details

12-inch Vinyl (US: 7‑85337‑19991‑6, purple vinyl)

A1: 1999 (The New Master) — 7:09

A2: Rosario (1999) — 1:19

A3: 1999 (The Inevitable Mix) — 5:46

A4: 1999 (Keep Steppin’) — 4:33

B1: 1999 (Rosie & Doug E. In A Deep House) — 6:23

B2: 1999 (The New Master: Single Edit) — 4:30

B3: 1999 (Acapella) — 5:11

CD Single (US: 7‑85337‑19992‑3)

1999 (The New Master) — 7:09

Rosario (1999) — 1:19

1999 (The Inevitable Mix) — 5:46

1999 (Keep Steppin’) — 4:33

1999 (Rosie & Doug E. In A Deep House) — 6:23

1999 (The New Master) (Single Edit) — 4:30

1999 (Acapella) — 5:11

12-inch Promo (US: no catalogue number)

Same tracklist as commercial 12-inch

Label: NPG Records

Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince

Guest vocals: Rosie Gaines

Bass: Larry Graham

Beatbox/rap: Doug E. Fresh

✦ Chart Performance

United States: No. 150 — Billboard 200 (1 week)

United States: No. 58 — Billboard Top R&B Albums (2 weeks)

✦ Discography Sidebar

Late‑’90s Independent Era Singles:

The Holy River — Single: 1997

Come On — Single: 1998

1999 (The New Master) — Single: Feb. 1999

The Greatest Romance Ever Sold — Single: 1999

✦ Prince Era Mini‑Timeline

Late 1998 — Work begins on re‑recording 1999

Feb. 2, 1999 — 1999 (The New Master) released

1999 — Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic sessions underway

2000 — NPG Music Club launches

✦ Glam Flashback

1999 (The New Master) is one of the most intriguing artefacts of Prince’s independent years — a bold attempt to reclaim his legacy by reinventing one of his most iconic songs. With Rosie Gaines’ powerhouse vocals, Larry Graham’s unmistakable bass, and Doug E. Fresh’s rhythmic flair, the single became a millennium‑ready celebration of community and reinvention. Though it charted modestly, its cultural value lies in Prince’s determination to own his past while reshaping it for a new era.

✦ Sources

Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, Billboard Chart