✦ Black Sweat — Single US : March 2006

A stripped‑back electro‑funk blast powering the 3121 era

“Black Sweat” was released in early 2006 as the second single from 3121, Prince’s 31st studio album. The track marked a return to the taut, minimalist funk of his mid‑1980s work — all sharp beats, falsetto, and skeletal synths — and quickly became one of the defining songs of the era.

The B‑side, “Beautiful, Loved And Blessed,” was issued in a slightly different version from the album mix. This version was originally intended for Támar’s debut album *Beautiful, Loved & Blessed* (later retitled *Milk & Honey*), making the single a crossover moment between Prince’s project and Támar’s.

The single first appeared as a digital download on February 21, 2006, tied to the “Purple Ticket” promotion: each purchase entered fans into a contest to win entry to a private Prince performance at 3121 (Private Residence), Los Angeles, held in the early hours of May 6, 2006.

Physical formats — including the 12" and CD single — followed roughly a month later, on March 27, 2006 (US retail release), shortly after the album’s release. Chart performance was modest in the US but stronger in parts of Europe with a

March 7, 2006 (UK retail release).

— HIGHLIGHTS

- Second single from 3121

- Digital release: February 21, 2006

- Physical formats followed in March 2006

- B‑side “Beautiful, Loved And Blessed” issued in a unique version

- Part of the “Purple Ticket” contest promotion

- Reached No. 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100

- Reached No. 82 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Singles

- Stronger European performance: Spain #17, Latvia #25, Netherlands #29, UK #43

— TRACKLISTING

12" Single — US: B0006371‑11

A. Black Sweat – 3:11

B. Beautiful, Loved And Blessed – 5:18

— CHART PERFORMANCE

United States

Billboard Hot 100: #60

Billboard Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Singles: #82

Europe

Spain: #17

Latvia: #25

Netherlands: #29

United Kingdom: #43

— SOURCES

- Universal Records release documentation

- Billboard chart archives

- Official UK chart data

- Discogs catalogue references