Prince (September 7–14, 2015) Hitnrun Phase One – Studio Album
- Escape
- Apr 29, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: May 26
Hitnrun Phase One (stylized as HITnRUN Phase One) is Prince’s 38th studio album, a sleek, modern funk and R&B release that was initially a Tidal exclusive before a surprise CD and digital rollout.
RELEASE DETAILS
Artist: Prince
Label: NPG Records
Format: Digital (Tidal exclusive), CD, Download (LP reissue in 2026)
Country: Worldwide
Released: 7 September 2015 (Tidal) / 14 September 2015 (CD & Download)
Genre: Funk, R&B, Pop, Electronic
Length: 37:53
THE STORY
A concise, groove-heavy album blending contemporary production with Prince’s signature funk, soul, and playful energy. Standouts include the upbeat “Fallinlove2nite,” the hard-hitting “Hardrocklover,” the sleek “This Could B Us,” and the groovy “Million $ Show.”
CONTEXT & NOTES
Released with minimal traditional promotion as a “hit n’ run” surprise, the album reflects Prince’s evolving independent distribution strategy, debuting first on Tidal. Many tracks were reworked from earlier sessions, with significant input from co-producer Joshua Welton. It features guest appearances from Rita Ora, Judith Hill, Lianne La Havas (sampled), and Curly Fryz.
TRACK LISTING (CD / Digital)
Million $ Show — 3:10
Shut This Down — 3:03
Ain’t About 2 Stop — 3:38
Like A Mack — 4:04
This Could B Us — 4:11
Fallinlove2nite — 3:12
X’s Face — 2:38
Hardrocklover — 3:42
Mr. Nelson — 2:27
1000 X’s & O’s — 4:27
June — 3:21
Total Length: 37:53
SINGLES
Fallinlove2nite
Hardrocklover
This Could B Us
PACKAGING & VISUALS The bold cover art (as shown) is a striking graphic illustration featuring Prince with a large afro, iconic triple-circle sunglasses, and a gold chain motif against a clean blue, white, and brown background — a minimalist yet powerful design typical of his later visual style.
PERSONNEL
Key Contributors
Prince — all vocals, bass, guitar
Joshua Welton — keyboards, drum programming, vocals, co-producer
Judith Hill — co-lead vocals on “Million $ Show”
Rita Ora — vocals on “Ain’t About 2 Stop”
Curly Fryz (Charli & Danielle Curiel) — rap & vocals on “Like A Mack”
Lianne La Havas — sampled vocals on “Mr. Nelson”
Donna Grantis, Hannah Ford, Ida Nielsen (3rdEyeGirl) — contributions on “Ain’t About 2 Stop”
NPG Hornz & Stringenius — horns and strings
Production
Prince & Joshua Welton — co-producers, co-arrangers, mixers
Michael B. Nelson & Adi Yeshaya — horn & string arrangements
Martin Homent — cover illustration
CHARTS (Selected Highlights)
USA Billboard 200 — Peak: 70
Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums — Peak: 7
Europe & International
Top 50 entries in UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, and others.
SOURCES Album liner notes, official discography, Discogs, 45cat, Official Charts, Wikipedia, Prince Vault.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All album artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational refer
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