Prince (February 21, 2006) Black Sweat - Digital Single

A minimalist digital‑era blast of electro‑funk — and the launch of Prince’s “purple ticket” sweepstakes

RELEASE DETAILS Date: February 21, 2006 Format: Digital Single Country: Worldwide (via iTunes)

Track: “Black Sweat” – 3:11

THE STORY Released on February 21, 2006 as a digital-only single via iTunes, “Black Sweat” was one of Prince’s earliest major digital-first releases. Each purchase automatically entered fans into the “Purple Ticket” sweepstakes, offering winners access to exclusive private performances and events tied to the 3121 album campaign. The track’s stripped-back, skeletal electro-funk sound — built on drum machine minimalism, sharp beats, and signature falsetto — quickly became a standout of the era.

CONTEXT & NOTES “Black Sweat” marked Prince’s return to taut, minimalist funk reminiscent of his mid-1980s classics, but updated with a modern digital edge. The Purple Ticket promotion was a key part of the 3121 rollout, blending music release with experiential marketing. The song earned Prince a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and remains one of his most celebrated 2000s singles.

TRACK LIST

Digital Single

1. Black Sweat – 3:11

CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100: Peak No. 60 US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Peak No. 82

PERSONNEL

• Prince – vocals, all instruments, production

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Digital download with automatic Purple Ticket sweepstakes entry

• Striking silhouette artwork with colorful background swirl

• No commercial physical single at initial release (promo formats followed)

RELATED MATERIAL

• 3121 (2006 album)

• Purple Ticket promotion / private events

• Planet Earth (2007 album)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES Prince Vault • Sleevographia2 • Discogs • Billboard charts

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single 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 reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

ARTIST — Prince

ARTIST CATEGORY — Prince Singles ARTIST ITEM — Black Sweat (Digital Single)

ARTIST ATTACHMENT — NPG Records / Universal

ARTIST YEAR — 2006