Mayte: "If Love U 2night" Single (1995)

Paisley Park-Produced Debut from Mayte's Album

On October 31, 1995, Mayte Garcia (Mayte) released "If Love U 2night" as a single in the United Kingdom through Paisley Park Records (distributed by Warner Bros.), the lead track from her debut album Child of the Sun. Composed and produced by Paisley Park (Prince's pseudonym), this mid-tempo R&B ballad blended soulful vocals with funky grooves, marking Mayte's emergence as a solo artist after her role as a dancer and collaborator in Prince's New Power Generation. Issued in vinyl and CD formats with remixes, the single aimed to capitalize on Prince's influence while highlighting Mayte's personal artistry. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this UK release.

Background and Context

Mayte's Emergence in Prince's World

Born November 12, 1973, in Fort Hood, Texas, Mayte Garcia met Prince in 1990 at age 16 during a Barcelona concert, becoming a dancer in his Diamonds and Pearls tour and later his wife (1996–2000). By 1995, she transitioned to music, recording Child of the Sun at Paisley Park Studios under Prince's guidance.

The album, released in 1995, explored themes of love and spirituality, with Mayte co-writing several tracks.

The Child of the Sun Album Era

Child of the Sun was recorded in 1994–1995 at Paisley Park, produced by Paisley Park (Prince) and featuring contributions from the New Power Generation. The 11-track album blended R&B, pop, and world music, peaking modestly at #113 on the Billboard 200 and #33 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, with around 100,000 copies sold. "If Love U 2night" (album version 3:30) is a romantic plea ("If I love you tonight / Will you love me tomorrow?"), featuring Mayte's emotive delivery over Prince's smooth production, keyboards, and guitar.

The Track "If Love U 2night"

Composed by Paisley Park, the song was recorded in 1995 at Paisley Park, with Prince handling production, arrangement, and instrumentation. The UK single edit (3:30) preserved the album's intimacy, while remixes added dance appeal. Prince's touch infused subtle funk, aligning with his The Gold Experience (1995) era.

Chart Performance:

Chart Peak Position

UK Singles Chart #56

US Billboard Hot 100 Did not chart

US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs#44

Modest UK peak at #56; stronger US R&B airplay (#44). No major international charting, but remixes gained club traction.

Promotion: Mayte's UK promo tour and TV spots (e.g., The Word); Prince's remix generated buzz among his followers.

Cultural Context

October 1995 aligned with the peak of 90s R&B, with TLC's CrazySexyCool dominating. Mayte's release, tied to Prince, contrasted boy-band pop (Take That) with intimate soul, amid UK garage's rise.

The UK Single Release Formats

"If Love U 2night" launched in vinyl and CD formats via Paisley Park/Warner Bros., emphasizing remixes for radio and clubs. Below are the confirmed UK variants, sourced from Discogs and Prince Vault.

---

12" Vinyl Single Promo

Label: NPG Records – 0061630NPG-DJ

Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo, Stereo

Country: UK

Released: 1995

A1 If I Love U 2 Night (Lil' Cash Remix)

A2 If I Love U 2 Night (Album Version)

B1 If I Love U 2 Night (Tweakin' Dub)

B2 If I Love U 2 Night (Displacement Mix)

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – NPG Records

Copyright © – NPG Records

---

Cassette Single

Label: NPG Records – 0061639NPG, Edel – 0061639NPG

Format: Cassette, Single

Country: UK & Europe

Released: 1995

1 If Eye Love U 2night (Radio Edit) 3:30

2 The Rhythm Of Your Heart 3:17

Composed By – Paisley Park

Producer – Prince

---

CD Single (The Remixes)

Label: NPG Records – 0061925NPG,

Edel 0061925NPG

Format: CD, Single

Country: UK & Europe

Released: 1995

1 If I Love U 2night (Album Vers.) 4:19

2 If I Love U 2night (Lil' Cash Mix) 5:02

3 If I Love U 2night (Displacement Mix) 6:05

4 If I Love U 2night (Tweakin' Dub) 7:13

Video Promo

Label: NPG Records, Edel.

Format: VHS, Promo, PAL

Country: Europe

Released: 1995

Cultural and Musical Significance

Musical Innovation

"If Love U 2night" fused Mayte's soulful plea with Prince's funky production, remixes adding house elements—echoing The Gold Experience (1995). It highlighted 90s remix trends, influencing garage soul.

Mayte's UK Debut

The single introduced Mayte post-NPG, peaking at #56 UK but building her profile. Prince's composition appealed to his base, appealing to crossover listeners.

Broader Context of October 31, 1995

Amid Halloween pop (e.g., "Macarena" remixes), Mayte's release emphasized R&B intimacy, post-Blur/Oasis Britpop clash.

Collectibility and Modern Availability

Collectibility: 12" vinyl ($10–$20) prized for remixes; CD common ($5–$15). Promo variants $15–$30.

Streaming and Reissues: On Spotify/Apple Music via Child of the Sun (2020 remaster); remixes on compilations.

Physical Media: Available on Discogs; 2025 Paisley Park reissues possible.

Additional Notes

Prince-Mayte Bond: Co-written during 1994 sessions; Mayte's marriage to Prince (1996) followed.

Fan Reception: Soultracks (2020) calls it "vulnerable soul"; Reddit (2023) praises Prince's touch.

October 31, 1995, Context: Coincided with Halloween, tying into album's mystical themes.

Legacy

"If Love U 2night," released October 31, 1995, launched Mayte with Prince's tender funk—a romantic plea from Paisley Park. Its modest chart belies its intimate charm. Collectors seek vinyl; streams revive the longing. Explore at princevault.com.