✦ Minneapolis Genius - Album: Apr. 2024

A deluxe double‑LP celebration of Prince’s earliest studio work — restored, expanded and pressed on purple and blue vinyl for Record Store Day 2024

✦ SUMMARY

Released on 20 April 2024 as a Record Store Day exclusive by L.M.L.R. (Culture Factory), Minneapolis Genius by 94 East Featuring Prince compiles rare 1975–1979 recordings from Prince’s formative Minneapolis years. Before his solo debut, Prince contributed guitar, bass, drums and vocals to sessions led by Pepé Willie — his first mentor and the architect of the early Minneapolis sound.

This deluxe 2LP edition expands the original 1985 release with additional vault tracks, instrumentals and practice sessions. Pressed on striking purple and blue vinyl, the set is limited, collectible and historically significant — a vivid snapshot of Prince’s pre‑fame brilliance.

✦ HIGHLIGHTS

• Released 20 April 2024 (Record Store Day)

• Deluxe double‑LP on purple and blue vinyl

• Rare 1975–1979 recordings featuring Prince

• Expanded from the original 1985 release

• Includes instrumentals, alternate versions and practice sessions

• Produced by Pepé Willie and Tony Silvester

• Recorded at Moon Sound Studios, Minneapolis

✦ TRACKLISTING

Side A

1. If You Feel Like Dancin’

2. Lovin’ Cup

3. Games

Side B

1. Just Another Sucker

2. Dance to the Music of the World

3. One Man Jam

Side C

1. If You See Me

2. Games (Original Version)

3. I’ll Always Love You

4. Better Than You Think

5. If We Don’t

Side D

1. You Can Be My Teacher

2. Love, Love, Love

3. Dance to the Music of the World (Practice Session)

4. If You See Me (Instrumental Version)

5. Games (Instrumental Version)

6. Better Than You Think (Instrumental Version)

✦ PRODUCTION & CONTEXT

Featuring Prince on guitar, bass, drums and vocals.

Produced by Pepé Willie and Tony Silvester.

Recorded 1975–1979 at Moon Sound Studios, Minneapolis.

These sessions capture the earliest documented examples of Prince’s studio work — raw, funky, experimental and bursting with potential. Pepé Willie, Prince’s early mentor and founder of 94 East, helped shape the Minneapolis sound that Prince would later refine into a global phenomenon.

The 2024 RSD edition expands the material significantly, offering a deeper look into the band’s creative process through instrumentals and rehearsal takes.

✦ LEGACY

Minneapolis Genius stands as a crucial historical document — the sound of Prince before the world knew his name. His fingerprints are unmistakable: the rhythmic precision, the melodic instincts, the guitar fire, the emerging swagger.

This 2024 edition is one of the most important archival releases for fans of Prince’s early evolution, offering a rare window into the birth of the Minneapolis sound.

✦ PRINCE 1975–1979 MINI‑TIMELINE — THE FORMATIVE YEARS

✦ 1975

Prince begins recording at Moon Sound Studios, working with Pepé Willie and 94 East.

✦ 1976

Prince records early demos showcasing his multi‑instrumental talent, attracting industry attention.

✦ 1977

Prince signs with Warner Bros. Records at age 18 — one of the youngest artists to secure full creative control.

✦ 1978

For You is released, marking Prince’s official debut as a solo artist.

✦ 1979

Prince releases his self‑titled second album, featuring I Wanna Be Your Lover — his first major hit.

These years capture Prince’s transformation from a prodigious local musician into a fully formed creative force.

✦ GLAM FLASHBACK — MINNEAPOLIS GENIUS VS. PRINCE’S EARLY WARNER ERA

✦ Minneapolis Genius (1975–1979 Sessions)

• Raw, unpolished, deeply funky

• Prince as a hungry young multi‑instrumentalist

• Collaborative energy with Pepé Willie and 94 East

• Early blueprint of the Minneapolis sound

✦ Prince (1978–1979 Warner Bros. Albums)

• Polished studio production

• Prince in full creative control

• Synth‑driven funk and R&B emerging

• Breakthrough hits and rising confidence

Together, they reveal the evolution of a prodigy — from local studio sessions to the birth of a global icon.

✦ SOURCES

Personal archive knowledge

Prince Vault

Discogs

45cat

AllMusic

Rate Your Music

Wikipedia

BBC Official Charts Company