Minneapolis Genius Vinyl Album: 2024

Prince's 94 East Early Funk Vault

Released as a limited edition Record Store Day 2024 exclusive on April 20, 2024, by L.M.L.R. (Culture Factory), Minneapolis Genius by 94 East Featuring Prince is a deluxe double-LP reissue compiling rare 1975–1979 recordings from Prince’s formative Minneapolis scene days. Prince (uncredited on original releases) plays guitar, bass, drums, and vocals across the tracks, showcasing his pre-fame genius alongside producer Pepé Willie and 94 East members. This edition is pressed on striking purple and blue vinyl, limited and highly collectible.

Track Listing

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 and Context

Featuring Prince. Produced by Pepé Willie and Tony Silvester. Recorded 1975–1979 at Moon Sound Studios, Minneapolis. This 2024 RSD edition expands on the original 1985 release with additional vault tracks, instrumentals, and practice sessions.

Do you have Minneapolis Genius in your collection? Ready for early Prince funk? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia and BBC Official Charts Company