Prince: "The Black Album" Album (1994)

Escape
Nov 21, 1994
1 min read

Updated: Sep 23

Prince’s The Black Album was released as an album in the UK by Warner Bros. Records (catalog number 9 45793-2) on November 21, 1994.

Originally set for release in November 1987, it was canceled at Prince's request after promotional copies were distributed. It was intended as a follow-up to Sign o' the Times and was to be presented in a completely black cover without any title or credit to Prince, leading to its nickname, The Black Album. Initially called The Funk Bible in press releases and within a concealed message on the album, it appeared to be a response to criticism that Prince had become overly pop-focused. The album aimed to reconnect with his black audience.

The 1987 promotional edition featured no printed title, artist name, production credits, or photography, just a plain black sleeve. Promotional copies only included a song list and catalog number 25677 on the disc. The commercial release was intended to display only the catalog number in pink on the spine. The original CD pressing was done by Sony DADC instead of WEA Manufacturing.

Convinced the album was "evil," Prince decided to withdraw it a week before its release. It was replaced by Lovesexy, an album with a more upbeat pop style and elements of religious affirmation.