Prince – Baltimore (Initial SoundCloud Single) May 9 2015

Prince3EG SoundCloud release of Baltimore,

Recording Details

• Initial Recording: 30 April 2015, Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota

• Live Cut: 29 April 2015, Paisley Park Soundstage (Prince & 3rdEyeGirl with Joshua Welton)

• Studio A Version: Prince solo, all instruments

• Mixing Engineer: Dylan Dreslow

• Additional Vocals: Eryn Allen Kane

• Production: Prince / Joshua Welton

  
  

Release Context

The SoundCloud stream was accompanied by a detailed statement describing the song’s creation and intent, emphasizing unity and social awareness. Prince’s message urged listeners to “fight the good fight and confront inhumanity on every level.” The following day, the Prince3EG Twitter account teased a new track titled “Free Urself”, linking to Baltimore and hinting at a shared project — though Free Urself was ultimately not included on Hitnrun Phase Two.

Prince later discussed streaming plans with Jay‑Z and Tidal, reflecting his growing interest in artist‑controlled digital distribution.

Format: Digital Stream (Prince3EG SoundCloud)

Label: NPG Records / 3EG Country: USA Release Date: 9 May 2015   Genre: Soul • Pop • Funk Style: Protest Song • Contemporary Soul

Overview  

On 9 May 2015, Prince released the initial version of “Baltimore” via a newly created Prince3EG SoundCloud account. The stream appeared one day before his Rally 4 Peace concert in Baltimore, where the song received its live debut.

Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, the track was written and produced in direct response to the death of Freddie Gray and the ensuing unrest in Baltimore. Prince and 3rdEyeGirl, with Joshua Welton, first recorded a live take on 29 April 2015 at the Paisley Park soundstage.

Prince then re‑recorded the song alone in Studio A the same night, playing all instruments himself.

The version streamed on SoundCloud was mixed by Dylan Dreslow after Eryn Allen Kane added vocals in early May. A revised version with orchestral and horn overdubs was later issued as the digital single “Baltimore”, identical to the version that appeared on Hitnrun Phase Two.

Legacy & Significance

• First public release from the Hitnrun Phase Two sessions

• Written in response to the Freddie Gray tragedy

• Served as the anthem for Rally 4 Peace (10 May 2015)

• Demonstrated Prince’s continued activism and rapid creative response

• Early use of Prince3EG SoundCloud / Twitter as direct‑to‑fan platforms

Sources

• Prince Vault (recording dates, release chronology, production credits)

• MyFoxTwinCities interview (Prince statement during recording)

• Prince3EG SoundCloud and Twitter posts (May 2015)

• Dylan Dreslow mix notes and Eryn Allen Kane session accounts

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