Prince (June 3, 2021) “Born 2 Die” - Digital Single / Album Preview TrackHEADLIN

Prince’s powerful and socially conscious track “Born 2 Die” was released as the second preview single from the highly anticipated posthumous album Welcome 2 America, exactly eight weeks before the full album dropped.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Prince

Label: NPG Records / Legacy Recordings Date: June 3, 2021

Format: Digital Download & Streaming Country: Worldwide

THE STORY “Born 2 Die” is the third track on Welcome 2 America, Prince’s first fully unreleased studio album issued posthumously. The song was premiered simultaneously on BBC Radio 6 and Prince’s official YouTube channel (maintained by his Estate) on June 3, 2021. It features Prince’s signature guitar work, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics reflecting on social issues affecting the Black community.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The track was originally recorded on March 12, 2010 at Paisley Park Studios during sessions for Welcome 2 America. Additional vocal overdubs and production by Morris Hayes took place in spring 2010. Prince was inspired to finish the song after hearing Dr. Cornel West say on YouTube, “I love my brother Prince, but he’s no Curtis Mayfield,” to which Prince reportedly replied, “Oh really? We will see.” The song was released during a time of renewed social justice movements, making its themes particularly resonant.

RECORDING INFORMATION

Initial Tracking: March 12, 2010 – Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN

Additional Work: March–April 2010 (vocal overdubs) & Spring 2010 (Morris Hayes production)

PERSONNEL

• Prince – vocals, guitar

• Chris Coleman – drums

• Tal Wilkenfeld – bass guitar

• Morris Hayes – keyboards, strings, percussion

• Liv Warfield, Shelby J., Elisa Dease – backing vocals & ad-libs

TRACK DETAILS Length: 5:03 Version: Studio version (final mix with additional production)

RELATED MATERIAL

• Welcome 2 America album (July 30, 2021)

• Prince (July 2021) “Five Years Gone: Prince” – Special Tribute Issue – Guitar Player Magazine (US)

• Prince (October 14, 2021) Do Me, Baby (Demo) - 7" Single

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