Prince (September 5, 2005) S.S.T. - Digital Single

Prince responds to Hurricane Katrina with a rapid‑fire charity single recorded and released within 24 hours

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: September 5, 2005 (digital) / October 25, 2005 (CD)

Format: Digital Single, CD Single Country: Worldwide

A-Side: “S.S.T.” – 3:39

B-Side / Bonus: “Brand New Orleans” – 6:37

THE STORY Released on September 5, 2005 — just days after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast — “S.S.T.” was written, recorded, and released by Prince within 24 hours at Paisley Park. Initially offered as a digital download through the NPG Music Club alongside “Brand New Orleans” (initially free), the tracks were created to raise funds for Hurricane Katrina relief. On September 7, “You Will Be Moved” (performed by Mavis Staples) was added to the bundle. A physical CD single followed in late October.

CONTEXT & NOTES This was one of Prince’s most immediate and socially conscious releases of the 2000s. All proceeds went to relief efforts, and the project raised over $100,000. The rapid turnaround demonstrated Prince’s ability to respond quickly to current events using his independent digital platform. “S.S.T.” and “Brand New Orleans” captured the urgency and emotion surrounding the tragedy in New Orleans.

TRACK LIST

Digital Single (NPG Music Club – Sept 5, 2005)

1. S.S.T. – 3:39

2. Brand New Orleans – 6:37

Expanded Digital Release (Sept 7, 2005)

1. S.S.T. – 3:39

2. Brand New Orleans – 6:37

3. You Will Be Moved (Mavis Staples) – 4:12

CD Single (US – Oct 25, 2005)

1. S.S.T. – 3:39

2. Brand New Orleans – 6:37

CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100: No. 111 No major Hot 100 or international chart entries

PERSONNEL

• Prince – vocals, all instruments, production (S.S.T. & Brand New Orleans)

• Mavis Staples – vocals (You Will Be Moved)

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Digital downloads via NPG Music Club

• Standard CD single release

• Charity-focused promotion

RELATED MATERIAL

• Te Amo Corazón (2005)

• The Song Of The Heart (2006)

• Cinnamon Girl (2004)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES Prince Vault • Sleevographia2 • Discogs • NPG Music Club announcements

COPYRIGHT NOTICE All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

ARTIST — Prince

ARTIST CATEGORY — Prince Singles ARTIST ITEM — S.S.T. (Single)

ARTIST ATTACHMENT — NPG Records ARTIST YEAR — 2005