S.S.T. Single: 2005

Charity Initiative for Hurricane Katrina Relief

On September 5, 2005, Prince swiftly released the stand-alone single "S.S.T." as a digital download on the NPG Music Club within 24 hours of its recording, with "Brand New Orleans" available as streaming audio, both aimed at supporting the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. All proceeds from the single were donated to aid victims of the devastating storm that struck the Gulf Coast in late August 2005. Two days later, on September 7, 2005, the NPG Music Club expanded the offering with the addition of "You Will Be Moved," a Prince-written track performed by Mavis Staples, available for purchase alongside the initial tracks. Eight weeks later, on October 25, 2005, the two Prince tracks—"S.S.T." and "Brand New Orleans"—were issued as a physical CD single in the United States, broadening its reach. This rapid-response release underscored Prince's commitment to social causes, though it achieved limited commercial success. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this charitable single.

Background and Context

Prince’s Social Engagement in 2005

By 2005, Prince was a global icon with a renewed focus on independent artistry via the NPG Music Club, launched in 2001. Following the success of Musicology (2004), which topped the Billboard 200, he used his platform to address societal issues. Hurricane Katrina, striking August 29, 2005, left over 1,800 dead and caused $125 billion in damage, prompting a wave of celebrity relief efforts. Prince’s quick action with "S.S.T." reflected his Minneapolis roots and empathy for affected communities, notably New Orleans, a city with a rich musical heritage.

The Single and Tracks

"S.S.T." (Super Sexy Too Tight), a funky pop-rock track (3:39), was written and produced by Prince, recorded hastily at Paisley Park Studios post-Katrina. Its upbeat tempo and suggestive lyrics ("Super sexy too tight / Makes me wanna do it all night") contrasted with its charitable intent, featuring Prince on vocals, guitar, and synths, with contributions from NPG members like Rhonda Smith (bass). "Brand New Orleans" (6:37), also by Prince, is a soulful tribute with a slower groove, weaving New Orleans jazz and blues influences, recorded simultaneously. "You Will Be Moved" (4:12), co-written by Prince for Mavis Staples, is a gospel-infused ballad showcasing her powerful vocals, recorded earlier but paired here for thematic resonance.

Chart Performance:

US: Failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100; reached #111 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (eligible only with the October CD release).

The lack of mainstream radio play limited its reach, but donations exceeded $100,000, per NPG reports.

Promotion: Initial digital release was unannounced, shared via NPG Music Club emails; the CD single included minimal promotion, relying on fan networks and Prince’s live performances (e.g., 2005 charity concerts).

Cultural Context

September–October 2005 saw a global response to Katrina, with artists like U2 and Green Day also contributing. Prince’s release aligned with his 2005 NAACP Image Award win for Musicology, reinforcing his activism. The NPG Music Club’s direct-to-fan model prefigured modern crowdfunding, though it faced technical issues (e.g., download delays), reflecting early digital challenges.

The US Single Release Formats

The release evolved from a digital download to a physical CD, with all proceeds benefiting Katrina relief. Below are the confirmed formats, sourced from Prince Vault, Discogs, and Amazon.

Digital Download (Initial Release)

Label: NPG Music Club – No catalog number

Format: Digital Single, Download (MP3/WAV)

Country: Worldwide

Released: September 5, 2005

Details: Available exclusively via NPG Music Club; 320kbps MP3/WAV files with basic artwork (Paisley Park logo). Announced within 24 hours of recording, with streaming audio for "Brand New Orleans".

Track Listing:

S.S.T. – 3:39

Brand New Orleans – 6:37

Notes: Free streaming of "Brand New Orleans"; purchase option added September 7. Proceeds donated to Katrina relief. Estimated Value: N/A (digital).

Digital Download (Expanded Release)

Label: NPG Music Club – No catalog number

Format: Digital Single, Download (MP3/WAV)

Country: Worldwide

Released: September 7, 2005

Details: Expanded NPG Music Club offering with purchase option; same artwork.

Track Listing:

S.S.T. – 3:39

Brand New Orleans – 6:37

You Will Be Moved (performed by Mavis Staples) – 4:12

Notes: Available for $2.99; all proceeds to Katrina relief. Technical issues delayed some downloads. Estimated Value: N/A (digital).

CD Single (Physical Release)

Label: Paisley Park – 38K 675152, Warner Bros. Records – 38K 675152

Format: CD, Single

Country: US

Released: October 25, 2005

Details: Slimline CD case with minimal artwork (Paisley Park logo and Katrina relief text); pressed in the US for retail distribution. Limited run, tied to charity drive.

Track Listing:

S.S.T. – 3:39

Brand New Orleans – 6:37

Notes: Excluded "You Will Be Moved" due to licensing; modest pressing for late 2005 sales.

Cultural and Musical Significance

Musical Innovation

"S.S.T." fused Prince’s funk with pop hooks, while "Brand New Orleans" offered a soulful homage to Katrina’s cultural roots. "You Will Be Moved" added gospel depth, showcasing Prince’s versatility in crisis response music.

Prince’s US Presence

The release reinforced Prince’s activism, leveraging the NPG Music Club’s 20,000+ members. Its #111 Bubbling Under peak reflected niche appeal, but charity impact outshone charts.

Broader Context of September–October 2005

Amid Katrina recovery efforts, Prince’s single joined a wave of relief music (e.g., Concert for Hurricane Relief). His rapid digital rollout prefigured modern artist responses.

Collectibility and Modern Availability

Collectibility: The CD single is rare, valued at $10–$25; digital downloads untraceable but prized by early NPG members.

Streaming and Reissues: Tracks on The Rainbow Children reissues (2019); "You Will Be Moved" on Staples’ We’ll Never Turn Back (2007). No standalone reissue.

Physical Media: CDs scarce on Discogs; digital archives via Prince Estate.

Additional Notes

Charity Impact: Raised significant funds, with Prince matching donations during live sets.

Fan Reception: Prince.org calls it “a noble effort”; 2023 Reddit praises its urgency.

September 5–October 25, 2005, Context: Spanned Katrina’s aftermath to recovery, aligning with Prince’s 2005 tours.

Legacy

The "S.S.T." single, released September 5 and October 25, 2005, stands as Prince’s heartfelt Katrina response—funky aid with gospel soul. Its chart miss belies its charitable triumph. Collectors seek the CD; fans stream its spirit. Explore at princevault.com.