The Black Album: 1987

A Legendary Cancelled Funk Apocalypse

Scheduled for release in Europe on December 7, 1987, on Warner Bros. Records (catalogue: 925 677-1 / WX 147), Prince’s The Black Album — untitled, anonymous, all-black sleeve — was dramatically cancelled by Prince himself just days before shipping. The entire pressing was recalled and destroyed, making surviving copies the most legendary “withdrawn” album in history. Recorded 1986–1987, this raw, dark funk masterpiece — featuring “Bob George,” “Superfunkycalifragisexy,” and “When 2 R In Love” (later on Lovesexy) — surfaced via heavy bootlegging until official release in 1994. European copies with barcode/legal sticker and embossed Warner “W” are the rarest originals.

Album Overview

Release Details

Label: Warner Bros. Records.

Format: Vinyl LP, Album, Withdrawn Pressing.

Full Track Listing

Side A

1. Le Grind (6:42)

2. Cindy C. (6:14)

3. Dead On It (4:35)

4. When 2 R In Love (4:12)

Side B

1. Bob George (5:36)

2. Superfunkycalifragisexy (5:55)

3. 2 Nigs United 4 West Compton (7:00)

4. Rockhard In A Funky Place (4:30)

- LP, Withdrawn – Warner Bros. 925 677-1 / WX 147 – Europe – 1987 (barcode sticker, embossed “W”)

Production and Context

Written/Produced/Arranged/Performed by Prince (1986–1987). Cancelled December 1, 1987 after spiritual crisis. Most copies destroyed; surviving European pressings escaped recall. “When 2 R In Love” only track salvaged for *Lovesexy*.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

No official singles (album cancelled).

Album Chart Performance

No chart entry (withdrawn before release).

Legacy and Collectibility

The Black Album is Prince’s mythic cancelled masterpiece — the most bootlegged album ever until 1994 official release. Original 1987 European withdrawn vinyls (with barcode sticker & embossed “W”) fetch £1000–£5000+ on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue 925 677-1 and runouts. This pressing is the holy grail for Prince collectors.

Do you have the original withdrawn Black Album in your collection? Did you survive the spiritual crisis? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.