The New Power Generation (July 19, 1999) – "The War" Digital Single: US
Updated: Jul 19
On July 19, 1999, at the Yahoo! Internet Life Online Music Awards held at Studio 54, MGM Grand Hotel, New York, NY, Prince (O(+>) won Best Internet‑Only Single for The War.
He also introduced Public Enemy, who performed two songs.
The War is a live track released as a standalone download and single by The New Power Generation. It first appeared as a RealAudio download on Love4OneAnother.com on July 21 1998, before being sent on cassette in August 1998 to customers who had previously ordered Crystal Ball — although the mailing list was inconsistent, with some receiving it without ordering Crystal Ball, and others not receiving it at all.
A promo CD single was later sold through 1‑800‑NEW‑FUNK and online.
The track was recorded live at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota, on 20 June 1998 (a.m.) during a concert titled “The One.”
The performance lasted 45 minutes, making it the longest released track by Prince or any related act.
Even the edited version runs 26:00. A brief synth motif from Utopia appears during the performance — although Utopia was recorded earlier, it was released six months later.
COUNTRY VARIANTS
Artist: The New Power Generation Title: The War
Label: NPG Records
Country: USA
Date: July 19, 1999
Format: Digital Single
Awarded Best Internet‑Only Single at the 1999 Yahoo! Internet Life Awards.
RECORDING
Recorded live at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota, on 20 June 1998 (a.m.) during the concert “The One.” The full performance lasted 45 minutes; the released edit runs 26 minutes.
STYLE & THEMES
A long‑form, improvisational, politically charged performance blending spoken passages, extended instrumental sections, and atmospheric synth motifs. Themes include social commentary, spiritual conflict, and resistance — characteristic of late‑1990s NPG output.
TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES
• The War — Longest released Prince‑related track; live performance; 26‑minute edit. •
RELEASE HISTORY
• 21 July 1998 — RealAudio download on Love4OneAnother.com
• August 1998 — Cassette mailed to selected Crystal Ball customers
• 1998 — Promo CD sold via 1‑800‑NEW‑FUNK
• July 19, 1999 — Wins Best Internet‑Only Single at Yahoo! Internet Life Awards
PERSONNEL
O(+>- lead vocals, "guitar solos, various keys, electraps and percussion"
Kirk Johnson - drums
Rhonda Smith - bass guitar
Mr. Hayes - keyboards and programming
Mike Scott - wah-wah guitar
Marva King - background vocals
SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia. BBC Official Charts Prince Vault, Sleeveographia2 All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.
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