Prince feat. Angie Stone (April 10, 2001) U Make My Sun Shine - Single

A soulful duet born online, wrapped in puzzles, controversy, and an aborted album

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: December 21, 2000 (digital) / April 10, 2001 (physical CD)

Catalogue: 23VA1 7135 UMAKE (CD) Format: Digital Single, CD Single Country: Worldwide

A-Side: “U Make My Sun Shine” – 5:52

B-Side: “When Will We B Paid?” – 4:06

THE STORY U Make My Sun Shine first appeared on December 21, 2000 as a free digital download on NPGOnlineLtd.com, accessible only after solving a multi-step puzzle. The physical CD single followed on April 10, 2001, pairing the title track with “When Will We B Paid?”. The single was originally intended as a lead piece for the cancelled album The Invasion. Its open-license manufacturing led to an unauthorized retail variant containing two Track Squad audio clips.

CONTEXT & NOTES This release marked Prince’s first non-band co-credit with another artist (Angie Stone) and highlighted his experimentation with digital distribution and puzzle-based fan engagement. The unauthorized retail edition with Track Squad clips became a notable curiosity. The song’s warm, devotional soul sound bridged Prince’s independent era with more mainstream appeal.

TRACK LIST

Digital Single (NPGOnlineLtd.com)

1. U Make My Sun Shine – 5:52

CD Single (Official)

1. U Make My Sun Shine – 5:52

2. When Will We B Paid? – 4:06

Unauthorized Retail CD Variant (WS-00102)

1. U Make My Sun Shine – 5:52

2. When Will We B Paid? – 4:06

3. Throw Dat Leg Up (clip) – Track Squad

4. Sweet Punanny (clip) – Track Squad

CHART PERFORMANCE US Billboard Hot 100 Sales: Peak No. 59 US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Sales: Peak No. 26

PERSONNEL

• Prince – vocals, instruments, production

• Angie Stone – vocals

PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour-style and standard retail packaging

• Unauthorized variant with Track Squad clips

• Puzzle-based digital rollout

WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS The cover features a striking split portrait of Prince and Angie Stone with dramatic lighting and the title prominently displayed.

RELATED MATERIAL

• She Loves Me 4 Me (2001)

• Supercute (2001)

• The Daisy Chain (2001)

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

SOURCES Prince Vault • Discogs • NPG Records documentation

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 feat. Angie Stone ARTIST CATEGORY — Prince Singles ARTIST ITEM — U Make My Sun Shine (Single)

ARTIST ATTACHMENT — NPG Records ARTIST YEAR — 2000 / 2001