Search Results

A Digital NPG Fan-Club Treasure Released in the US in November 20, 2001 on NPG Music Club (no catalogue). NPGMC Tenth Edition, November 2001 was an exclusive 12-track MP3 album (128 kbps) — available only to NPG Music Club members — featured unreleased Prince cuts, live audio/video from "The Undertaker" and "Live 4 Love", Nona Gaye collab “Love Sign”, NPG AHDIO Show #9, three fan-contest winners, and a Maceo Parker/Prince live jam. A pure digital-era fan-club gem, no physical release. Album Overview Release Details Label: NPG Music Club. Format: 12 x File, MP3, Album, 128 kbps. Country: US (NPGMC members worldwide). Track Listing 1. Prince – Vavoom 2. Prince – Underneath The Cream 3. Prince And The NPG – Live 4 Love (Live, Audio) 4. Prince And The NPG – Live 4 Love (Live, Video) 5. The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) – The Undertaker (Live, Audio) 6. The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) – The Undertaker (Live, Video) 7. Nona Gaye And The Artist (Formerly Known As Prince) – Love Sign 8. Various – The NPG AHDIO Show #9 9. The New Power Generation – Contest Song (Where Are Your Dandelions) – Lyrics/Vocals: Dana D. 10. The New Power Generation – Contest Song (How Could I Love You More?) – Lyrics/Vocals: Miles Rivers 11. The New Power Generation – Contest Song (No War) – Lyrics/Vocals: The Muse 12. Maceo Parker And Prince – We Gon' Make it Funky (Live) – Premium Bonus Trax Reissues & Global Variants No physical or reissued variants. NPGMC member-exclusive digital download only. Production and Context All tracks produced/arranged/performed by Prince & NPG. Live tracks from *he Undertaker (1993 VHS) and fan events. Contest songs from NPGMC member submissions. AHDIO Show #9 radio-style mix. Tenth monthly drop in the NPG Music Club series. Album Chart Performance No chart data (digital fan-club exclusive). Legacy and Collectibility NPGMC Tenth Edition is a holy grail of Prince digital exclusives — live Undertaker contest winners, unreleased gems. Original 128 kbps MP3s from 2001 NPGMC downloads are ultra-rare (archived by members). No official re-stream until later compilations. This file set is a must-have for Prince NPGMC archivists. Do you have NPGMC Tenth Edition in your digital vault? Which contest song wins? 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

Debut Single from Closer Than Close On October 30, 1995, Rosie Gaines released "I Want U" as a single in the United Kingdom through Motown Records, serving as the lead track from her third studio album Closer Than Close. This soulful R&B ballad, co-written by Gaines and Prince, featured his production and a special "Purple Version" remix, highlighting their long-standing collaboration. Issued in multiple vinyl and CD formats, the single aimed to reintroduce Gaines to the UK market post her NPG tenure, blending heartfelt lyrics with funky undertones. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this UK release. Background and Context Rosie Gaines' Career Trajectory Born June 17, 1964, in Washington, D.C., Rosie Gaines joined Prince's New Power Generation in 1990 as a backing vocalist and keyboardist, contributing to albums like Diamonds and Pearls (1991) and Love Symbol (1992). After leaving the NPG in 1993, she pursued solo work, releasing Closer Than Close on Motown in 1995. This album marked her first major label effort post-Prince, featuring his co-writing on several tracks, including "I Want U." Gaines' powerful voice and gospel roots shone through, bridging 90s R&B with soul revivalism. The Closer Than Close Album Era Closer Than Close was recorded at Paisley Park Studios and other locations in 1994–1995, produced by Prince (as Paisley) and others, blending R&B, pop, and funk across 12 tracks. Released in July 1995 in the US (September in UK), it peaked at #83 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, selling moderately with around 200,000 copies. "I Want U" (album version 5:15) is a seductive mid-tempo track about longing ("I want you, I need you, I love you"), featuring Gaines' emotive vocals over Prince's lush production, including keyboards and subtle guitar. The Track "I Want U" Co-written by Gaines and Prince, "I Want U" was recorded in 1994 at Paisley Park, with Prince handling production, keyboards, and background vocals. The UK single edit (4:15) trimmed the intro for radio, while remixes added club appeal. The "Purple Version" remix (5:30), produced by Prince, emphasized funky bass and horns, becoming a standout. Chart Performance: Chart Peak Position UK Singles Chart #64 US Billboard Hot 100 Did not chart US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs #29 Modest UK entry, peaking at #64; stronger US R&B airplay (#29). No major international charting, but remixes boosted club play. Promotion: Supported by Gaines' UK promo tour and TV appearances (e.g., Top of the Pops); Prince's remix generated buzz among his followers. Cultural Context October 1995 fell during the peak of 90s R&B, with TLC's CrazySexyCool dominating charts. Gaines' release, tied to Prince's orbit, contrasted boy-band pop (Take That) with soulful maturity, amid UK house remixes' rise. The UK Single Release Formats "I Want U" launched in vinyl and CD formats via Motown, focusing on remixes for club and radio. Below are the confirmed UK variants, sourced from Discogs and Prince Vault. 12" Vinyl Single Label: Motown – 860 485-1 Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo Country: UK Released 1995 A1 I Want U (Purple Version) A2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version) B1 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix) B2 I Want U (Weekend Mix) CD Single Label: Motown – 860 485-2 Format: CD, Single Country: UK Released: 1995 1 I Want U (Purple Version) 2 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix) 3 I Want U (Earth Mama Version) 4 I Want U (Weekend Mix) Licensed To – Polydor Ltd. (UK) Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Motown Record Company, L.P. Copyright © – Motown Record Company, L.P. Made By – PDO, UK – 10379791 Executive-Producer – Steve McKeever Producer – Ricky Peterson Written-By – Prince, Rosie Gaines Cassette Single Label: Motown – 860 484-4 Format: Cassette, Single Country: UK Released: 1995 A1 I Want U (Purple Version) A2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version Edit) B1 I Want U (Purple Version) B2 I Want U (Earth Mama Version Edit) Executive-Producer – Steve McKeever Producer – Ricky Peterson Promo 12" (Catalog: ROSIEPROMO1): Similar to retail but with white labels and "DJ Copy Not For Resale" stamp. No 7" vinyl confirmed; US versions (e.g., CD maxi with additional mixes) imported for collectors. 12" Vinyl Single Promo Label: Motown – Rosie 3 Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo Country: UK Released: 1995 A I Want U (Weekend Mix) Remix – Hippie Torrales, Mark Mendoza B I Want U (M & M Anthem Mix Instrumental) Remix – Eddie Maduro, George Mena Producer – Ricky Peterson 12" Vinyl Single Promo Label: Motown – ROSIE 1 Format: Vinyl 12" Promo Country: UK Released: 1995 A1 I Want U (Purple Version) A2 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version Edit) B1 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version) B2 I Want U (Inner City Blue) (Earth Mama Version Instrumental) 12" Vinyl Single Promo Label: Motown – Rosie 2 Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo Country: UK Released: 1995 A1 I Want U (M&M Anthem Mix) Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Eddie "Satin" Maduro, George Mena A2 I Want U (Whistles In Heaven Mix) Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Naydee Polanco, Steve Mussenden B1 I Want U (Bonus Vocal Mix) Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Hippie Torrales, Mark Mendozo* B2 I Want U (Notice The House) Producer [Re-produced], Remix [Remixed By] – Naydee Polanco, Steve Mussenden Cultural and Musical Significance Musical Innovation "I Want U" fused Gaines' gospel-soul vocals with Prince's funky production, with the "Purple Version" adding layered horns and bass—echoing Diamonds and Pearls (1991). Remixes by Ultra Flava and Bump & Flex brought 90s house flair, influencing UK garage. Gaines' UK Breakthrough The single reintroduced Gaines post-NPG, peaking at #64 UK but building her solo profile. Prince's remix tied it to his legacy, appealing to crossover audiences. Broader Context of October 30, 1995 Amid Blur vs. Oasis "Battle of Britpop," Gaines' release highlighted R&B's UK rise, competing with Eternal's "Power of a Woman." Collectibility and Modern Availability Collectibility: 12" vinyl ($10–$20) prized for "Purple Version"; CD common ($5–$15). Promo variants $15–$30. Streaming and Reissues: On Spotify/Apple Music via Closer Than Close (remastered 2020); remixes on fan compilations. No deluxe single yet. Physical Media: Available on Discogs; 2025 Motown reissues may include bonuses. Additional Notes Prince-Gaines Bond: Co-written during 1994 Paisley sessions; Gaines backed Prince on Love Symbol (1992). Fan Reception: Soultracks (2020) calls it a "soulful standout"; Reddit (2023) praises the remix. October 30, 1995, Context: Coincided with Gaines' UK promo, post-album US release. Legacy "I Want U," released October 30, 1995, rekindled Rosie Gaines' fire with Prince's funky touch—a soulful bridge from NPG to solo stardom. Its modest chart belies its enduring groove. Collectors seek vinyl; streams revive its plea. Explore at princevault.com.

A Prince-Penned Wheelchair Rock Tribute Van Gogh’s Van Gogh LP, was released on November 6, 1998 via Not On Label independent mail-order / internet release in the US. This 4th studio album by the Atlanta-based quartet featured the title track "Van Gogh," credited written-By [Copyright] – NPG The sleeve included the following We would like to give a sincere thank you to "The Artist" for the song "Van Gogh’" Check out his website at http://www.lovelfoneanother.com Album Breakdown Tracklist 1 Simple Cinderella Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Kevin Grace, Robby Heisner 2 The World In A Nutshell Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 3 All The Time In The World Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 4 Almost Too Real Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 5 Ready, Willing And Able Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 6 Van Gogh Written-By [Copyright] – NPG* 7 Tangled Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 8 Lift Me Up Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 9 Maybe Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 10 My Telescope Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 11 All That Glitters Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner 12 Waiting For A Revolution Lyrics By – Ricky Heisner Music By – Robby Heisner Made By – American Sound & Video Standard jewel case with 8-panel leporello insert All Songs © 1998 Heisner, BMI Except "Van Gogh" © 1998 NPG All Rights Reserved Van Gogh, inc. PO Box 1582 Smyrna, GA 30081-1582 Have you discovered Van Gogh's Prince collaboration? Does “Van Gogh” inspire you? 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

A Digital New Wave Revival Dale Bozzio’s Make Love Not War digital album, was released in the UK on October 31, 2010, on Electrik Blue Records. This 16-track digital-only release featured the Missing Persons singer’s return to new wave and pop-rock, including the Prince co-written ballad “Take Me To Your Leader.” Produced by Dale Bozzio and various collaborators, it blended ‘80s nostalgia with contemporary production, but did not chart. Available on iTunes and Amazon, it’s a cult favorite for fans of Bozzio and Prince’s lesser-known collaborations. The album didn't produce any singles, but "Simon Simon" had already been released as a single alongside her debut solo album, Riot In English, which also included a contribution from Prince titled "So Strong." Album Overview Label: Electrik Blue Records – none, Blue Pie Records – none Format: 16 x File, MP3, Album Country: US Released: October 31, 2010 Track Lis: 1 Simon Simon (7" Mix) 4:20 2 Simon Simon (12" Mix) 6:20 3 Simon Simon (Simon Says Edit) 7:27 4 Last Century 4:13 5 My Friends 6:10 6 Until The End 3:27 7 Crazy 4:46 8 Talk Talk 4:22 9 The Motorcycle Song 4:08 10 Let's Get Personal 3:53 11 Hide N Seek 3:52 12 The Motorcycle Song (Instrumental) 4:09 13 Take Me To Your Leader (Prince Mix) 5:00 14 Mr. Slick 4:12 15 Make Love, Not War 4:18 16 The Motorcycle Song (Alternate Take) 4:03 Recorded At – Paisley Park Studios Written-By – Prince (tracks: 13) Digital only release. Consists mainly of rare and unreleased tracks recorded in 1991 at Paisley Park Studios. Have you streamed this Bozzio revival? Which track leads your playlist? Share in the comments! Sources Discogs: Make Love Not War (2010) 45cat: Dale Bozzio Singles Official Charts Company: Dale Bozzio Albums AllMusic: Dale Bozzio Discography Wikipedia: Dale Bozzio Prince Vault: Take Me To Your Leader YouTube: Make Love Not War

A Prince-Produced R&B Teaser Támar Davis' digital EP, Prelude To Támar, was released in the UK on October 24, 2006, through NPG Records / Universal Records. This 3-track EP served as a preview of her unreleased album Milk & Honey, highlighting the R&B singer's sultry vocals and Prince's production expertise. Co-written and produced by Prince, who also played a significant role on instruments, the tracks matched their versions on Milk & Honey. The EP showcased Támar's raw talent, discovered at a 2004 Paisley Park party, combining soul, funk, and introspective elements. Released digitally without any artwork, it didn't chart but acted as a prelude to her 2006 tour with Prince. Available on iTunes and Támar's website, it stands as a rare piece from Prince's mentorship period. EP Overview Release Details: Label: NPG Records / Universal Records (UK digital release). Formats: Digital EP (download/streaming); no physical vinyl, cassette, or CD formats. ℗ & ©: 2006 NPG Records / Universal Records. Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota, 2005–2006. Notes: Released on iTunes and Támar's website on October 24, 2006. The EP previewed Milk & Honey, which was shelved due to label issues but leaked online. No artwork was included with the download. No matrix numbers (digital-only). Digital EP (NPG / Universal, Released October 24, 2006): Track 1: Holy Ground (5:36, Támar Davis/Prince) Track 2: Sunday In The Park (4:28, Támar Davis/Prince) Track 3: All Want Is U (3:19, Támar Davis/Prince) Packaging: Digital download/streaming with no artwork. Country Variations The EP was a digital release with no physical variations, available globally via iTunes and Támar's website: UK (NPG / Universal): Released October 24, 2006. Standard digital tracklist, no artwork. USA (NPG / Universal): Released October 24, 2006. Same tracklist, available on iTunes and Támar's website, no artwork. Global: Same 3-track digital tracklist, no country-specific variations, no artwork. Production and Context Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, Minnesota, in 2005–2006, the EP was co-written and produced by Prince, who featured heavily on instruments (guitar, keyboards, bass, drums). The lineup included Támar (vocals) and Prince (multi-instruments, backing vocals), with session musicians from Prince's band. The tracks, identical to those on the aborted Milk & Honey album, blended R&B, soul, and funk, with “Holy Ground” exploring faith, “Sunday In The Park” evoking serene reflection, and “All Want Is U” a yearning ballad. The EP was a standalone digital release, not tied to an album at the time, though tracks were intended for Milk & Honey, originally titled Beautiful, Loved & Blessed after a Grammy-nominated collaboration with Prince on his 2006 album 3121. Released during Támar's 2006 tour opening for Prince, it highlighted his mentorship of female artists like Vanity and Sheila E., but the full album was shelved by Universal, leading to a leak and Támar's independent release of select tracks. Legacy and Collectibility Prelude To Támar is a rare glimpse into Támar's Prince-produced sound, with “Holy Ground” and “Sunday In The Park” showcasing her soulful range. As a digital-only release with no artwork, it has no physical collectibility, but original 2006 downloads are rare (no resale market). Streams on Spotify or Apple Music via Támar's discography or Prince compilations preserve the soulful vibe. This EP is a must-have for Prince fans and R&B completists. Have you streamed this Támar gem? Which track from the aborted Milk & Honey stands out? Share in the comments! Sources Discogs: Prelude To Támar (2006) Prince Vault: Milk & Honey AllMusic: Támar Davis Discography Wikipedia: Támar Davis Billboard: Beautiful, Loved & Blessed Chart History Prince Vault: Prelude To Támar

A Pivotal Career Moment December 16, 1982 The inclusion of "1999's" video in MTV's rotation schedule on December 16, 1982, though seemingly minor, is considered a pivotal moment that significantly altered Prince's career by exposing his music to a broader audience.

Prince's Welcome 2 America Tour kicked off at the Izod Center East Rutherford, New Jersey on December 15, 2010. OFFICIAL TOUR SHIRT FRONT SETLIST: Laydown Black Muse The Beautiful Ones Uptown Raspberry Beret Cream Cool Let's Work U Got the Look Shhh Angel (Shelby J. lead vox) Nothing Compares 2 U (Duet between Prince and Shelby J.) She's Always in My Hair If I Was Your Girlfriend (with Esperanza Spalding) Insatiable Scandalous Adore Purple Rain Encore: Kiss Encore 2: Sometimes It Snows in April (with Lalah Hathaway) Diamonds and Pearls (with Lalah Hathaway) All the Critics Love U in New York Controversy Sexy Dancer Le Freak (Chic cover) Housequake (with Controversy outro) OFFICIAL TOUR SHIRT BACK

Filmed at Paisley Park for New Year’s Eve PPV & DVD December 18, 1999

Released as a CD album, CD album enhanced, 2xLP and cassette, on December 11, 2001 – No Doubt's R ock Steady , included the Prince co-penned track "Waiting Room." The Track was credited to 0(+> - (all other instruments and background vocals.)

A Prince-Produced Shelby J. Soul Gem Released as a limited edition CD single in the US on December 12, 2012, on Blackgypsy Music (no catalogue), Barcode (Text): 8 84501 96872 0) Shelby J. featuring Anthony Hamilton’s “North Carolina” was fully produced and performed on all instruments by Prince. Containing the Full Version (7:50), Hot Sauce Edit (3:54), and Tripp Edit (3:58) — edited by Darron "Tripp" Thomas at Media1Music Studios — this soul/R&B/neo-soul tribute to Shelby’s home state is a rare Prince protégé release. Single Overview Release Details Label: Blackgypsy Music. Format: CD, Single, Limited Edition. Full Track Listing 1. North Carolina (Full Version) (7:50) Producer: Prince – Written-By: P. Nelson, S. Johnson 2. North Carolina (The Hot Sauce Edit) (3:54) Edited By: Darron "Tripp" Thomas – Producer: Prince – Written-By: P. Nelson, S. Johnson 3. North Carolina (The Tripp Edit) (3:58) Edited By: Darron "Tripp" Thomas – Producer: Prince – Written-By: P. Nelson, S. Johnson Reissues & Global Variants Limited US-only CD single (2012). Production and Context Produced/Performed (all instruments) by Prince. Shelby J. lead vocals, Anthony Hamilton featured vocals. Edited at Media1Music Studios. © Blackgypsy Music. Singles Released and Chart Performance No chart entry (limited release). Legacy and Collectibility “North Carolina” is Shelby J.’s Prince-produced soul masterpiece — all instruments by the Purple One. Original 2012 Blackgypsy Music limited CD singles are extremely rare, fetching £100–£300+ when they surface. This CD is a holy grail for Prince protégé and soul collectors. Do you have the North Carolina limited CD in your collection? Ready to head south? 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.

Released as an album in the UK by MCA Records on December 16, 2002, Common’s Electric Circus featured the track Star *69 (PS With Love) Featuring – Bilal with Guitar and Keyboards credited to – Prince. The cover was a Sgt. Peppers style sleeve with Prince top left.

The single, like the song, was solely credited to The Time. It became available four and a half months after the album's debut, despite The Time having disbanded over two months prior. Released on January 8, 1991, "Shake!" by The Time was the fifth and final single from Prince's twelfth album, Graffiti Bridge. The single also included a remix of "The Latest Fashion," another song from Graffiti Bridge. Interestingly, the Boom Mix version of Shake! on the maxi-single features vocals by Levi Seacer, Jr. and samples from tracks on the Graffiti Bridge album (Release It, Graffiti Bridge, The Latest Fashion, Shake! and We Can Funk). This method of introducing the album in a track was similarly used for 2 Whom It May Concern in 1992 (and to some extent on the Dance Remix of Let’s Work in 1982). Both tracks (and 7) incorporate samples of a man laughing from Simon Harris’ "Beats, Breaks & Scratches" series (specifically Evil Laugh from the fourth volume). Therefore, this laugh sample in 2 Whom It May Concern and 7 is not regarded as a sample from the Boom Mix of Shake!. The backing music for the Boom Mix also originates from this collection (100 BPM - Ruff Loop) and is actually a looped sample from Average White Band and Ben E. King’s 1977 song A Star In The Ghetto. Additional vocal samples from this series (volumes 3 and 4) were used for the Extended Mix of Shake!. Both the Boom Mix and the Battle Mix also include a dialogue scene (between Prince and The Time members) taken from the Graffiti Bridge movie. In a 1994 interview with Q Magazine, Morris Hayes mentioned that during his work on one of the remixes of Shake! for this release, Prince invited him to record with him. 12" A1. Shake! (Extended Mix) (4:57) A2. Shake! (Battle Mix) (4:01) A3. Shake! (Funky House Mix) (8:03) B1. The Latest Fashion (Remix) (6:15) B2. Shake! (Boom Mix) (5:05) B3. Shake! (Album Version) (4:01) Cat #: USA: 0-21817 CD 1. Shake! (Extended Mix) (4:57) 2. Shake! (Battle Mix) (4:01) 3. Shake! (Funky House Mix) (8:03) 4. The Latest Fashion (Remix) (6:15) 5. Shake! (Boom Mix) (5:05) 6. Shake! (Album Version) (4:01) Cat #: USA: 9 21817-2