Search Results

A razor‑sharp slice of Vanity 6 attitude — Dez Dickerson’s punk‑funk composition delivered with Prince’s uncredited fingerprints all over the production. ✦ — SUMMARY Released in the US on January 21, 1983 by Warner Bros. Records (catalogue 7‑29955), “He’s So Dull” served as an early single from Vanity 6, arriving four weeks before their self‑titled debut album. Written by Dez Dickerson, the track features uncredited performance work by Prince, whose sonic imprint is unmistakable. The B‑side, “Make‑Up,” was written and performed by Prince, and the UK 12" added “Wet Dream,” another Prince‑penned track. While the single did not chart in the US, it became a minor European hit when re‑released in the Netherlands in early 1983, peaking at No. 16 on the Nederlandse Top 40. Issued in multiple formats — US 7", US promo, and UK 12" — the single captures the raw, playful, and provocative energy of the Vanity 6 project. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released January 21, 1983 (US) • Written by Dez Dickerson • Prince performs on the A‑side (uncredited) • B‑side “Make‑Up” written and performed by Prince • UK 12" adds “Wet Dream” (Prince) • Formats: 7", 12", promo • Netherlands re‑release peaked at #16 • Arrived four weeks before the Vanity 6 album ✦ — TRACK DETAILS 7" Single — Warner Bros. 7‑29955 (US) Side A • He’s So Dull — 2:32 Written by Dez Dickerson Prince performs (uncredited) Side B • Make‑Up — 2:40 Written by Prince Performed by Prince (uncredited) 12" Single — UK Side A • He’s So Dull (Long Version) — 4:05 Side B1 • Wet Dream — 4:12 Written by Prince Side B2 • Make‑Up — 2:40 7" Promo — US Side A • He’s So Dull (Mono) — 2:32 Side B • He’s So Dull (Stereo) — 2:32 ✦ — RELEASE DATES • US: July 9, 1982 (initial) • Netherlands: August 20, 1982 (initial) • Netherlands re‑release: January 21, 1983 ✦ — REISSUES & GLOBAL VARIANTS • US 7" (commercial & promo) • UK 12" with extended tracklist • European re‑pressings tied to the Netherlands chart run • Included in later Vanity 6 compilations and reissues ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Vanity 6 project conceived and overseen by Prince • “He’s So Dull” written by Dez Dickerson • Prince performs on the A‑side (uncredited) • Prince wrote and performed “Make‑Up” and “Wet Dream” • Released ahead of the Vanity 6 album • Reflects the early‑80s Minneapolis blend of funk, new wave, and attitude • A key example of Prince shaping a girl‑group aesthetic through songwriting and studio control ✦ — CHART PERFORMANCE Netherlands — Nederlandse Top 40 • Entry: January 22, 1983 • Peak: #16 • Weeks on chart: 4 (No US chart entry) ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY SIDEBAR Nasty Girl — 1982 He’s So Dull — 1983 Drive Me Wild — 1983 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 1982 — Vanity 6 album sessions 1982 — Initial release of “He’s So Dull” 1983 — Netherlands re‑release hits #16 1983 — Vanity 6 project winds down as Apollonia 6 forms ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK “He’s So Dull” is Vanity 6 at their most playful and punk‑funk sharp — a Dez Dickerson composition polished by Prince’s unmistakable studio touch. A minor chart moment, but a major piece of the Minneapolis mythology. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Warner Bros. Records catalogue Nederlandse Top 40 archives

A Prince Purple Double NME Push Published in the UK on January 12, 1985, New Musical Express’s one-page advert “By Public Demand” promoted Prince’s double A-side reissue single “1999”/“Little Red Corvette” — capitalising on Purple Rain mania. The bold ad declared the classic tracks back on vinyl, driving renewed demand for Prince’s early hits. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: New Musical Express (UK). Date: January 12, 1985. Format: One-page single reissue advert. Do you have this NME advert in your archive? Ready for 1999 again? Share in the comments!

A sparkling pop gem gifted by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher — launching The Bangles into global stardom and creating one of the defining singles of 1986. ✦ — SUMMARY Released in the US on December 23, 1985 by Columbia Records (catalogue 38‑05757), “Manic Monday” became the breakout single from The Bangles’ album Different Light. Written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher, the song was originally intended for Apollonia 6 before being passed to the band. Produced by David Kahne, the track pairs jangly guitars with bright harmonies and a wistful lyric about the grind of the working week. Backed with “In A Different Light”, the single became a massive international hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 — held off the top spot by Prince’s own “Kiss,” creating a rare moment where Prince competed with himself on the charts. Issued in multiple US styrene pressings (Pitman and Carrollton), plus promo 7" and 12" variants, “Manic Monday” remains one of the most beloved Prince‑penned songs of the 1980s. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released December 23, 1985 (US) • Written by Prince (as Christopher) • Lead single from Different Light • Produced by David Kahne • Peaked at #2 in the US, UK, and Germany • Blocked from US #1 by Prince’s own “Kiss” • Issued in Pitman & Carrollton styrene pressings • Promo 7" and 12" variants released • Certified Silver (UK) and Gold (Canada) ✦ — TRACK DETAILS 7" Single (US) — Columbia 38‑05757 Side A • Manic Monday — 3:03 Written by Christopher (Prince) Produced by David Kahne Side B • In A Different Light — 2:50 Written by Susanna Hoffs & Vicki Peterson Produced by David Kahne ✦ — US VARIANTS • 7", 45 RPM, Styrene — Pitman Pressing (38‑05757) • 7", 45 RPM, Styrene — Carrollton Pressing (38‑05757) • 7", 45 RPM, Promo — (38‑05757) • 12", 33⅓ RPM, Promo — Columbia CAS 2249 All variants share the same A/B‑side pairing. ✦ — REISSUES & GLOBAL VARIANTS • Multiple 7" and 12" singles worldwide (1985–1986) • European and Japanese editions with regional artwork • Included on Different Light (1986) and later compilations • Digital availability via standard reissues ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Written by Prince under the pseudonym Christopher, used during the Under the Cherry Moon era • Originally intended for Apollonia 6 • Produced by David Kahne for Different Light • The Bangles’ harmonies and guitar pop elevated the track into a signature hit • Prince’s authorship was widely known within industry circles but not officially credited on the single • The song’s success helped propel Different Light into multi‑platinum territory ✦ — CHART PERFORMANCE United States • Billboard Hot 100 — #2 (20 weeks) United Kingdom • #2 (13 weeks) Germany • #2 (18 weeks) Belgium • #19 (7 weeks) Netherlands • #24 (6 weeks) ✦ — CERTIFICATIONS • BPI Silver (UK) — March 1, 1986 • Music Canada Gold — June 27, 1986 ✦ — ALT TEXT (SEO) Four‑panel portrait artwork of The Bangles with colourful backgrounds, featuring the title “Manic Monday” beneath the band’s multicoloured logo. ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY SIDEBAR Apollonia 6 (unreleased version) — 1984 Manic Monday — 1985 Different Light — 1986 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 1984 — Prince writes “Manic Monday” 1985 — Song given to The Bangles Dec 1985 — US single release 1986 — “Kiss” blocks “Manic Monday” from #1 ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK A perfect pop moment shaped quietly by Prince, “Manic Monday” became The Bangles’ breakthrough and one of the great crossover stories of the 1980s. A gift from Minneapolis that turned into a global anthem. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Columbia Records catalogue Billboard chart archives BPI & Music Canada certification databases

A summer ’89 NME issue pairing a Simple Minds cover story with a dedicated four‑page deep dive into Prince’s world at the close of the ’80s. 📅 Publication Date NME — 8 July 1989 Price: 55p 📝 Summary This July 1989 issue of NME leads with Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr on the cover, but the standout secondary feature is a four‑page Prince special titled “The Purple Reign.” The smaller inset image of Prince — bathed in purple tones — signals a substantial retrospective or profile inside, capturing him at a pivotal moment between Lovesexy and the Batman soundtrack era. The cover reflects the eclectic late‑’80s music landscape: from Maria McKee’s collaborations with U2 and Hothouse Flowers to the infamous Plastercaster feature, plus a competition to win Reading Festival tickets. Prince’s presence, even as a secondary story, underscores his cultural dominance — a figure whose artistic evolution demanded multi‑page coverage even when he wasn’t the main cover star. Key Highlights Four‑page feature: “Prince — The Purple Reign” Prince inset photo in purple‑themed styling Main cover story: Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr Additional features: Maria McKee, Plastercaster, Reading Festival ticket giveaway Snapshot of 1989’s diverse music scene Strong visual contrast between the earthy Simple Minds cover and Prince’s electric purple imagery

A seductive, cinematic extension of Prince’s Batman soundtrack — reimagined as a 19‑minute suite of desire, danger, and whispered chemistry with Kim Basinger. ✦ — SUMMARY Released on December 1, 1989 by Warner Bros. Records, The Scandalous Sex Suite expands Prince’s slow‑burn ballad “Scandalous!” into a full 19‑minute narrative divided into The Crime, The Passion, and The Rapture, plus the additional track “Sex”. Co‑written by Prince and his father John L. Nelson, the single served as the fourth release from the Batman soundtrack. Issued across 7", 12", and CD maxi‑single formats, the suite features Kim Basinger, whose spoken and moaned contributions became the subject of long‑standing fan fascination. The original single peaked at No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Songs, cementing it as one of Prince’s most sensual late‑80s releases. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released December 1, 1989 (US) • Fourth single from the Batman soundtrack • Co‑written by Prince & John L. Nelson • 19‑minute suite featuring Kim Basinger • Formats: 7", 12", CD maxi‑single • Peaked at #5 on US Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Songs • Includes “When 2 R In Love” as B‑side • Eric Leeds contributes saxophone on extended material • A defining slow jam of Prince’s late‑80s output ✦ — TRACK DETAILS BY FORMAT 7" Single (US) Side A • Scandalous! (Edit) — 4:12 Written by Prince & John L. Nelson Side B • When 2 R In Love — 3:58 Written by Prince 12" / CD Maxi‑Single — The Scandalous Sex Suite The Crime — 6:25 The Passion — 6:20 The Rapture — 6:30 Sex (The 80’s Are Over And The Time Has Come 4 Monogamy And Trust) — 6:56 When 2 R In Love — 3:58 Credits • Produced, arranged, composed, performed by Prince • Vocals / moans: Kim Basinger • Saxophone: Eric Leeds • Published by NPG Publishing ASCAP ✦ — REISSUES & GLOBAL VARIANTS • Multiple 7", 12", and CD maxi‑singles issued worldwide (1989–1990) • Artwork variations across US, Europe, and Japan • Included in later Batman‑era reissue campaigns • No standalone digital reissue of the full suite ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Recorded during the Batman soundtrack sessions, 1989 • “Scandalous!” appears in the film’s end credits • The suite was marketed as a sensual companion piece to the soundtrack • Kim Basinger’s involvement added tabloid intrigue and artistic depth • Prince’s father, John L. Nelson, co‑wrote the original melody • The suite reflects Prince’s fascination with narrative, atmosphere, and erotic sound design • A key example of Prince using the maxi‑single format as a storytelling medium ✦ — SINGLES RELEASED & CHART PERFORMANCE United States • Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Songs — #5 International • Australia — #95 • Austria — #17 • Belgium (Flanders) — #45 • Netherlands — #21 ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY The Scandalous Sex Suite — 1989 Graffiti Bridge — 1990 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 1989 — Batman soundtrack released Dec 1989 — The Scandalous Sex Suite 1990 — Graffiti Bridge 1991 — Diamonds and Pearls era begins ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK A velvet‑dark whisper from the Batman era, The Scandalous Sex Suite turns a single into a cinematic seduction. Prince, Kim Basinger, and the NPG stretch one song into a full‑bodied experience — part soundtrack, part fantasy, all Prince. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Warner Bros. Records catalogue Billboard chart archives Batman soundtrack documentation

A bold, provocative visual statement from Prince and The New Power Generation, captured on a standalone VHS release during the explosive Love Symbol era. ✦ — SUMMARY Released on June 16, 1992 by Warner Music Vision / Warner Reprise Video / Paisley Park (catalogue 7599‑38314‑3), Sexy MF is a dedicated VHS video single featuring the full music video for Prince and The New Power Generation’s hit track. Directed by Sotera Tschetter and featuring Troy Beyer, the release runs approximately 9 minutes and showcases the high‑style, high‑attitude aesthetic that defined the early 1990s NPG era. Produced, arranged, composed, and performed by Prince and The New Power Generation, the video was issued with varying age classifications internationally. The UK edition carried a 15 certificate, while the German white‑label FSK version was released without age restriction. On February 3, 1993, the video was certified Gold by the RIAA. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released June 16, 1992 (UK VHS) • Catalogue: 7599‑38314‑3 • Directed by Sotera Tschetter • Special guest: Troy Beyer • Approx. running time: 9 minutes • Produced, arranged, composed, performed by Prince & The NPG • Published by NPG Publishing ASCAP • UK release carried a 15 rating • German FSK edition issued without age restriction • Certified Gold by the RIAA on February 3, 1993 • Part of the Love Symbol era’s bold visual rollout ✦ — TRACK DETAILS VHS Video Single – 1992 Sexy MF (Video Version) Running time: ~9 minutes Format: VHS (PAL/NTSC depending on territory) Credits • Directed by: Sotera Tschetter • Special Guest: Troy Beyer • Producer: Rob Borm • Copyright: © 1992 Warner Bros. Records Inc. • Published by NPG Publishing ASCAP • Performed by Prince and The New Power Generation ✦ — REISSUES & GLOBAL VARIANTS • UK VHS with 15 certificate • German FSK white‑label edition (no age restriction) • US and European VHS variants with identical content • Later included in various video compilations and broadcast packages • No standalone DVD or Blu‑ray reissue ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Filmed in 1992 during the Love Symbol album sessions • Visual style reflects the era’s blend of funk, jazz‑club aesthetics, and NPG swagger • The video’s choreography and staging became iconic within Prince’s 1990s videography • Released as part of Warner’s push to market Prince’s videos as collectible standalone products • The RIAA Gold certification (1993) underscores the commercial strength of Prince’s video releases during this period • The VHS sits alongside other early‑90s NPG visual projects, forming a key part of the era’s multimedia identity ✦ — ALT TEXT (SEO) ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY SIDEBAR Diamonds and Pearls — 1991 Sexy MF (VHS) — 1992 The Love Symbol Album — 1992 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 1991 — Diamonds and Pearls era peaks 1992 — Sexy MF video released on VHS 1992 — The Love Symbol Album 1993 — Sexy MF video certified Gold by RIAA ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK A snapshot of Prince at his most playful and provocative, Sexy MF on VHS captures the swagger of the early NPG years — sharp suits, sharper choreography, and a band firing on every cylinder. It’s a relic of a time when even a single music video could command its own physical release. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Warner Music Vision catalogue RIAA certification database Paisley Park / NPG credits

A sleek, hip‑hop‑soul comeback single issued under the Love Symbol name, launching the Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic era with Arista. ✦ — SUMMARY Released in the US on October 5, 1999 by Arista / NPG Records, “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold” marked 0(+>’s return to major‑label distribution after years of independence. Issued under the Love Symbol moniker, the single promoted the forthcoming album Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic and showcased a smooth blend of soul, hip‑hop, and downtempo R&B. The album version runs 5:29, while the 4:30 radio edit tightened the arrangement for mainstream play. The single’s rollout included multiple remixes featuring Eve, Q‑Tip, and club‑focused reworks by Jason Nevins and The Neptunes, reflecting Arista’s push for crossover appeal. The track achieved modest chart success but helped position the Rave era as a high‑profile return. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released October 5, 1999 (US) • Artist credit: 0(+> • Lead single for Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic • Produced by 0(+> • Album version: 5:29 • Radio edit: 4:30 • Remixes featuring Eve and Q‑Tip • Formats: CD single, 12" maxi‑single, cassette • Music video directed by Malik Hassan Sayeed, filmed at Paisley Park • Performed in Rave Un2 the Year 2000 (VHS/DVD) • Charted in US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Australia ✦ — TRACK DETAILS Lead Track • The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Album Version) — 5:29 • The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Radio Edit) — 4:30 Written and produced by 0(+>. A romantic, introspective ballad with layered vocals, falsetto, and hip‑hop‑soul textures. Published by Controversy Music. Remixes & Bonus Versions • Adam & Eve Remix (feat. Eve) — 4:30 • Jason Nevins Extended Remix — 6:41 • Neptunes Extended Remix (feat. Q‑Tip) — 5:08 • Jason Nevins Dub — 5:49 ✦ — US RELEASE FORMATS CD Single — Arista/NPG (07822‑13749‑2) The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Radio Edit) — 4:30 The Greatest Romance Ever Sold (Album Version) — 5:29 Packaging: Jewel case with Symbol artwork and promo stickers. 12" Vinyl Maxi‑Single — Arista/NPG (07822‑13749‑1) Side A • Jason Nevins Extended Remix — 6:41 • Neptunes Extended Remix (feat. Q‑Tip) — 5:08 Side B • Album Version — 5:29 • Adam & Eve Remix (feat. Eve) — 4:30 • Jason Nevins Dub — 5:49 Packaging: Picture sleeve aimed at DJs and collectors. Cassette Single — Arista/NPG (07822‑13749‑4) Side A • Radio Edit — 4:30 • Adam & Eve Remix — 4:30 Side B • Radio Edit — 4:30 • Adam & Eve Remix — 4:30 Packaging: Standard cassette with J‑card artwork. ✦ — REISSUES & GLOBAL VARIANTS • US, UK, Europe, Australia — CD singles • 12" vinyl remixes (various territories) • Included on Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic (2001) • Digital availability via later reissues • No major artwork variants beyond regional formatting ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Recorded at Paisley Park Studios, 1999 • Produced by 0(+> with contributions from the New Power Generation • Remixes feature Eve and Q‑Tip, aligning with Arista’s late‑90s urban crossover strategy • Released five weeks before Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (Nov 9, 1999) • Music video shot at Paisley Park, directed by Malik Hassan Sayeed • Rolling Stone described the album as a “refugee from Diamonds and Pearls,” reflecting mixed critical reception • The single was positioned as a commercial re‑entry after the Warner Bros. era ✦ — CHART PERFORMANCE United States • Billboard Hot 100 — #63 • Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Songs — #23 • 10 weeks on charts United Kingdom • #25 (released Nov 15, 1999) International • Germany — #79 • Netherlands — #71 • Australia — #65 The single contributed to the album’s eventual Gold certification (500,000 US sales). ✦ — ALT TEXT (SEO) Prince, dressed in black and gold, stands before a microphone in a dramatic, treasure‑themed setting used for the single artwork of “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold.” ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY Emancipation — 1996 Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic — 1999 Rave In2 the Joy Fantastic — 2001 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 1998 — New independent releases via NPG 1999 — Arista partnership announced Oct 1999 — “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold” released Nov 1999 — Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic Dec 1999 — Rave Un2 the Year 2000 performance filmed ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK A velvet‑smooth comeback single wrapped in late‑90s gloss, “The Greatest Romance Ever Sold” shows 0(+> leaning into romance, mystique, and hip‑hop‑soul elegance. The remixes, the video, the Arista push — all part of a moment where Prince stepped back into the mainstream spotlight on his own terms. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Arista Records catalogue data Billboard chart archives Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic promotional materials

The world premiere of the "Black Sweat" video occurred on February 2, 2006. The video includes Prince dancer Celestina Aladekoba and DJ Rashida, was directed by Sanaa Hamri, and was filmed at Prince's rented house on Sierra Alta Way (3121) on January 21, 2006. #Prince4Ever #PrinceHistory #PrinceRogersNelson

A surprise four‑track blast from Prince’s newly activated 3rdEyeGirl portal, marking the first wave of the 2013 guerrilla‑release era. ✦ — SUMMARY On February 5, 2013, Prince launched a new phase of his digital‑first strategy by releasing four tracks directly through 3rdEyeGirl.com: “Screwdriver,” “Screwdriver (Remix),” “Breakfast Can Wait,” and “RNR Affair Remix.” The releases arrived without traditional promotion, signalling the beginning of Prince’s 2013–2014 period of rapid‑fire online drops, teasers, and limited‑window downloads. The site functioned as both a storefront and a cryptic communication channel, foreshadowing the later 3rdEyeGirl band rollout and the eventual release of PLECTRUMELECTRUM. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released February 5, 2013 via 3rdEyeGirl.com • Tracks: – Screwdriver – Screwdriver (Remix) – Breakfast Can Wait – RNR Affair Remix • Early example of Prince’s 2013 digital‑guerrilla strategy • Pre‑dates the public reveal of the 3rdEyeGirl band lineup • Connected to the PLECTRUMELECTRUM era • “Breakfast Can Wait” would later receive a viral Dave Chappelle‑inspired cover • “RNR Affair Remix” ties back to the 2012 “Rock and Roll Love Affair” campaign • Downloads were short‑window, fan‑driven, and unarchived by official channels ✦ — TRACK DETAILS Digital Downloads – 3rdEyeGirl.com – Feb 5, 2013 Screwdriver • Studio version • Later tied to the 3rdEyeGirl live configuration Screwdriver (Remix) • Alternate arrangement • Early hint of the heavier 3EG sound Breakfast Can Wait • Funk‑leaning digital single • Later re‑released with iconic Chappelle artwork RNR Affair Remix • Reworking of “Rock and Roll Love Affair” • Connected to the Purple Music campaign No physical formats. No catalogue numbers. Direct‑to‑fan distribution only. ✦ — REISSUES & DIGITAL VARIANTS • Original downloads (3rdEyeGirl.com) — no longer available • “Breakfast Can Wait” later reissued on streaming • “Screwdriver” and “RNR Affair Remix” remain digital‑era rarities • No official remasters or physical releases ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Part of Prince’s shift toward independent digital distribution • 3rdEyeGirl.com served as a testing ground for new music, videos, and teasers • The releases pre‑dated the formal introduction of the 3rdEyeGirl band (Donna Grantis, Ida Nielsen, Hannah Welton) • “Screwdriver” became a live staple in early 2013 • “Breakfast Can Wait” would later anchor the Art Official Age era • “RNR Affair Remix” ties back to the 2012 Purple Music campaign • The drop marked the start of Prince’s most unpredictable release year since 2009 ✦ — SINGLES RELEASED Digital only • Screwdriver — 2013 • Breakfast Can Wait — 2013 • RNR Affair Remix — 2013 • Screwdriver (Remix) — 2013 ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY SIDEBAR Rock and Roll Love Affair — 2012 3rdEyeGirl.com Drops — 2013 Breakfast Can Wait — 2013 PLECTRUMELECTRUM — 2014 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 2012 — “Rock and Roll Love Affair” released Feb 2013 — 3rdEyeGirl.com launches with four digital tracks 2013 — 3rdEyeGirl band revealed 2014 — PLECTRUMELECTRUM released ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK The 3rdEyeGirl.com drops were Prince in hacker mode — bypassing labels, bypassing radio, and speaking directly to fans. Four tracks, no warning, no rules. A digital spark that ignited the 3rdEyeGirl era. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault 3rdEyeGirl.com archival captures Purple Music campaign data

Heroine December’s shimmering pop single, subtly reshaped by Prince through chord rewrites and arrangement tweaks. ✦ — SUMMARY Released on February 14, 2014, “Balloon” is a digital single by Heroine December, the duo formed by Maya and Nandy McClean. Prince’s involvement was confirmed at release as “rearrangement”, but the full extent of his contribution became clear in 2021 when Maya McClean revealed that Prince helped rewrite the song, adjusting chords and transitional sections during the recording process. The track also features Sheila E. on congas, believed to be one of her final contributions to a Prince‑associated studio recording, though the exact session date remains unverified. “Balloon” stands as a late example of Prince’s behind‑the‑scenes mentorship of the McClean twins, who had been part of his live shows since the mid‑2000s. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released February 14, 2014 (digital) • Artist: Heroine December (Maya & Nandy McClean) • Prince credited with rearrangement • Maya McClean confirmed in 2021 that Prince rewrote chords and transitions • Sheila E. performs congas • One of the last known Prince‑related tracks featuring Sheila E. • Prince’s involvement sourced from Prince Vault • Represents Prince’s ongoing mentorship of the McClean twins ✦ — TRACK DETAILS Digital Single – 2014 Artist: Heroine December Songwriters: Maya McClean (with likely contribution from Nandy McClean) Rearrangement / chord rewrites: Prince Additional musician: Sheila E. — congas Key Notes • Prince suggested structural and harmonic changes during rehearsals and recording. • Maya McClean: “He re‑wrote one of the songs that me and my sister released called Balloon… maybe you can do a little bit of a change here and a little bit there… we used his chords in some of the transitional parts.” • Prince’s role was uncredited beyond “rearrangement,” but his musical fingerprints are present in the harmonic movement. ✦ — REISSUES & DIGITAL VARIANTS • Original digital release (2014) • No physical formats • No alternate mixes or remasters • Streaming availability varies by region ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Prince acted as mentor, arranger, and creative advisor to Heroine December • His chord substitutions and transitional rewrites shaped the final version • Sheila E.’s conga performance is believed to be one of her last contributions to a Prince‑related studio track • The McClean twins were long‑time Prince collaborators, dancers, and vocalists • “Balloon” reflects Prince’s interest in developing side projects and supporting artists in his orbit during the early 2010s ✦ — SINGLES RELEASED Digital only • Balloon — Feb 14, 2014 ✦ — ALT TEXT (SEO) Heroine December promotional imagery featuring Maya and Nandy McClean, associated with the 2014 digital single “Balloon.” ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY Free Urself — 2015 Balloon — 2014 Ruff Enuff — 2016 (related Escape‑era activity) ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 2013 — Prince begins mentoring Heroine December 2014 — “Balloon” released with Prince’s rearrangement 2015 — Free Urself digital activity 2016 — Ruff Enuff sessions at Paisley Park ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK “Balloon” floats in as a delicate pop moment shaped quietly but unmistakably by Prince. His chord changes and structural tweaks give the track its lift, while Sheila E.’s congas add warmth and pulse. A small release, but a revealing one — showing Prince still guiding, shaping, and elevating the artists around him. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Heroine December interviews Maya McClean (2021 interview)

✦ — SUB‑HEADLINE Prince‑produced Paisley Park funk — cut, mixed, and released in under five days, capturing the final burst of studio energy before the 2016 shutdown. ✦ — SUMMARY Released on January 11, 2016 as Tidal’s Purple Pick of the Week, “Ruff Enuff” is an instrumental track credited to MonoNeon and produced by Prince on keyboards. The track was recorded at Paisley Park Studios on January 6, 2016, only four and a half days before release — one of the fastest studio‑to‑digital turnarounds of Prince’s late career. A vocal version featuring Adrian Crutchfield on vocoder replaced the instrumental the following day. The song had earlier origins in October 2015, when Prince performed a lyrical version live at Paisley Park. Confusion around authorship and album placement later clarified that “Ruff Enuff” belongs to MonoNeon’s Black Is The New Black, with Prince’s “Free Urself” likely intended for the same project. ✦ — HIGHLIGHTS • Released January 11, 2016 (digital, Tidal) • Replaced January 12 with a vocal version (Adrian Crutchfield) • Recorded January 6, 2016 — Paisley Park Studios • Initial tracking dates back to October 2015 live performances • Produced by Prince; credited to MonoNeon • Personnel: MonoNeon, Kirk A. Johnson, Adrian Crutchfield • Planned but unrecorded guitar overdubs by Donna Grantis • Connected to the Black Is The New Black sessions • Linked to “Free Urself” via @Prince3EG tweets • One of the final publicly discussed studio sessions of Prince’s life ✦ — TRACK DETAILS Digital Single – Tidal – 2016 Instrumental Version (Jan 11) Vocal Version (Jan 12) Personnel • Prince — keyboards, production • MonoNeon — bass • Kirk A. Johnson — drums • Adrian Crutchfield — sax, electric woodwinds, vocoder (vocal version) • Donna Grantis — planned overdubs (not recorded) Recording • Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen • October 2015 (early version, performed live) • January 6, 2016 (final session) ✦ — REISSUES & DIGITAL VARIANTS • Tidal Purple Pick of the Week (instrumental) • Tidal replacement version (vocal) • No physical formats • No commercial download outside Tidal • Circulated later via fan archives and streaming captures ✦ — PRODUCTION AND CONTEXT • Produced by Prince • Engineered at Paisley Park • Part of the Black Is The New Black sessions • Publicly announced by Prince on Twitter hours after recording • NPG Records provided a detailed session description to Tidal, highlighting the After Dark band • @Prince3EG confirmed it had a “sister track” on the same album as Free Urself • Confusion over artist credit clarified by MonoNeon and Adrian Crutchfield post‑2016 • Live versions from late 2015 featured Prince singing verses and a chorus, suggesting a lyrical studio version may have been planned ✦ — SINGLES RELEASED Digital only • Ruff Enuff (Instrumental) — Jan 11, 2016 • Ruff Enuff (Vocal Version) — Jan 12, 2016 ✦ — ALT TEXT (SEO) ✦ — DISCOGRAPHY SIDEBAR Free Urself — 2015 Ruff Enuff — 2016 Black Is The New Black (sessions) — 2015–2016 ✦ — PRINCE ERA MINI‑TIMELINE 2015 — Paisley Park After Dark band forms Late 2015 — “Ruff Enuff” performed live with lyrics Jan 2016 — “Ruff Enuff” recorded and released 2016 — Black Is The New Black sessions continue ✦ — GLAM FLASHBACK “Ruff Enuff” is the sound of Paisley Park in motion — fast, loose, and alive. A snapshot of Prince shaping a new band, a new sound, and a new project that never fully surfaced. Its 48‑hour evolution from studio floor to digital release captures the urgency of his final creative phase. ✦ — COPYRIGHT NOTICE All images, artwork, logos, and related materials referenced or displayed in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. They are included strictly for historical, educational, and archival purposes under fair‑use principles. ✦ — SOURCES Prince Vault Tidal metadata Discogs Band member interviews @Prince3EG Twitter archive

A purple funk‑electro detonation from Prince’s late‑era renaissance — bold, digital, collaborative and gloriously unpredictable --- ✦ SUMMARY Released on September 11, 2015 in Europe by NPG Records (no catalogue number), HITnRUN Phase One is Prince’s 38th studio album — a hybrid of funk, pop, EDM, dubstep, R&B and digital experimentation. Initially launched as a Tidal exclusive on 7 September 2015, the album arrived on CD shortly after, marking one of Prince’s most technologically forward releases. Co‑produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince and Joshua Welton, the album features contributions from Judith Hill, Rita Ora, Lianne La Havas and Curly Fryz, with horns by The Hornheads and strings by Stringenius. HITnRUN Phase One captures Prince in full late‑period reinvention mode — playful, modern, and unafraid to push into new sonic territory. --- ✦ HIGHLIGHTS • Released 11 September 2015 (Europe) • Initially a Tidal exclusive (7 September 2015) • Co‑produced with Joshua Welton • Features Judith Hill, Rita Ora, Lianne La Havas, Curly Fryz • Horns by The Hornheads; strings by Stringenius • Cover illustration by Martin Homent • A bold fusion of funk, EDM, pop and digital experimentation --- ✦ TRACKLISTING 1. Million $ Show (feat. Judith Hill) — 3:10 2. Shut This Down — 3:03 3. Ain’t About 2 Stop (feat. Rita Ora) — 3:38 4. Like a Mack (feat. Curly Fryz) — 4:04 5. This Could B Us — 4:11 6. Fallinlove2nite — 3:12 7. X’s Face — 2:38 8. Hardrocklover — 3:42 9. Mr. Nelson (feat. Lianne La Havas) — 2:27 10. 1000 X’s & O’s — 4:27 11. June — 3:21 Format: CD, Album — NPG Records (no cat#) — Europe — 11 Sept 2015 --- ✦ PRODUCTION & CONTEXT Produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince & Joshua Welton. Recorded at Paisley Park, Bone 2 B Wild Music and The Brewhouse. Mixed and mastered at Paisley Park. Cover illustration by Martin Homent. HITnRUN Phase One reflects Prince’s embrace of digital distribution, streaming platforms and contemporary production aesthetics. Joshua Welton’s involvement brought a modern electronic sheen, while Prince’s songwriting and performance remained unmistakably his own — sharp, funky and emotionally charged. The album sits at a fascinating crossroads: Prince experimenting with EDM textures while still grounding everything in Minneapolis funk DNA. --- ✦ LEGACY HITnRUN Phase One stands as one of Prince’s most adventurous late‑career statements — a fearless blend of genres that shows his refusal to settle into nostalgia. Tracks like Hardrocklover, X’s Face and 1000 X’s & O’s highlight his ability to merge modern production with classic Prince attitude. The album also marks a moment of renewed collaboration, with younger artists and producers helping Prince explore new sonic landscapes without losing his signature edge. --- ✦ PRINCE 2014–2015 MINI‑TIMELINE — THE DIGITAL EXPERIMENTATION ERA ✦ 2014 Prince releases Art Official Age and PLECTRUMELECTRUM, signalling a creative resurgence. ✦ Early 2015 Prince deepens his partnership with Tidal, exploring new digital distribution models. ✦ Summer 2015 Recording and finalising HITnRUN Phase One with Joshua Welton. ✦ September 2015 HITnRUN Phase One launches as a Tidal exclusive, then on CD. ✦ Late 2015 Prince begins work on HITnRUN Phase Two, released later that year. This era captures Prince as a restless innovator — embracing new platforms, new collaborators and new sonic textures. --- ✦ GLAM FLASHBACK — HITnRUN PHASE ONE VS. PRINCE’S EARLY EDM‑LEANING EXPERIMENTS ✦ HITnRUN Phase One (2015) • EDM‑infused production • Heavy digital processing and modern pop structures • Collaborative energy with younger artists • Bold, glossy, futuristic ✦ Early Experiments (e.g., 1999, The Black Album, Crystal Ball outtakes) • Analog synths and drum machines • Raw, funky, experimental edges • Prince as sole architect • Proto‑electronic Minneapolis sound Together, they show Prince’s lifelong fascination with electronic textures — from early synth‑funk to late‑era digital maximalism. --- ✦ SOURCES Personal archive knowledge Prince Vault Discogs 45cat ---