Photo: Press
Prince has surprised the world again by dropping his new album, HitNRun Phase Two, via TIDAL. Now, we just need him to reschedule that tour.
His Royal Badness did the same when suddenly dropped HitNRun Phase One on TIDAL back in September. Now, the follow-up is with us - featuring tracks with his legendary band The New Power Generation, having been in the making for over four years.
A statement reads that the album "was recorded fully in analog, giving it a lushness and human quality that defies the current computer-driven trend prevalent in practically all popular music today" and "a very welcomed addition to the collection; a gift to Prince's Purple Collective and an instant standout in his already unparalleled 38 album catalogue."
Both albums are available to stream and purchase here.
Speaking to Gigwise about why he's currently dropping music via Jay Z's online service TIDAL, The Purple One's producer Joshua Welton said: "We believe in high quality music, we believe in artists coming together, we believe in artist ownership, we believe in people and we believe in community. The fact that TIDAL was willing to even pay for the album what Prince felt it was worth, that just showed the appreciation that Jay Z has for music and for Prince.
"TIDAL were the only ones who said 'we're going to pay you directly for the work that you do'. It was a beautiful decision that Prince made, based just on relationships. I don't think it took Prince long to make the decision, and fortunately Hannah I met with Jay Z at a listening party. He's a really great guy, and the level of greatness that he brings to the table just adds to the great cause."
Prince has since taken to social media to celebrate:
— Prince3EG (@Prince3EG) December 12, 2015
PLEASE EVERYONE PURCHASE THE PRODUCT AFTER LISTENING... https://t.co/5UOhRWvLxd
— Prince3EG (@Prince3EG) December 12, 2015
: )
— Prince3EG (@Prince3EG) December 12, 2015
GROOVEDICULOUS!
— Prince3EG (@Prince3EG) December 13, 2015
It's been a dramatic few months for Prince. He pulled ticket sales from his intimate UK and European piano tour through fear of ticket touts, before cancelling the tour entirely in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.
In lighter news, he now has an awesome Instagram account, and has allowed for his brilliant cover of 'Creep' by Radiohead to be back online.
