Soul Fixin'

prince's new album cover.
The artwork for Prince's upcoming release, 20Ten, has surfaced. No, your eyes aren't fooling you. The album cover looks familiar because it was depicted on the blouse Prince donned at the 20Ten BET Awards. Brazen self promotion? No, just Prince being Prince. Peep the tracklisting below.

1. Compassion
2. Endlessly Beginning
3. Future Soul Song
4. Sticky Like Glue
5. Lavaux
6. Act Of God
7. Walk In Sand
8. Sea Of Everything
9. Everybody Loves Me
10. Untitled Bonus Track

Sounds interesting. Let's keep our fingers crossed in hopes the album is released stateside.

Soul Fixin'

a purple invasion.
Three days later I am still a tad bit disappointed with Prince. Why? The Purple One failed to perform at the BET Awards. Now, Prince fans across the country have another reason to be upset. In a move that is sure to delight European fans, Prince has decided to release his latest album, 20Ten, as a freebie with various European publications. Prince has joined forces with England's Daily Mirror and sister publication The Daily Record to giveaway more than 2.5 million copies of 20Ten on July 10. The rare deal will also include a milestone exclusive interview, considering Prince has refused British interviews for more than a decade. Fans in Germany and Belgium are just as lucky. Germany's edition of Rolling Stone magazine will also include the new album in its' August issue. Legions of Prince fans who plan on catching the Purple One at Belgium's Werchter Festival are in for an extra treat. The Belgium paper, Het Nieuwblad, will include copies of 20Ten on July 10, the same day as the festival.
Free giveaways are nothing new to Prince. In 2007, his album Planet Earth was distributed with copies of U.K's Mail publication. No word yet on if, how and when 20Ten will be released stateside. No need to fret, our European friends will more than likely share the goodies. In the meantime, enjoy BET's tribute to Prince in its' entirety.

Soul Tracks

After receiving word that Prince would receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award I was hoping Raheem DeVaughn would be apart of the festivities. One listen to Raheem's rendition of Prince's 'I Would Die 4 U' would leave the listener feeling the same way. In typical Prince fashion, the tribute featured an all female line up, that included Janelle Monae, Esperanza Spalding, Alicia Keys and Patti LaBelle. (Side note: where the hell was Shelia E?) Prince appeared to be pleased with all those who paid tribute to him, I'm sure he would have been equally pleased if Raheem performed in his honor. Give Raheem's version of 'I Would Die 4 U' a listen and let us know what you think. Is it a worthy cover? Or is it lackluster?

Soul Fixin'

a king-sized disappointment.
While one high yellow brother who rose to popularity in the 80's delighted the masses last night, another one left us all a bit disappointed. A consummate performer and entertainer, Prince walked on stage and accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award without performing. What a disappointment! I reassured myself that BET would shake things up a bit and allow Prince to close the show. (That would have been a genius move.) I was wrong. There would be no performance by Prince. In my mind, Prince was to be the highlight of the show. The artist who will forever be known as Prince is an innovator, icon, legend, the list goes on and on. Why wouldn't he perform? BET's young audience was in need of a brief history listen, a storied history that stretches back to the 70's. They needed to witness the definition of an entertainer/musician/singer/performer. Prince is the quintessential embodiment of the aforementioned. I was hoping to post his performance but Alicia Keys' rendition of 'Adore' is a worthy substitution. Enjoy!

Soul Fixin'

Prince Set To Drop 3 Albums in '09
If you've been craving for new music from Prince, 2009 will definitely be a year to remember. Prince plans on releasing not one but three albums this year. Similar promises from artists who shall remain nameless have fell on deaf ears but Prince might be the one to make it happen. According to a recent interview with the LA Times a "major retailer" is in talks with the artist to release the music physically, while a new Prince website will sell it in digital form. Be on the lookout for the guitar driven Lotus Flower and the electro flavored MPLSOUND. The third album, Elixir, will feature his protege, Bria Valente.

Soul Fixin'

Spend 21 NIGHTS with Prince
In need of a last minute Christmas gift? Jet over to your favorite bookstore and cop Prince's first book 21 NIGHTS. The multimedia tome chronicles Prince's unprecedented, record-breaking, sold-out 21 concerts in 21 nights at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 through photographic essays and contains Prince's expressive poetry and lyrics along with 124 lavish never before published photos by famed photographer Randee St. Nicholas. Indigo Nights/Live Sessions is also featured in the project, the live 15-track CD captures the raw, magical, legendary after-show sessions Prince is known for.

Soul Fixin'

Purple Pain
The little man is in a little pain.After decades of dancing, jumping and splitting on stages across the world, Prince is in need of a hip replacement. A source says "for months Prince has complained of pain every time he moves. He is totally crushed as he knows he will never be the same again." Prince has admitted himself into a private hospital and is expected to take a break from performing and recording for 2 months. During the operation, the ball and socket of Prince's hip will be replaced with titanium.