Prince Inks Exclusive Deal With Tidal For New Album, 'HITNRUN'

Prince: The Tidal Wave

PRINCE, who has shown a reluctance to have his music on the Internet in the past, has confirmed his new album, "HITNRUN," will be available exclusively on TIDAL on SEPTEMBER 7th.

The release, first announced by his band 3RDEYEGIRL on BBC RADIO late last month, follows the release of the first single, "HardRockLover," on JULY 1st.

"Super hardcore PRINCE fans that know every song he's ever recorded -- we refer to them as 'The Purple Collective' or 'The Purple Army' -- this album is absolutely for them, because it's super funky," reported 3RDEYEGIRL.  "There are a lot of experimental sounds.  It's just hit after hit and definitely caters to those fans who just love to hear what PRINCE has to say, rather than wanting to always hear that classic 'Purple Rain' sound."  PRINCE worked with co-producer JOSHUA WELTON "HITNRUN" – WELTON was also a co-producer on PRINCE's "ARTOFFICIALAGE" album, released late last year.

The PRINCE/TIDAL partnership has been in the works for some months, but was quickly cemented "out of mutual admiration and respect and a profound belief in artists' rights."  The relationship began in MAY with TIDAL live streaming the first hour of PRINCE's RALLY 4 PEACE concert in BALTIMORE.  TIDAL hosted live audio of the event and matched funds for donations made on TIDAL.com.

PRINCE commented on going with JAY Z, "After one meeting, it was obvious that he and the team he has assembled at TIDAL recognize and applaud the effort that real musicians put in2 their craft 2 achieve the very best they can at this pivotal time in the music industry.  Secondly, TIDAL have honored Us with a non-restrictive arrangement that once again allows Us to continue making art in the fashion We've grown accustomed 2 and We're Extremely grateful 4 their generous support.  And lastly, in the tech-savvy, real-time world We all live in 2day, everything is faster.  From its conception and that one & only meeting, 'HITNRUN' took about 90 days 2 prepare its release.  If that's what freedom feels like, 'HITNRUN' is what it sounds like."

JAY Z added: "PRINCE has always been a visionary, a free-thinker.  We're honored to offer his breadth of work, '1999,' 'Purple Rain,' etc., music that has inspired so many, on TIDAL.  We're also excited to be the home for his new upcoming album, 'HITNRUN.'  Both PRINCE and TIDAL share the belief that all creatives should have the opportunity to speak directly to those that love and support them.  This partnership with PRINCE represents TIDAL's philosophy in its truest form, a 1 to 1 connection and direct delivery of artistry to the world."

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