Album: MPLS (1994)

1994: 24 ◄

Unreleased Albums (Prince)

Unreleased Albums (Related Artists)

► 1998: Scorpio

MPLS

Album details Intended Release Date: 1994 (assumed) Label(s): NPG Records Studio(s): Paisley Park Studios, Chanhassen, MN, USA See also MPLS

MPLS is a projected album Prince worked on between 1992 and 1994 and was to be released by the band Minneapolis, a short lived band project, initially referred to as The Crayons. Lead by Sonny T., the band featured many vocalists including Jana Anderson, Kathleen Johnson, and The Steeles. A song with Nona Gaye was also recorded for the project but the album remained unfinished. Four songs are known as being recorded at different times and set for inclusion on MPLS: The Ryde Dyvine, MPLS, Color, and A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses. MPLS was first recorded around 1989-1990 with Jana Anderson on lead vocals. The name of the band is mentioned in the lyrics ("Now I cut this groove with a group called Minneapolis"), indicating that the idea was already floating around before the song was revised with Sonny T. in 1992. The Ryde Dyvine was performed, credited to The Crayons, on The Ryde Dyvine TV special of Prince and related artists performing at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Both songs were included on a single released in spring 1994 and credited to Minneapolis. MPLS was also included on the album 1-800 New Funk (a compilation of mostly-unreleased music largely written and produced by Prince/, recorded by other Paisley Park Records/ NPG Records artists, as was Color. This song is credited to The Steeles on the compilation, but was also intended for the MPLS album. A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses is the fourth known song to have been recorded for this project with Nona Gaye on vocals. The version of Super Hero by The NPG featuring The Steeles may have been intended for the album, but this has not been verified. This version has been released on the Blankman movie soundtrack and as a single. MPLS received a limited release as a single only sold in the NPG Store and featured in the first printed NPG Store catalogue, before being included on the compilation album 1-800 New Funk. A cartoon video was made but was reportedly prevented from release by Jana Anderson’s new producer (after she left Prince’s camp). A re-recorded version by Prince of A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses would be released in 2015 (as 1000 X's & O's) on Hitnrun Phase One. Nothing is known about possible tracks intended for the album. Track listing CD A full tracklist is not known but the album was believed to include: MPLS The Ryde Dyvine Color A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Possibly: Super Hero All tracks assumed to be written by Prince/ Personnel Musicians Sonny T. - bass guitar, lead vocals on The Ryde Dyvine, co-lead vocals on MPLS Jana Anderson - co-lead vocals on MPLS Jevetta Steele – co-lead vocals on Color and background vocals on MPLS Fred Steele - co-lead vocals on Color and background vocals on MPLS JD Steele - co-lead vocals on Color and background vocals on MPLS Jearlyn Steele - co-lead vocals on Color and background vocals on MPLS Nona Gaye – lead vocals on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Morris Hayes - keyboards, background vocals (unconfirmed) Billy Franze - guitar on MPLS and The Ryde Dyvine (unconfirmed) Kirk Johnson - unidentified instruments (possibly drums on selected tracks) Michael B. - drums on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Sonny T. - bass guitar on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Levi Seacer, Jr. - guitar on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Tommy Barbarella - keyboards on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Rosie Gaines - keyboards on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Michael B. Nelson - trombone on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Steve Strand - trumpet on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Dave Jensen - trumpet on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Kathy J. - baritone saxophone on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Brian Gallagher - tenor saxophone on A 1,000 Hugs And Kisses Prince – all other instruments and background vocals (assumed). Production Prince - producer (assumed) Other production details unknown

Additional Information Trivia References The Vault: The Definitive Guide to the Musical World of Prince (2004)

1994 24

Unreleased Albums (Prince)

Unreleased Albums (Related Artists)

1998 Scorpio