| Essential Rosie is a compilation of mostly remixes, live songs and previously unreleased tracks by Rosie Gaines. The compilation was released digitally and on a limited CD number by her family to help to cover her health costs and medical expenses on the same day as another compilation titled Dance With Me containing dance remixes of other tracks (including a remix of I Want U).
Essential Rosie contains three songs with writing input by Prince in a remixed form: I Want U (Black Ice Version), Hit U In The Socket (Extended Version) and the previously unreleased song T.R.O.U.B.L.E..
Sessions and compiling
Rosie Gaines had serious health issues and was in financial disarray. Her family released this compilation and organized a charity concert to help her cover her medical expenses. Essential Rosie contains remixes and live versions of songs originally included on her albums Caring, Closer Than Close, Arrival, You Gave Me Freedom and Concrete Jungle.
Hit U In The Socket had previously been released as an mp3 download as part of NPG Music Club Edition # 4 and different versions were later included on Gaines’albums Try Me and Concrete Jungle. The extended version included on Essential Rosie was previously unreleased as was T.R.O.U.B.L.E. which Rosie Gaines also worked on initially during her time with Prince in 1992.
Promotion
The compilation was released as a fundraiser. No singles were released to promote it, and it did not enter any charts.
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2014: Target Practice ◄
