Prolific superstar and artist extraordinaire Prince was found unconscious in his home on Thursday, April 21, 2016. I’ve now unwillingly committed those words to print, but although it’s been days since I first heard the news, I’m still not wanting to believe it’s true. I keep thinking it can’t be real. How can a seemingly indestructible tour de force leave this mortal world in such a shocking and untimely manner?
It’s now been five years since Prince Rogers Nelson left us to become part of the eternal ether. In the time that’s passed, mourning has turned into a celebration of his remarkable talent that still continues to gift us with treasures hidden away within Prince’s legendary vault of music.
The Prince estate has done a commendable job of bringing to light newly discovered gems with the deluxe releases of 1999, Sign O’ the Times, and now the soon to be released Welcome 2 America. Recorded spring of 2010, Welcome 2 America encompasses Prince’s ideals for a fluctuating society, craftily prophesizing political division and racial injustice.
Welcome 2 America features collaborations with Tal Wilkenfeld, Chris Coleman, Jason Agel, and New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo. The deluxe edition includes the double LP and CD versions of the album, alongside a previously unreleased Blu-Ray of Prince’s full April 28, 2011 performance at the Forum in Los Angeles. The show contains 24 tracks, from his biggest hits to fan favorites and rare cover versions. Additionally, the deluxe edition features a 32-page 12×12 book, exclusive poster housed within a gold embossed package. Welcome 2 America will be released on July 30th, giving us yet another reason to celebrate the greatness of Prince.