Newfunk Sampling Series Prince album

NPG Records

No additional royalties EVER!

The Newfunk Sampling Series was intended to comprise of seven CDs containing a combined total of 700 audio samples of previously recorded Prince songs, including clips from some from his biggest hits of the 80s, namely Kiss, Raspberry Beret, When Doves Cry and Erotic City. The tracks comprised of samples of bass, guitar, voice, keyboards, loops / percussion, sound effects, and orchestration, each grouped onto a dedicated CD. The set was intended for purchase by DJs and record producers for a one-off license fee of $700 – without risk, according to the official announcement “of reprisal, copyright prosecution or additional royalties” to grant legal use of Prince’s samples in their music. Newfunk Sampling Series did not comprise of any full-length songs or new material.

Background

According to the advertisement posted on Prince’s official website npgonlineltd.com on 28 March 1999, the Newfunk Sampling Series was intended for sale through his retail outlet 1800newfunk.com. A special party took place at Paisley Park Studios on 16 September 2000 specifically to mark the release. However, for reasons known only to Prince, the set never materialised and was cancelled suddenly and without explanation.

December 31st 1999 was a critical date in Prince’s quest for creative freedom – the day his long disputed contract with Warner Bros Records finally expired. On 16 May 2000 Prince announced he was reclaiming his birth name again after referring to himself as Prince Love Symbol since 7 June 1993 in protest over that contract. The concept of Newfunk Sampling Series was thereby anything between an act of revenge against his former label, a total divorce from his past catalogue, or an unprecedented stance for artistic freedom – or a combination of all three. It is understood Paisley Park engineer Hans-Martin Buff and NPG keyboardist Morris Hayes, who were both tasked to compile the clips had advised against the idea, which led to Prince’s change of heart.

The release guaranteeing other artists and producers lifetime rights and no reprisal to sample Prince in commercial music was in stark contrast at the time of his lawsuit which begin in early 1999, seeking damages from a clutch of fan forums for copyright infringement, albeit subsequently dropped.

Data

Producer

Prince

Label

NPG Records

Distribution

NPG Records

Cover/Design

Sam Jennings

Released

26 years ago on 16 September 2000

Running Time

7 CD volumes (intended)

US Chart Peak

Cancelled

UK Chart Peak

Cancelled