Prince - Welcome 2 America

Recorded in the spring of 2010 and then mysteriously archived by Prince, the statement album Welcome 2 America documents Prince’s concerns, hopes, and visions for a shifting society, presciently foreshadowing an era of political division, disinformation, and a renewed fight for racial justice. The album features some of Prince’s only studio collaborations with bassist Tal Wilkenfeld, drummer Chris Coleman, and engineer Jason Agel, with additional contributions from New Power Generation singers Shelby J, Liv Warfield, and Elisa Fiorillo and keyboardist Morris Hayes, who Prince also recruited to co-produce the album.

The Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America combines the 2LP and CD versions of the album with a never before released Blu-ray of Prince’s full April 28, 2011 performance at The Forum and is presented in 1080p with stereo, 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos audio. The live concert features Prince with his 2011-era lineup of the New Power Generation, including Shelby J., Liv Warfield, Elisa Fiorillo, and Morris Hayes, additional keyboardists Renato Neto and Cassandra O’Neal, bassist Ida Nielsen, drummer John Blackwell, and dancers Maya and Nandy McClean (The Twinz). Captured midway through his marathon “21 Nite Stand” at The Forum in Inglewood, California, this performance documents the spontaneity and incendiary energy of that historic portion of the Welcome 2 America Tour – an audiovisual testament to the proclamation he made at the launch of the tour in October, 2010, stating “Bring friends, bring Ur children, and bring foot spray, because… it’s gonna B funky.” The performance features a cameo by recent GRAMMY-winner Ledisi and covers of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and Roxy Music’s “More Than This” alongside Prince favorites including “17 Days,” “Controversy,” “1999,” and “Purple Rain.”

In addition, the Deluxe Edition of Welcome 2 America will be presented as a luxe gold-foil package designed by GRAMMY-nominated artist Mathieu Bitton and GRAMMY-nominated creative director and Prince associate Trevor Guy, complete with a 12”x12” 32-page companion book and embossed vellum envelope containing exclusive Welcome 2 America era ephemera (photographic art print, 23”x36” poster, replica setlist, ticket, VIP invitation and backstage passes). Experienced as a complete package, the Deluxe Edition provides a multidimensional and immersive view of Prince’s creative genius during his spontaneous, energetic, and thought-provoking Welcome 2 America era.

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[tonianderson]

I'm 57 and been a fan since I was about 17. I have always said he was ahead of his time. A very insightful man. Miss you Prince 💜🕊

[TalWilkenfeld]

Honored to have played bass on this masterful song. I think this is some of Prince's greatest writing & his earnest words couldn't have come at a better time. I only hope he sees us laughing in the Purple Rain. I sure miss him 💜☔️

[dawnw.]

Prince has been my obsession since I was 12 and I'm 52 now. I miss him so very much.💜💜💜 He speaks the truth!

[chasjazzz]

What else can you say. He's been resting for 5yrs and were still TRYING to catching up to him. He will be forever ahead of his time!

[wasteland]

The term "Visionary" is so often used, "Genius" doesn't even have a definition anymore. He exceeds both and is Prince. He was sensational.

[aguy]

He was wide awake before most of us knew what that meant...God Bless

Still the best Super Bowl half time performance of all time!

[bighoose]

When you see Prince and press click you are reconnected again through the rhythms he left behind for us to enjoy. He never dies, his legacy and memory lives on through us

[venanciahopkins]

The bassline is given me life. This man was truly a genius.

[nocilantro_gack]

I saw prince on his Dirty Mind tour in San Francisco and he blew my mind. The Lovesexy tour was like nothing I had ever seen in my life. Ive seen him 5 times and every time he amazed me. The greatest musician ever... Peace and be wild Prince

[faithelias-vandyke]

Prince is simply the G.O.A.T!!! No one absolutely no one can touch his incomparable greatness. Every song takes you on a visual, and emotional experience. We lost him far too soon! Thank you dear Prince for your once in a life time artistry and genius.

[purpledays]

Listening to his smooth voice reminds me of how much he is still missed although it has been 5 years now.
Keep resting easy, Prince.

[markstephens]

Oh Damn! He was talking about today back then. Mad Respect.

[somedude]

I went to the doctor and my blood levels showed low levels of funk. After listening to this, I believe I AM HEALED!!! 💪🏾🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🔥🔥🔥🤛🏿

[zaralobnerold]

I’m only 22, and Prince has changed my life. So much amazing stuff from him. It’s great to see not even death can stop him from making amazing music. Props to everyone who worked on this! 💜

[robinmullins]

I'm 59 and grew up on Prince!!! I was there and fell in love with him and his very first ALBUM yes album!!! I was like 12 or 13 I'm guessing!! But he's the reason I FELLin love with music! When I 1st heard him I knew he/ it was clearly much different then any music I have ever heard b4!! When I saw him after I heard his music I was hooked he was beautiful!! People kept saying oh he's gay and I kept saying no he isn't he's unique!! They associated what he wore with his sexual preference but I saw right though that crap they were saying!! He was a unique musical GENIUS!! I think he broke that stereotype, at least for me, that you have to look a certain way! Because of him I feel you can look like whatever your heart desires as long as you know who and what you are!!! Thank you Prince for allowing me at a young age to see what is!! Brother was WAY AHEAD OF HIS MY all time favorite musical instrument please rest in peace!!! 💜💜💜 PS... Prince you were music living MUSIC!!!

[suzeesix]

TRACKLIST


1. Welcome 2 America
2. Running Game (Son Of A Slave Master)
3. Born 2 Die
4. 1000 Light Years From Here
5. Hot Summer
6. Stand Up And B Strong
7. Check The Record
8. Same Page, Different Book
9. When She Comes
10. 1010 (Rin Tin Tin)
11. Yes
12. One Day We Will All B Free

[AlexanderNevermind]

I will NEVER stop saying this...Funky R&B music like this is why Prince needed to disband The Revolution. We could never see them being able to play something like this. Prince was always growing, which meant he always needed to restructure his band to capture his own vision. This song is fire 🔥

[oldskoolmusicforever]

WHO ELSE WISHES PRINCE WAS STILL ALIVE MAKING MUSIC AND ENTERTAINING US

[CainaanDC]

Prince always speaking the truth listen closely.

[landismithCOJ]

They ain't ready for this!!!! #princeforever