I have one of the 8 original copies. It was given to me by a friend who worked at a record plant that pressed them and kept one when they called to have them destroyed.
Found my copy in the window of a second-hand record store in the early 2000s. They literally didn’t know what they had and so I got it for cheap. I went to the counter and was like, “is that Prince’s Black Album in the front..?” And he was like, “we don’t know what it is, that’s why it’s in the front!” 😆 He let me check the track list and confirm it was what I thought it was and he gave me it for $10.
I remember when Lovesexy came out. I had a group of friends at the time that were big into Prince. The Alphabet Street video with the hidden message. Watching MTV and them telling of the hidden message. Hey, wink, wink, nod, nod.... Prince in this video says not to buy The Black Album. Whats this Black Album? Within two weeks we had a cassette copy that came from a friend of a friend of a friends brother. When we heard the album we thought it was at the right speed. Not too long after we got another copy from this same source that this time, the music was slowed down. This didn't sound right too. So we thought about and When 2 Are In Love was both on Lovesexy and The Black Album. The speed of the Lovesexy version of When 2 Are In Love matched the first tape we got of The Black Album. So we figured that this was the correct speed of the album. We all went to the Lovesexy concert and was blown away how it was set up and that he did two songs from The Black Album. The first part was dark and sexual, the second half was love and spiritually. The same order the two albums were created. In the program book it listed all of the songs from The Black Album. So at the time we thought that Prince intended this to be a double album. But we knew that WB didn't want to flood the market with his music. They turned down him doing double and triple albums. So we as a group concluded that he intended to release this the way he did. It sounded like a bootleg, the artwork looked like a bootleg, and we got it like a bootleg. If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, and acts like a duck.... It must be a duck. If you walked in my kitchen and I told you I had to run upstairs. But while I was gone said to you, whatever you do, don't look in the refrigerator. The first thing you are gonna do is look in the refrigerator. Because if you don't want me to look in there, you wouldn't have told me to "not look". He gave us breadcrumbs to follow. The message in the video, the song list in the program book, the songs played in the concert. Why keep telling me about this if you don't want me to listen to this album? When 2 Are In love being on both albums (the only song on The Black Album that wasn't in the Camille voice) We saw it as a key to know how the album is to be played. We all felt this was intentional. Yes we heard the story of the dark place, and him having a spiritual awaking. But we didn't buy it then. I have to say I still don't buy it. Just like the the story of the "spiritual awaking" around his name change to the symbol. We later found out it was because of a contract with WB. I still think all of this was just a way to creatively get around WB. In fact I still listen to both albums with The Black Album first, and Lovesexy 2nd. I even put a bootleg copy of "intermission" from the concert in between both albums. Now I am just sharing the conversations I had with my friends at the time. Please don't accuse me of spreading lies. I know this is not the way most people record the history of this album. This was our experience with this album and how it was released. But living though this time, this was how we experienced this album release.
Just saw your vid, I had a bootleg LP I bought in Berkeley, California back in '89. Then I bought the CD when it was officially released in '94. I've always loved The Black Album. I even got personalized license plates that had "LE GRIND", still have one of those plates!
I was 17 in San Diego. I read about the scrapped record in the back of a Rolling Stone i think. They had said there were bootlegs floating around if you knew where to ask...i did. It was a place called Lou’s in Encinitas. I was the record buyer for my high schools lunch DJ. I knew all the guys because i was there every weekend surfing the import section. I asked if they had it. They said flat out NO. Then one of the guys asked me to leave my number and he would let me know. The next day he called me. I drove the 30 mile ride to the beach so fast and he had it for me in the back room in brown Kraft paper like a Penthouse. It was $19.99 which was expensive for vinyl then but i played that record out. So good. So funky. It had such a dirty funk sound and it was cool to be one of the rare owners of this back room release. Ahhhh i miss his mysterious ways. Especially with no internet. It was all word of mouth and magazines. I was thrilled to hear him play a couple tracks at the LA Sports Arena stop of the Lovesexy Tour November 7th, 1988. Good times.
Yep! I owned a bootleg copy of the album on cassette back in 87-88. I bought a copy of it from the owner of Blue Note Records in Miami, where my brother and I frequented as loyal customers. I went there specifically to get the record, and asked the owner who was surprised that I new about it. He said he only had one vinyl copy of the Black Album, that was imported from Germany. Seeing the dismay of me not getting my own copy because of it not being a release, he opt'd to sell me a copy for the cost a blank cassette tape. So you know I had to get the best cassette on the market at that time, a TDK LOW NOISE/HIGH OUTPUT D90 (which the average was a D30 or D60 min version). I had to get this in as close of quality to the album as possible. I was not disappointed. I got my copy and was a proud peacock with an unheard of exclusive. Loved all the tracks (My Favorite was Cindy. C), and I think I still have the tape...Just no player. LoL!
I had a bootleg, and the bootlegger was kind enough to include a xerox copy of the label! The album blew my mind at the time. It cost me $40, which was a lot to a 15 year old in 1988!
Thanks again for this series Casey, enjoying the content. I bought a bootleg of the black album a month or so after it came out, an embossed image of Prince black on black. I also bought the Aussie release CD, The Black Album simply brilliant. Alternate version of Superfunkycalifragisexy is one of my favourites. Cheers
I had a buddy in Philly that was plugged into all the musical goings-on. He said "Let's take a ride to WDAS", the premier R&B station. He went inside and came out with a cassette with no writing on it, and handed it to me. The rest is history...
I brought it on cassette in Summer ‘89. It was at the record store (which is now a Starbucks) on Bleecker St in The Village. The store displayed the cassette cover on the window with him wearing a Betsey Johnson dress.
I had dubbed the original bootleg from a friend while living in Atlanta on a cassette. Bought the 1994 version when it was finally released. “Bob George” is my go to on that album. I’m glad that P repurposed “When 2 R in Love” for LoveSexy.
I have 2 copies of the black album bootleg with the glossy black / matte black picture of Prince on the cover, one mint unopened, one opened and played about 5 times, and yes Prince took drugs, was on drugs, and used drugs throughout his career. No shame, no blame, RIP to one of the greats.
I obtained a bootleg copy of The Black Album on cassette that had an unfortunate hiss on the recording. Within the next year or so, I happened across a CD version and, to my surprise upon taking it home and opening it, discovered it was a three-disc set. The Black Album disc was definitely a far clearer recording than the cassette I'd had (dare I say, it was as clean as the official release when it eventually came out). The other two discs were, sadly, cursed with that unfortunate hiss again, but it contained some fantastic tracks from the Crystal Ball sessions like Wonderful Ass and Moviestar, and other cool stuff like the demo version of Christopher Tracy's Parade, Little Girl Wendy's Parade. I'm guessing this was probably a bootleg of a bootleg of a bootleg.
In early 1989 I moved from San Francisco to Hollywood. While discovering all the used and new record and CD stores in LA I went into one on Melrose Ave. I lived on Fairfax and Sunset so I walked down the hill to Melrose. I was not looking for anything in particular, but I always checked the used new releases section. To my surprise there it was. A vinyl copy of the infamous Black Album new and shrink wrapped! The cover was glossy black but had a matte black inlay of Prince over it. You could only see it in the right light. Unfortunately, it was $50 and that was a lot of money back in '89. I had no job yet and just paid my rent. What was a then 12 year, hard core Prince fan to do? What every Prince fan would do; drag out that emergency credit card! I ran home, literally, and put it on the turntable. My ears were never the same. It was a Korean pressing mastered from what was obviously a hissssssy 2nd gen cassette. But if I turned up the bass and trebble it still hit hard. I immediately made my own cassette for the car and never played it again. Fast forward to 1994. Still living in Los Angeles, The Black Album was finally released on CD. I stood in line at Tower Records on Sunset at 12:01 AM to be the first to purchase my pristine CD copy. I was into the now old school funk album all over again. What TVR did not mention is that The Black Album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 that week. As we all know, even the 1994 CD is long out of print and, except for RUclips uploads, not available on any streaming platform. Damn, ain't that a bitch! My 2 favorite Prince albums to this day are Camille and The Black Album. Let's party like it was 1987! Cuz at that time he was Dead On It!
I love this album immensely! My fav track is SuperFunky... and Le Grind is a close 2nd for me! I’m a huge Prince fan and collector. I own one of the original vinyl pressings of the album from 1987. I bought it from a friend who works as a disc jockey in Washington DC. I paid $800 for the album at the time and have received a written offer for it in the years sense in the amount of $6,000.
I had gotten a copy of the album shortly after it was busy being pulled from release! I wasn't a large Prince fan at that time but it would be my Favorite Prince work ever released at that time!! I LOVE that album! Cindy C is my favorite track but I Had to repeat Bob George to all my female friends! We ALL laughed not because we thought it was stupid or crazy, but it was an honest and brave thing to say to someone who might be Cheatin on you!
Very interesting, great research! Thank you!!! I surely had a bootleg on audio cassette and I loved most of it. You could surely feel the anger and conflict!
Had a bootleg copy of it in '89 on vinyl. Loved it cause, to me, it was sooo weird. Saw him in concert on the Lovesexy tour where he did "Bob George". Loved it.
I have a 88 vinyl bootleg copy that I bought from a record fair. My pride and joy(no pun)...I also have the Prince /Miles Davis unreleased album on cassette tape. Halcyon days from when i first witnessed the man from Wembley arena. I have the t-shirt and the original Tour Programme.
Yup, back in the day I grabbed an official "unofficial" version when in Europe. In the crazy high price days on discogs, I almost broke and sold it. I am glad I kept it.
This was my first bootleg back in the 80s and the only bootleg I had before Prince’s death. My friend bought the LP at a record store (an illegal copy?) and made me a cassette tape.
My brother and I heard it being played over the sound system in a record store once. We recognized it was Prince music we never heard before. My brother inquired of the staff on how to get this record. This started our seedy journey into the underground bootleg market. The employee gave us the name of a guy. My brother paid a lot of money under the table for 4 cassettes of unreleased Prince music on tape. It was like we were doing drugs or something. In college I found a bootleg copy cd along with Crystal Ball. I eventually bought the official limited release as well. I think I like Cindy C the best.
Great video. I got my copy of the bootleg from a coworker at Tower Records, back in 1988. On a separate note, how in the hell does someone not like SOTT!?! Nelson George earned his scorn, IMHO.
My favorite track is Dead On It, it so funny in a way, how he performs it and sings. I never associated it with anything negative really. And after Prince passed away, the Black Album was somewhat available again, so I bought the CD and Vinyl versions.
Oh hell yes, I had 3 dif. copies of the album. 1 horrible cassette, a second cassette (much better) and then finally a CD from a Recka-Show. Loved it then and still love it.
A friend bought a vinyl copy in Amsterdam and brought me one back too. I never thought I would ever hear it so I was blown away. Later saw some songs on the Lovesexy tour.
I have an original... I went to record store in a mall in Minnesota where I got most of my Prince music and they had a few that made it to the shelves:-)
I have a copy of the bootleg! I will never forget, my brother's girlfriend at the time gave it to me back in 1987/88 and you couldn't tell me nothing, until it was released in later years!!! I still have it with my other Prince cassettes.
My first boyfriend, a huge Prince connoisseur also, bought me a bootleg vinyl copy from Sound Exchange in Houston, TX in 1987 for Christmas (still have it today). I like Cindy C and When 2 are in Love. Also mention worthy-He also managed to get his hands on Royal Jewels vinyl box set at that time.
Aside from Bob George, he also performed Superfunkycalifragisexy on the Lovesexy tour. And When 2 R in Love if you count it , since it was originally on The Black Album.
I had and still have my bootleg of the Black Album as well as the later WB CD release. It was purchased at Sound waves record store in SE Houston, Texas Tapes and Records having closed by that time. Bob George is still one of my favorite humorous Prince tracks along with songs like Movie Star, Cloreen Bacon Skin and even the Family's High Fashion " ...She had the nerve to ask what kind of car I had. Hunny, I'm riding in the back of a Rolls-Royce limo custom painted plaid!"
I had 2 bootleg copies before the official release. First, I called all over town until I came up with a low quality cassette. I had to take several buses to the record store in question but I would've done anything for Prince. A year later, I happened upon a CD bootleg of much higher fidelity. I suspect that Prince never really intended to release it in '87 and it was supposed to be an object lesson, paving the way for its polar opposite Lovesexy , thus representing the struggle between the sacred and the profane. Others have suggested that it was all a stunt to further heighten his mystique. It is very likely that it was initially bootlegged by the man himself. At any rate, The Black Album started me on an endless quest for unreleased Prince music, resulting in some amazing discoveries that quickly became personal favorites.
I sadly wasn't that big a fan of the Black Album. I'd say my favorite track was the one that survived on LoveSexy, 'When 2 are in Love'. Bob George is also fun because of how strange it is.
Two more fun facts for y’all. The color of the title of the album on the spine was Peach (and Black). 🍑& ⚫️ If you slow down the voice of the person P is supposed to be having a phone conversation, it’s actually “operator, what city please?” on a loop. Busted! So clever.😂💜 BTW I had 3 CD’s before 1994. One that was mixed perfectly but had gaps between the songs spoiling the flow. The other 2 tracked with no gaps but one hissy and the other muddy with heavy bass. Also had a very lossy cassette. So happy when WB released it properly that I purchased a CD and cassette tape. Thanks for your hard work Casey 🙏
I first had a cover version of the whole album performed by a German studio band several weeks after the intended release date of th Black Album. Later on I got the hand on a double bootleg album containing the black album and other studio demo's from the same era. And of course the WB release in 1994.
I was lucky in 94, my mom entered a compition in my name and won a CD copy of this album. Was the best Christmas time, I loved this album so much. I actually found it fun and uplifting. It felt more like Prince showing his sense of homour. For me, 94 was a perfect time to get to hear this album. Every time if I get an errection in public I always think of Rock hard in a funcky place xD
I had heard or read somewhere that the Ecstasy had actually come from Ingrid Chavez herself, and I feel like Cat would vehemently deny being involved in that in any way. As for Anthony Keidis's role in this (I'm a huge Chili Peppers fan as well, btw) not sure what to make of that but I find it curious that Prince's world and the RHCPs world had ever intersected, especially since I've always wondered what Prince thought about the RHCPs funk leanings and if he had any respect for those funky-ass white boys' boundless affinity for all things funky. Great video! Keep em coming! Keep the legacy alive!
I remembered when the album was released there was a big promotion on MTV when 2 R in Love video premiered. No one expected it to be an audio video of the song with just a black background with white lyrics. I must say that Prince broke a lot barriers as an artist. I think He was the first to use this format which is popularly use today. I would love for guys to do a. Ideo about the artists Prince allow to sample song of his songs like MCHammer's "Pray" and Big Daddy Kane's " The lover in you" and some others. Thank for your videos.
I have a demo version of the Black Album. The kind that were used in record stores to promote an album. All the songs are concentrated onto 3 tracks on the CD, so I used to have to fast forward to the beginning of Cindy C(for example) if that was the sound I wanted to hear until I bought the updated release in '93. They did this so that the music store would play a few songs from the album at a time before shuffling to another CD in their shop! Clever trick and a pretty unique disc to have in my opinion. Stay funky y'all!
I remember having a bootleg copy on tape in 1989 thinking the quality of the reording was poor and then when it came out on CD in 94 it was pretty much the same! This is a really good album, i like its brashness and dirty funk.
Great job VR👍🏽! “Le Grind” is my most favorite track from Prince’s Legendary Black Album. Believe me when I say that it was hard to choose just 1 favorite song when it comes to this highly underrated, super funky greasy chicken project. I currently have an original copy of the CD. An original copy of the cassette and 3 different vinyl versions...1. The original WB labeled version with the orange & black hype sticker pressed on 1 LP record. 2. The swirled peach marble colored version. 3. The DJ copy set that comes with 2 white and tan colored vinyl records that spins at 45RPM. “...damn...let me c ya dance”
"Rock hard in a funky place" is my favorite track on that album. It has the most funky horn riff ever, and it's even the chorus and hook of the song. The chorus of the song is just that horns arrangement. The horn melodies are easy enough to figure out (with some effort), but the way those melodies work together with the played chords there is really weird and interesting if you dig into it. And yet it's just such a funny and simple funky track when you just listen to it, without thinking about the notes that are actually played. That's just genius in my opinion.
I got an early bootleg too. It seemed like, at that time that everyone had a friend who was a Prince freak who had a friend at Paisley Park. Rock Hard in a Funky Place is one of the best Black Album/Lovesexy tunes. That groove combined with Eric Leads horn line playing at the same time, (can still hum that horn part to this day), so good. But I also got some of the Crystal Ball songs as well. Let’s see, Old Friends for Sale and All my Dreams(?). Those songs were truly amazing. The Parade/Crystal Ball/Sign ó The Times period was extra magical, especially with Claire Fisher involved. Even the solo albums by the Revolution (Brown Mark, Wendy & Lisa), were great. The two released Madhouse albums, and the Eric Leads solo album.So much good material.
Susan Rogers' take on this album is spot on. It IS filled with "mindless party songs'" in that they have great grooves but they are (mostly) lacking in memorable melodies and lyrics. I read somewhere (around 1990) that these tracks were originally recorded specifically to be played at a birthday party for Sheila E. that was to take place in Paisley Park (but not released commercially) but I have no way to verify that. Having said all that, I still think it's a great album.
I found that album in France when i was serving in the navy ! being a DJ i bought two copies and still have them in my collection ! Boogie All Over the World
I was blessed to get the Prince Black lp. at a record convention in M.P.L.S. for $12.00 un opened i believed i got it ether 1988, 89 can't remember Yes when i got home i opened it up to listen. 3 yrs a go tried to sell it at electric fetus in mn. They couldn't find my copy on the internet. Cause my purple sticker was at the top left corner while other on the internet was in the middle. The store offered me only $10.00 i just took it with me. Still have it & yes the lp. cover is the black hollow gram copy. Still to this day my favorite 1 is Bob George it so funky. Be from MN. I got many great music memories & got to meet a lot of M.P.L.S. artists even the one that didn't make it big. Never got to meet Prince but i got to see him in concert 81' - 82'. + the performances at Glam Slam. Also got blessed to guest many times with Dj Doug D. Glam Slams main dj. Seen Prince many time there but never got to meet him. But the club gave me many great memories + Friends.
I had a bootleg copy back in high school in 87, of course it was a copy of a copy on cassette but it was so cool to know I had something of Prince in 87 , like finding gold in your backyard. :)
Proud to say I did have a bootleg of The Black Album (vinyl) back in the days. Bought it from Camden Market, a favourite place for music and apparently Prince - I recall he both clubbed / played impromptu sets in Camden & owned a shop around there (as did Jazzy B, Soul 2 Soul). Pre Britpop / Amy Winehouse Camden had a cool R&B / hip hop vibe to it (Fugees played their first uk show in Camden). Kind of fitting the place was flooded with bootleg copies of the Black Album
i have a vinyl promo of the black album from an employee at warner bros , i got in 1988 on the cover you can see a picture of prince on the all black album , if you look at the right angle when 2 r in luv
Bought it for probably too much in the early 90's when it was still a bootleg on CD. I'm no Prince aficionado, but it's my 2nd favorite recording of his behind "Sign o' The Times." "Le Grind" is probably my favorite track, but I enjoy it all.
I owned a bootleg copy of the Black Album..I paid $400 for it...I know ridiculous and I bought the CD when it was originally released...my favorite tracks are Superfunkycalifragisexy and Bob George
I had a copy on CD in about '89. My favorite is Dead On It, as it makes fun of bad rappers. I'm pretty sure that Prince DID want it out there, but was not interested in the profit, and knew that if it was "officially" released, Warner Brothers would have slow-walked his next project.
I've got a 94' promo copy from it's "official release", with all the hype stickers and stuff on it. Hopefully I can get my hands on an 88' vinyl copy. That'd be my favorite item in my Prince collection.
yes had a copy, think i was like 14 years old or so...bob george was my favorite track...but over all it just wasnt a very good album and prince had for me started to leave his good era of music and would be lost mostly the whole 90s for me trying to be populare
I had a cassette copy of the black album from a friend named Brian. actually i had so many songs from prince before they were released that some are just now hearing.
Well I had a bootleg copy of the BLACK ALBUM mailed to me by a local DJ named "Normani Spitz". His radio show ran on a crackly, bay area station that could barely be heard. I was a file clerk in a San Jose office with a walkman permanently attached to my head while I made copies and went on my daily duties. One day, I heard what would turn out to be "2 Nigs United for West Compton". Even with little vocals and the crappy static from the faint radio signal. I could tell it was Prince and I started jumping up and down thinking to myself, "Holy SH** I think this is one of the songs off that new Prince album". I had read an article in a british music magazine Q about the release/cancellation of that project. So I patiently waited for the setlist to finish and for the station phone # to be announced and I called in. The guy answers and was totally nice. I screamed, "Duuude.....is that a new Prince song that you're playing?!?!?". He calmly laughed and said yes and then totally out of left field he says, "Would you like me to mail you a copy? I started stuttering but yelled out "HEEELLL YEAAAAAH". He took my address down and that was that. After 3 weeks or so, nothing was showing up in the mail so I thought he had just forgotten about it. Then one Monday afternoon, there it was. A bright yellow envelope with my name in handwritten calligraphy style. I started jumping up and down like crazy. I opened the envelope and it was a minty fresh "Maxell" brand blank tape with, once again, handwritten song list written on both sides of the cassette. I played the SH*** out of the cassette that entire year till it finally broke!! Whew, didn't mean for this to be such a long winded post but if anyone in the Bay Area knows of "Normani Spitz' and whatever happened to him, pls post some info. This is also serves as my public THANK YOU for such an awesome gift!! 😃 😄😃 😄😃 😄 I'm a new subscriber and this is my fave RUclips Channel and can't wait for more videos!!!
Seattle 1988 during the Lovesexy 88 show, Prince and the band played "Le Grind" for the show opener, "BobGeorge", "Superfunkycalifragisexy"and "Cindy C" back to back about half way through the show, and "Positivity" for an encore / last song. I wished the show would never end. I don't think anyone in the sold out crowd (myself included) had heard these songs or the Black Album for that matter. Totally Blew us all away!
Got my cd bootleg from a Record Fair in Cardiff Wales in 1989, quality was really good plus it had 2 extra tracks at the end "Old Friends 4 sale" and "All My Dreams"..Still bought the official album in 1994 though.This also could do with a remaster!
I heard the "X" rumors but no other names associated with that regarding the album. So I can't take that as fact. I'm curious about how many cassette and LP copies were released orginally to DJs and others. Also I want to know how many copies were destroyed as Prince "allegedly" asked for Warner Brothers to do so. I had the cassette bootleg and then bought the WB cd release. It was from ebay or amazon and expensive. I'd like to hear Susan Rogers-sp speak directly about the Black Album to get her view or some clarity. "Dead on it," is my favorite track. Interesting video.
I love Rock hard in a funky place, Le grind, and Bob George the most. The album was enjoyable and different. I got mine at a Rasputin music store and loved it.
I did have 1 cassette bootleg of the black album in late 1987, and 1 year later a CD bootleg copy of the same album.... Also, my local radio station KSOL in California did play “Le Grind” as promo for planned release, but we all knew what happened...
Fave Track- ‘When 2 R In Love’ Bought a copy in 1989 for $30. Twice the price it was being sold for at a record store that had copies of the ‘Black Album’.
There was a bootleg LP (with a really nice cover jacket - matte black with Prince's portrait spot varnished on it) on the wall of a record store in Austin I found in 1992. They wanted $300 for it. And I ALMOST bought it, but that would've left me broke for the next month. By the time I could afford it and get back down to Austin, someone had already snapped it up.
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I have one of the 8 original copies. It was given to me by a friend who worked at a record plant that pressed them and kept one when they called to have them destroyed.
Found my copy in the window of a second-hand record store in the early 2000s. They literally didn’t know what they had and so I got it for cheap. I went to the counter and was like, “is that Prince’s Black Album in the front..?” And he was like, “we don’t know what it is, that’s why it’s in the front!” 😆 He let me check the track list and confirm it was what I thought it was and he gave me it for $10.
I remember when Lovesexy came out. I had a group of friends at the time that were big into Prince. The Alphabet Street video with the hidden message. Watching MTV and them telling of the hidden message. Hey, wink, wink, nod, nod.... Prince in this video says not to buy The Black Album. Whats this Black Album? Within two weeks we had a cassette copy that came from a friend of a friend of a friends brother. When we heard the album we thought it was at the right speed. Not too long after we got another copy from this same source that this time, the music was slowed down. This didn't sound right too. So we thought about and When 2 Are In Love was both on Lovesexy and The Black Album. The speed of the Lovesexy version of When 2 Are In Love matched the first tape we got of The Black Album. So we figured that this was the correct speed of the album. We all went to the Lovesexy concert and was blown away how it was set up and that he did two songs from The Black Album. The first part was dark and sexual, the second half was love and spiritually. The same order the two albums were created. In the program book it listed all of the songs from The Black Album. So at the time we thought that Prince intended this to be a double album. But we knew that WB didn't want to flood the market with his music. They turned down him doing double and triple albums. So we as a group concluded that he intended to release this the way he did. It sounded like a bootleg, the artwork looked like a bootleg, and we got it like a bootleg. If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck, and acts like a duck.... It must be a duck. If you walked in my kitchen and I told you I had to run upstairs. But while I was gone said to you, whatever you do, don't look in the refrigerator. The first thing you are gonna do is look in the refrigerator. Because if you don't want me to look in there, you wouldn't have told me to "not look". He gave us breadcrumbs to follow. The message in the video, the song list in the program book, the songs played in the concert. Why keep telling me about this if you don't want me to listen to this album? When 2 Are In love being on both albums (the only song on The Black Album that wasn't in the Camille voice) We saw it as a key to know how the album is to be played. We all felt this was intentional. Yes we heard the story of the dark place, and him having a spiritual awaking. But we didn't buy it then. I have to say I still don't buy it. Just like the the story of the "spiritual awaking" around his name change to the symbol. We later found out it was because of a contract with WB. I still think all of this was just a way to creatively get around WB. In fact I still listen to both albums with The Black Album first, and Lovesexy 2nd. I even put a bootleg copy of "intermission" from the concert in between both albums.
Now I am just sharing the conversations I had with my friends at the time. Please don't accuse me of spreading lies. I know this is not the way most people record the history of this album. This was our experience with this album and how it was released. But living though this time, this was how we experienced this album release.
Unlike other Prince albums that you appreciate with your ears, this one hits you in the guts. And I always listen straight thru. Cindy-C kicks ass.
I still love Cindy C but rock hard with that horn arraignment is the shit
Just saw your vid, I had a bootleg LP I bought in Berkeley, California back in '89. Then I bought the CD when it was officially released in '94. I've always loved The Black Album. I even got personalized license plates that had "LE GRIND", still have one of those plates!
I was 17 in San Diego. I read about the scrapped record in the back of a Rolling Stone i think. They had said there were bootlegs floating around if you knew where to ask...i did. It was a place called Lou’s in Encinitas. I was the record buyer for my high schools lunch DJ. I knew all the guys because i was there every weekend surfing the import section. I asked if they had it. They said flat out NO. Then one of the guys asked me to leave my number and he would let me know. The next day he called me. I drove the 30 mile ride to the beach so fast and he had it for me in the back room in brown Kraft paper like a Penthouse. It was $19.99 which was expensive for vinyl then but i played that record out. So good. So funky. It had such a dirty funk sound and it was cool to be one of the rare owners of this back room release. Ahhhh i miss his mysterious ways. Especially with no internet. It was all word of mouth and magazines. I was thrilled to hear him play a couple tracks at the LA Sports Arena stop of the Lovesexy Tour November 7th, 1988. Good times.
Yep! I owned a bootleg copy of the album on cassette back in 87-88. I bought a copy of it from the owner of Blue Note Records in Miami, where my brother and I frequented as loyal customers. I went there specifically to get the record, and asked the owner who was surprised that I new about it. He said he only had one vinyl copy of the Black Album, that was imported from Germany. Seeing the dismay of me not getting my own copy because of it not being a release, he opt'd to sell me a copy for the cost a blank cassette tape. So you know I had to get the best cassette on the market at that time, a TDK LOW NOISE/HIGH OUTPUT D90 (which the average was a D30 or D60 min version). I had to get this in as close of quality to the album as possible. I was not disappointed. I got my copy and was a proud peacock with an unheard of exclusive. Loved all the tracks (My Favorite was Cindy. C), and I think I still have the tape...Just no player. LoL!
I had a bootleg, and the bootlegger was kind enough to include a xerox copy of the label! The album blew my mind at the time. It cost me $40, which was a lot to a 15 year old in 1988!
I had a tape of a tape of a tape of a tape.
Thanks again for this series Casey, enjoying the content. I bought a bootleg of the black album a month or so after it came out, an embossed image of Prince black on black. I also bought the Aussie release CD, The Black Album simply brilliant. Alternate version of Superfunkycalifragisexy is one of my favourites. Cheers
Yes I did have a bootleg and my fav from it is: “Bob George”
I had a buddy in Philly that was plugged into all the musical goings-on. He said "Let's take a ride to WDAS", the premier R&B station. He went inside and came out with a cassette with no writing on it, and handed it to me.
The rest is history...
I brought it on cassette in Summer ‘89. It was at the record store (which is now a Starbucks) on Bleecker St in The Village. The store displayed the cassette cover on the window with him wearing a Betsey Johnson dress.
I had dubbed the original bootleg from a friend while living in Atlanta on a cassette. Bought the 1994 version when it was finally released. “Bob George” is my go to on that album. I’m glad that P repurposed “When 2 R in Love” for LoveSexy.
Prince really took ecstasy? Now THATS a shocking fact, didn’t know he took any types of drugs in general
I have 2 copies of the black album bootleg with the glossy black / matte black picture of Prince on the cover, one mint unopened, one opened and played about 5 times, and yes Prince took drugs, was on drugs, and used drugs throughout his career. No shame, no blame, RIP to one of the greats.
Best album for consistently deranged song openings and questionable lyrics. I'd buy a reissue in a heartbeat.
I obtained a bootleg copy of The Black Album on cassette that had an unfortunate hiss on the recording. Within the next year or so, I happened across a CD version and, to my surprise upon taking it home and opening it, discovered it was a three-disc set. The Black Album disc was definitely a far clearer recording than the cassette I'd had (dare I say, it was as clean as the official release when it eventually came out). The other two discs were, sadly, cursed with that unfortunate hiss again, but it contained some fantastic tracks from the Crystal Ball sessions like Wonderful Ass and Moviestar, and other cool stuff like the demo version of Christopher Tracy's Parade, Little Girl Wendy's Parade. I'm guessing this was probably a bootleg of a bootleg of a bootleg.
Bro, it's like having a baby with triple heads.
In early 1989 I moved from San Francisco to Hollywood. While discovering all the used and new record and CD stores in LA I went into one on Melrose Ave. I lived on Fairfax and Sunset so I walked down the hill to Melrose. I was not looking for anything in particular, but I always checked the used new releases section. To my surprise there it was. A vinyl copy of the infamous Black Album new and shrink wrapped! The cover was glossy black but had a matte black inlay of Prince over it. You could only see it in the right light. Unfortunately, it was $50 and that was a lot of money back in '89. I had no job yet and just paid my rent. What was a then 12 year, hard core Prince fan to do? What every Prince fan would do; drag out that emergency credit card! I ran home, literally, and put it on the turntable. My ears were never the same. It was a Korean pressing mastered from what was obviously a hissssssy 2nd gen cassette. But if I turned up the bass and trebble it still hit hard. I immediately made my own cassette for the car and never played it again.
Fast forward to 1994. Still living in Los Angeles, The Black Album was finally released on CD. I stood in line at Tower Records on Sunset at 12:01 AM to be the first to purchase my pristine CD copy. I was into the now old school funk album all over again. What TVR did not mention is that The Black Album debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top 200 that week. As we all know, even the 1994 CD is long out of print and, except for RUclips uploads, not available on any streaming platform. Damn, ain't that a bitch!
My 2 favorite Prince albums to this day are Camille and The Black Album. Let's party like it was 1987! Cuz at that time he was Dead On It!
I love this album immensely! My fav track is SuperFunky... and Le Grind is a close 2nd for me! I’m a huge Prince fan and collector. I own one of the original vinyl pressings of the album from 1987. I bought it from a friend who works as a disc jockey in Washington DC. I paid $800 for the album at the time and have received a written offer for it in the years sense in the amount of $6,000.
I had gotten a copy of the album shortly after it was busy being pulled from release! I wasn't a large Prince fan at that time but it would be my Favorite Prince work ever released at that time!! I LOVE that album! Cindy C is my favorite track but I Had to repeat Bob George to all my female friends! We ALL laughed not because we thought it was stupid or crazy, but it was an honest and brave thing to say to someone who might be Cheatin on you!
Very interesting, great research! Thank you!!! I surely had a bootleg on audio cassette and I loved most of it. You could surely feel the anger and conflict!
This album always intrigues me. Great video!
Had a bootleg copy of it in '89 on vinyl. Loved it cause, to me, it was sooo weird. Saw him in concert on the Lovesexy tour where he did "Bob George". Loved it.
Thanks for another awesome installment!
"Dead On It"
Thanks purple friend for the video!
I have a 88 vinyl bootleg copy that I bought from a record fair. My pride and joy(no pun)...I also have the Prince /Miles Davis unreleased album on cassette tape. Halcyon days from when i first witnessed the man from Wembley arena. I have the t-shirt and the original Tour Programme.
Wow I would love to have this on vinyl
Yup, back in the day I grabbed an official "unofficial" version when in Europe. In the crazy high price days on discogs, I almost broke and sold it. I am glad I kept it.
This was my first bootleg back in the 80s and the only bootleg I had before Prince’s death. My friend bought the LP at a record store (an illegal copy?) and made me a cassette tape.
My brother and I heard it being played over the sound system in a record store once. We recognized it was Prince music we never heard before. My brother inquired of the staff on how to get this record. This started our seedy journey into the underground bootleg market. The employee gave us the name of a guy. My brother paid a lot of money under the table for 4 cassettes of unreleased Prince music on tape. It was like we were doing drugs or something. In college I found a bootleg copy cd along with Crystal Ball. I eventually bought the official limited release as well. I think I like Cindy C the best.
My favorite was Rock hard in the Funky place
Rock hard is a garbage song in my opinion lol.
I liked it, but I don't remember if I have both versions.
That song has such a brilliant vibe.
Great video. I got my copy of the bootleg from a coworker at Tower Records, back in 1988. On a separate note, how in the hell does someone not like SOTT!?! Nelson George earned his scorn, IMHO.
Eyyyyyy .... amazing AMAZING content, sirrrrrr
My favorite track is Dead On It, it so funny in a way, how he performs it and sings.
I never associated it with anything negative really.
And after Prince passed away, the Black Album was somewhat available again, so I bought the CD and Vinyl versions.
Oh hell yes, I had 3 dif. copies of the album. 1 horrible cassette, a second cassette (much better) and then finally a CD from a Recka-Show. Loved it then and still love it.
I have an original copy of the black album
I like the album and all its quirks of course
I like your reviews ! Keep going ! Superfunkycalifragisexy on the Lovesexy tour- what a great era!
A friend bought a vinyl copy in Amsterdam and brought me one back too. I never thought I would ever hear it so I was blown away. Later saw some songs on the Lovesexy tour.
I have an original... I went to record store in a mall in Minnesota where I got most of my Prince music and they had a few that made it to the shelves:-)
I have a copy of the bootleg! I will never forget, my brother's girlfriend at the time gave it to me back in 1987/88 and you couldn't tell me nothing, until it was released in later years!!! I still have it with my other Prince cassettes.
My first boyfriend, a huge Prince connoisseur also, bought me a bootleg vinyl copy from Sound Exchange in Houston, TX in 1987 for Christmas (still have it today). I like Cindy C and When 2 are in Love.
Also mention worthy-He also managed to get his hands on Royal Jewels vinyl box set at that time.
Aside from Bob George, he also performed Superfunkycalifragisexy on the Lovesexy tour. And When 2 R in Love if you count it , since it was originally on The Black Album.
Yes! I asked on the SOTT video if you were going to do this or Lovesexy next! I agree with it being here!
LeGrind and Cindy C are my favorites. Bob George was cool to hear a time or three but quickly wears out its welcome after that.
I had a bootleg copy in 1987. Came across it at a record store. Only paid $13 for it. Favorite song was Bob George!
I had and still have my bootleg of the Black Album as well as the later WB CD release. It was purchased at Sound waves record store in SE Houston, Texas Tapes and Records having closed by that time. Bob George is still one of my favorite humorous Prince tracks along with songs like Movie Star, Cloreen Bacon Skin and even the Family's High Fashion " ...She had the nerve to ask what kind of car I had. Hunny, I'm riding in the back of a Rolls-Royce limo custom painted plaid!"
I love this album, Bob George is my favorite track
I had 2 bootleg copies before the official release. First, I called all over town until I came up with a low quality cassette. I had to take several buses to the record store in question but I would've done anything for Prince. A year later, I happened upon a CD bootleg of much higher fidelity.
I suspect that Prince never really intended to release it in '87 and it was supposed to be an object lesson, paving the way for its polar opposite Lovesexy , thus representing the struggle between the sacred and the profane.
Others have suggested that it was all a stunt to further heighten his mystique. It is very likely that it was initially bootlegged by the man himself.
At any rate, The Black Album started me on an endless quest for unreleased Prince music, resulting in some amazing discoveries that quickly became personal favorites.
Good stuff!! Thank you mate.
Yup, I had a copy. My favorites are "When 2 R In Love" & "Rock Hard In A Funky Place."
I sadly wasn't that big a fan of the Black Album. I'd say my favorite track was the one that survived on LoveSexy, 'When 2 are in Love'. Bob George is also fun because of how strange it is.
Prince said that he didnt write the black album.in a clear mind. But he felt it a bit demonic.
Two more fun facts for y’all.
The color of the title of the album on the spine was Peach (and Black). 🍑& ⚫️
If you slow down the voice of the person P is supposed to be having a phone conversation, it’s actually “operator, what city please?” on a loop. Busted! So clever.😂💜
BTW I had 3 CD’s before 1994. One that was mixed perfectly but had gaps between the songs spoiling the flow. The other 2 tracked with no gaps but one hissy and the other muddy with heavy bass. Also had a very lossy cassette. So happy when WB released it properly that I purchased a CD and cassette tape.
Thanks for your hard work Casey 🙏
I first had a cover version of the whole album performed by a German studio band several weeks after the intended release date of th Black Album. Later on I got the hand on a double bootleg album containing the black album and other studio demo's from the same era. And of course the WB release in 1994.
I was lucky in 94, my mom entered a compition in my name and won a CD copy of this album. Was the best Christmas time, I loved this album so much. I actually found it fun and uplifting. It felt more like Prince showing his sense of homour. For me, 94 was a perfect time to get to hear this album. Every time if I get an errection in public I always think of Rock hard in a funcky place xD
I had heard or read somewhere that the Ecstasy had actually come from Ingrid Chavez herself, and I feel like Cat would vehemently deny being involved in that in any way. As for Anthony Keidis's role in this (I'm a huge Chili Peppers fan as well, btw) not sure what to make of that but I find it curious that Prince's world and the RHCPs world had ever intersected, especially since I've always wondered what Prince thought about the RHCPs funk leanings and if he had any respect for those funky-ass white boys' boundless affinity for all things funky. Great video! Keep em coming! Keep the legacy alive!
I remembered when the album was released there was a big promotion on MTV when 2 R in Love video premiered. No one expected it to be an audio video of the song with just a black background with white lyrics. I must say that Prince broke a lot barriers as an artist. I think He was the first to use this format which is popularly use today. I would love for guys to do a. Ideo about the artists Prince allow to sample song of his songs like MCHammer's "Pray" and Big Daddy Kane's " The lover in you" and some others. Thank for your videos.
I have a demo version of the Black Album. The kind that were used in record stores to promote an album. All the songs are concentrated onto 3 tracks on the CD, so I used to have to fast forward to the beginning of Cindy C(for example) if that was the sound I wanted to hear until I bought the updated release in '93. They did this so that the music store would play a few songs from the album at a time before shuffling to another CD in their shop! Clever trick and a pretty unique disc to have in my opinion. Stay funky y'all!
I remember having a bootleg copy on tape in 1989 thinking the quality of the reording was poor and then when it came out on CD in 94 it was pretty much the same! This is a really good album, i like its brashness and dirty funk.
Great job VR👍🏽!
“Le Grind” is my most favorite track from Prince’s Legendary Black Album. Believe me when I say that it was hard to choose just 1 favorite song when it comes to this highly underrated, super funky greasy chicken project. I currently have an original copy of the CD. An original copy of the cassette and 3 different vinyl versions...1. The original WB labeled version with the orange & black hype sticker pressed on 1 LP record. 2. The swirled peach marble colored version. 3. The DJ copy set that comes with 2 white and tan colored vinyl records that spins at 45RPM.
“...damn...let me c ya dance”
"Rock hard in a funky place" is my favorite track on that album. It has the most funky horn riff ever, and it's even the chorus and hook of the song.
The chorus of the song is just that horns arrangement. The horn melodies are easy enough to figure out (with some effort), but the way those melodies work together with the played chords there is really weird and interesting if you dig into it.
And yet it's just such a funny and simple funky track when you just listen to it, without thinking about the notes that are actually played.
That's just genius in my opinion.
I once had the original bootleg LP, but I gave it away. Kinda regret that...
"Rockhard in a Funk Place" still stands out to me.
Danny....U GOT GREAT TASTE...HA!!!!
Yeppers!! Had a copy on metal cassette tape!!! From a Coworker at U.S.P.S. THANK YOU BRIAN!!
I got an early bootleg too. It seemed like, at that time that everyone had a friend who was a Prince freak who had a friend at Paisley Park. Rock Hard in a Funky Place is one of the best Black Album/Lovesexy tunes. That groove combined with Eric Leads horn line playing at the same time, (can still hum that horn part to this day), so good. But I also got some of the Crystal Ball songs as well. Let’s see, Old Friends for Sale and All my Dreams(?). Those songs were truly amazing. The Parade/Crystal Ball/Sign ó The Times period was extra magical, especially with Claire Fisher involved. Even the solo albums by the Revolution (Brown Mark, Wendy & Lisa), were great. The two released Madhouse albums, and the Eric Leads solo album.So much good material.
Susan Rogers' take on this album is spot on. It IS filled with "mindless party songs'" in that they have great grooves but they are (mostly) lacking in memorable melodies and lyrics. I read somewhere (around 1990) that these tracks were originally recorded specifically to be played at a birthday party for Sheila E. that was to take place in Paisley Park (but not released commercially) but I have no way to verify that. Having said all that, I still think it's a great album.
I own a bootleg vinyl and an official CD copy of it from 94'. Still on the hunt for the original vinyl
I found that album in France when i was serving in the navy ! being a DJ i bought two copies and still have them in my collection ! Boogie All Over the World
I was blessed to get the Prince Black lp. at a record convention in M.P.L.S. for $12.00 un opened i believed i got it ether 1988, 89 can't remember Yes when i got home i opened it up to listen. 3 yrs a go tried to sell it at electric fetus in mn. They couldn't find my copy on the internet. Cause my purple sticker was at the top left corner while other on the internet was in the middle. The store offered me only $10.00 i just took it with me. Still have it & yes the lp. cover is the black hollow gram copy. Still to this day my favorite 1 is Bob George it so funky. Be from MN. I got many great music memories & got to meet a lot of M.P.L.S. artists even the one that didn't make it big. Never got to meet Prince but i got to see him in concert 81' - 82'. + the performances at Glam Slam. Also got blessed to guest many times with Dj Doug D. Glam Slams main dj. Seen Prince many time there but never got to meet him. But the club gave me many great memories + Friends.
I had a bootleg copy back in high school in 87, of course it was a copy of a copy on cassette but it was so cool to know I had something of Prince in 87 , like finding gold in your backyard. :)
Proud to say I did have a bootleg of The Black Album (vinyl) back in the days. Bought it from Camden Market, a favourite place for music and apparently Prince - I recall he both clubbed / played impromptu sets in Camden & owned a shop around there (as did Jazzy B, Soul 2 Soul). Pre Britpop / Amy Winehouse Camden had a cool R&B / hip hop vibe to it (Fugees played their first uk show in Camden). Kind of fitting the place was flooded with bootleg copies of the Black Album
i have a vinyl promo of the black album from an employee at warner bros , i got in 1988
on the cover you can see a picture of prince on the all black album , if you look at the right angle
when 2 r in luv
I’m glad he didn’t release it because Lovesexy is my favourite album.
Most excellent biography of the album!
Bought it for probably too much in the early 90's when it was still a bootleg on CD. I'm no Prince aficionado, but it's my 2nd favorite recording of his behind "Sign o' The Times." "Le Grind" is probably my favorite track, but I enjoy it all.
I owned a bootleg copy of the Black Album..I paid $400 for it...I know ridiculous and I bought the CD when it was originally released...my favorite tracks are Superfunkycalifragisexy and Bob George
Favorite tracks are the only two tracks that were performed on the lovesexy tour
U also didn't mention the one track that made it onto Lovesexy, the oft overlooked When 2 R N Love. That was and is an overlooked hit.
Bravo! Very well done!
How can I get this album
I had a copy on CD in about '89. My favorite is Dead On It, as it makes fun of bad rappers. I'm pretty sure that Prince DID want it out there, but was not interested in the profit, and knew that if it was "officially" released, Warner Brothers would have slow-walked his next project.
Bob George and Cindy C are on rotation in my playlist!
I had a bootleg copy of the black I love the Black album one of my favorites I think all Prince songs are one of my favorites
I had a bootleg cassette of the album before I bought the official cd. Superfunkacalifragisexy is my favorite track.
I've got a 94' promo copy from it's "official release", with all the hype stickers and stuff on it. Hopefully I can get my hands on an 88' vinyl copy. That'd be my favorite item in my Prince collection.
yes had a copy, think i was like 14 years old or so...bob george was my favorite track...but over all it just wasnt a very good album and prince had for me started to leave his good era of music and would be lost mostly the whole 90s for me trying to be populare
I had a cassette copy of the black album from a friend named Brian. actually i had so many songs from prince before they were released that some are just now hearing.
Well I had a bootleg copy of the BLACK ALBUM mailed to me by a local DJ named "Normani Spitz". His radio show ran on a crackly, bay area station that could barely be heard. I was a file clerk in a San Jose office with a walkman permanently attached to my head while I made copies and went on my daily duties. One day, I heard what would turn out to be "2 Nigs United for West Compton". Even with little vocals and the crappy static from the faint radio signal. I could tell it was Prince and I started jumping up and down thinking to myself, "Holy SH** I think this is one of the songs off that new Prince album". I had read an article in a british music magazine Q about the release/cancellation of that project. So I patiently waited for the setlist to finish and for the station phone # to be announced and I called in. The guy answers and was totally nice. I screamed, "Duuude.....is that a new Prince song that you're playing?!?!?". He calmly laughed and said yes and then totally out of left field he says, "Would you like me to mail you a copy? I started stuttering but yelled out "HEEELLL YEAAAAAH". He took my address down and that was that. After 3 weeks or so, nothing was showing up in the mail so I thought he had just forgotten about it. Then one Monday afternoon, there it was. A bright yellow envelope with my name in handwritten calligraphy style. I started jumping up and down like crazy. I opened the envelope and it was a minty fresh "Maxell" brand blank tape with, once again, handwritten song list written on both sides of the cassette. I played the SH*** out of the cassette that entire year till it finally broke!! Whew, didn't mean for this to be such a long winded post but if anyone in the Bay Area knows of "Normani Spitz' and whatever happened to him, pls post some info. This is also serves as my public THANK YOU for such an awesome gift!! 😃 😄😃 😄😃 😄 I'm a new subscriber and this is my fave RUclips Channel and can't wait for more videos!!!
I had a copy that included old friends for sale and all my dreams. Don’t know why they weren’t included in the official release.
I bought a bootleg CD copy of it at a used CD store I used to go to. Noticed it sitting there and quickly grabbed it.
Great stories on THIS ONE, air-body!!! I got a bootleg cassette from the Community, back in '87-8....
Seattle 1988 during the Lovesexy 88 show, Prince and the band played "Le Grind" for the show opener, "BobGeorge", "Superfunkycalifragisexy"and "Cindy C" back to back about half way through the show, and "Positivity" for an encore / last song. I wished the show would never end.
I don't think anyone in the sold out crowd (myself included) had heard these songs or the Black Album for that matter. Totally Blew us all away!
Got my cd bootleg from a Record Fair in Cardiff Wales in 1989, quality was really good plus it had 2 extra tracks at the end "Old Friends 4 sale" and "All My Dreams"..Still bought the official album in 1994 though.This also could do with a remaster!
I heard the "X" rumors but no other names associated with that regarding the album. So I can't take that as fact. I'm curious about how many cassette and LP copies were released orginally to DJs and others. Also I want to know how many copies were destroyed as Prince "allegedly" asked for Warner Brothers to do so. I had the cassette bootleg and then bought the WB cd release. It was from ebay or amazon and expensive. I'd like to hear Susan Rogers-sp speak directly about the Black Album to get her view or some clarity. "Dead on it," is my favorite track. Interesting video.
I love Rock hard in a funky place, Le grind, and Bob George the most. The album was enjoyable and different. I got mine at a Rasputin music store and loved it.
I did have 1 cassette bootleg of the black album in late 1987, and 1 year later a CD bootleg copy of the same album.... Also, my local radio station KSOL in California did play “Le Grind” as promo for planned release, but we all knew what happened...
Fave Track- ‘When 2 R In Love’
Bought a copy in 1989 for $30. Twice the price it was being sold for at a record store that had copies of the ‘Black Album’.
There was a bootleg LP (with a really nice cover jacket - matte black with Prince's portrait spot varnished on it) on the wall of a record store in Austin I found in 1992. They wanted $300 for it. And I ALMOST bought it, but that would've left me broke for the next month. By the time I could afford it and get back down to Austin, someone had already snapped it up.
I remember hunting down a bootleg copy 1 year after it was suppose to be released. Years before it was officially released