Prince / Unbeknownst: Songs & Rarities 2026

Here arrives the latest collection of outtakes from ’86! “Nightingale” features a slightly longer intro, while “Leaving For New York” boasts improved sound quality thanks to remastering. The instrumental version of “I Need A Man”—featuring horns—evokes the performance of “Controversy” from the *Parade* tour. “Feel U Up” appears here in a version that falls between the “Short Stroke” (created in ’86) and “Long Stroke” versions in terms of length. “The Big Pump” is distinct from both the full version found on releases like *Work It* and the version included on *Hey Man… Smell My Finger*. The track titled “Instrumental” is an unreleased song with no official title; it was recorded on March 24, 1987 (six days before the release of *Sign O’ The Times*) at the Washington Avenue Warehouse. Created as a tribute to Miles Davis—who was visiting Minneapolis at the time—the track features a moment where Miles stopped by the session; Prince, who was working on the drum parts, reportedly asked him to stay. It was during this encounter that Miles met Atlanta Bliss for the first time and praised his trumpet work on the *Parade* album. “Bobbi Jo #2” is a piano demo that runs longer than “#1.” “Batman Theme – We Got The Power (Batman early unreleased trailer)” is an unreleased recording used for an early trailer for the 1989 film *Batman*; the “Batman Theme” portion evolved into “Jailbait,” while “We Got The Power” became the chant section of “Batdance.” Both tracks were also considered for inclusion on *Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic*. Also included is an edited version of “Fantasia Erotica” by Anna Fantastic, featuring a unique mix; a remix of “Trouble” that incorporates the “Man O War” remix (presented here as an edit sample); and the 1998 track “Tell Me How U Want 2 B Done (Extended Remix).” “Turn Me Loose” is the studio version—originally aired on KJLH internet radio on September 24, 2008—presented here in its entirety, including the narration right up to the very end of the track. Finally, “Turn Up” features vocals by Prince rather than Judith Hill. Although created using AI, the level of polish is astonishing. A studio version of “Unbeknownst 2 U”—a song for which a handwritten lyric sheet actually exists—has surfaced. While it is a 1-minute-41-second edit, the song’s brilliance shines through. I have also included a full-length version generated via AI; although the track ends abruptly, the sound and vocal delivery—which expand upon the lyrics—feel incredibly authentic. Notably, the lyrics spell “I” as “Eye,” suggesting the song dates back to 1988, though the exact time of the recording remains unknown. I finally found something unlike anything else—it feels like the final sketch Picasso ever drew. If I don’t see this feeling through, my soul will suffocate; I am compelled to do things you don’t yet know about. Who exactly are you? You stir my heart so deeply—it’s as if I’ve broken a rule I wasn’t supposed to cross. The butterflies in my chest are fluttering wildly. When I do things you don’t know about—every time I walk away—your shadow stains the room. Every casual word you speak blooms in the darkness. I try to bury every thought beneath the midnight blue, yet every path I wander leads back to you. Even now, in places you can’t see, I tremble whenever your name reaches me. Like a stone resting behind closed eyelids, like an unchangeable prayer—in places you can’t see, I wore heartbreak like perfume; now, I dance with the ghosts in the corner of the room. 01. Nightingale 4:10 02. Leaving For New York 5:52 03. I Need A Man (Instrumental) 5:33 04. Feel U Up (5 Minutes Edit) 4:58 05. The Big Pump (1990 Version) 3:24 06. Instrumental (March 24 1987 Recording) 7:16 07. The Max 4:57 08. Bobbi Jo #2 6:05 09. Fantasia Erotica (Edit) 4:41 10. Batman Theme – We Got The Power (Batman Early Unreleased Trailer) 2:43 11. Trouble (Never Give Up) (Remix Edit) 1:13 12. Tell Me How U Want 2 B Done (Extended Remix) 5:10 13. Free (Acoustic) 4:08 14. Girl (Acoustic) 2:56 15. Turn Me Loose (Studio Version) 2:31 16. Turn Up (Prince Version AI) 3:08 17. Ain’t About 2 Stop (Rita Ora Full Version Audience Recording) 3:18 18. Unbeknownst 2 U (Edit) 1:41 19. Unbeknownst 2 U (Full Version AI) 4:30