Press Association

Prince's estate announces lost 'Welcome 2 America' album will release this summer

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 4/8/21

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today because Prince's 2010 Welcome 2 America album will posthumously release July 30 by his estate and Sony Music Entertainment's Legacy Records.

The Prince Estate made the announcement Thursday morning:

Prince's enigmatic and prescient statement album #Welcome2America will be released July 30, 2021, by The Prince Estate and @SonyLegacyRecs. The Deluxe Edition includes the previously unreleased studio album and a full 2011 Prince concert at @TheForum on Blu-ray. pic.twitter.com/Zrxr51bqfL
— Prince (@prince) April 8, 2021

“The world is fraught with misin4mation. George Orwell's vision of the future is here. We need 2 remain steadfast in faith in the trying times ahead," Prince told @EbonyMag in 2010, around the time he was recording #Welcome2America.
— Prince (@prince) April 8, 2021

The title track "Welcome 2 America" is available now on streaming platforms: https://t.co/joOrKI8dlg
— Prince (@prince) April 8, 2021

CBS' 60 Minutes will give a more in-depth preview of the long-awaited release Sunday:

BREAKING: Prince's estate is releasing an as-yet unreleased 2010 album, "Welcome 2 America," focusing on the social justice movement and racial inequality, at the end of July. | https://t.co/oELaPMbd1A https://t.co/dmAHTLui2c
— WCCO - CBS Minnesota (@WCCO) April 8, 2021

Welcome 2 America will follow Piano & A Microphone 1983 (2018) and Originals (2019) as full-length projects posthumously put out by his estate. There was also a four-song EP titled Deliverance in 2017.

This news comes as we approach the five-year anniversary of Prince's untimely death. The 57-year-old was found dead April 21, 2016, at his Paisley Park property in his native Minnesota. The cause was ruled an accidental fentanyl overdose.

The Purple One was unrivaled in the way he influenced music and pop culture. While he was known for his mysterious nature, there was never a doubt about his relevance and talent. Prince won seven Grammy Awards—nominated for 38—and constantly challenged industry norms.

Somehow, he was always right on time, so of course an album previously thought to be lost contains poignant perspectives on America's continued struggle with racial inequality and social justice that resonates stronger in 2021 than it would have a decade ago.

For devoted Prince fans, physical CDs and vinyls are available for preorder. Listen to the title track below.