5 Nominations
• Best male R&B vocal performance: "Black Sweat"
• Best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocals: "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed" (Prince and Tamar)
• Best urban/alternative performance: "3121"
• Best R&B song: "Black Sweat"
• Best R&B album: "3121" (Universal)
In what come as a surprise, Prince scored his first career No. 1 debut on The Billboard 200 in March with his Universal album "3121," a feat not even achieved by his monster '80s album "Purple Rain." "3121" sold 183,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan, to open at No. 1 on the big list, as well as on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums tally.
Prince last topped the R&B/Hip-Hop chart with 1991's "Diamonds & Pearls." On The Billboard 200, he now has four No. 1s, including 1989's "Batman," 1985's "Around the World in a Day" and 1984's "Purple Rain."
"3121," which features guest appearances from new Prince protege Tamar as well as saxophonist Maceo Parker, preserves the artist's hybrid style, savvy instrumentation and flair for up-tempo jams. The set is the follow-up to 2004's "Musicology," which debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 and has sold more than 2 million copies in the United States.
Prince is gearing up for a very busy 2007. In addition to starting a magazine, he recently opened his own nightclub at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas and has spent many a night providing the evening's entertainment there. And, he will perform during the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show on Feb. 4 in Miami, in advance of revealing details of his next album and tour.
5 Nominations
