The New Power Generation

The New Power Generation

The New Power Generation is a Minneapolis-based group associated with Prince, active from 1990 to the present. It begins as a side-project for Prince and functions as a way for him to release music outside his Warner Bros. contract after his formal dispute with the label and his name change to o(+> in 1993.

Origins and role in Prince’s work

The group is conceived in a way that is similar to The Time and is intended to reach a more urban audience than Prince’s mainstream releases. Prince remains heavily involved in writing and performing across the project, while different members take lead roles on vocals and rap depending on the album and period.

Recording history

The debut album, Goldnigga, features Tony M. as lead vocalist and rapper. It uses a strong rap element alongside music that draws on 1970s funk. Prince contributes extensively to the writing and performance, and Tony M. writes and performs the raps. Prince provides co-lead vocals on “Black M.F. in the House” and “Johnny”, songs that he also performs in concerts and aftershows.

When Prince performs as o(+> in early 1994, he reduces the size of the group. This tighter line-up backs o(+> on The Gold Experience and releases Exodus in 1995. With Sonny T taking lead vocal duties, the emphasis shifts more fully toward funk, and although several rap parts are recorded for the album, they are not included on the final release.

Line-up

The New Power Generation is associated with a changing roster that includes Rosie Gaines, Diamond J, Damon Dickson, Kirk Johnson, Tony M., Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Levi Seacer, Jr., Tommy Barbarella, Mayte Garcia, Morris Hayes, Kathleen Dyson, Kip Blackshire, Rhonda Smith, DJ Dudley D, Renato Neto, Lee Hogans and Shelby J.

Style

The group is tagged across contemporary R&B, funk, new jack swing, p-funk, pop rock and pop soul, and its recorded work also reflects Minneapolis funk.