THE MARKET: Will Prince’s upcoming “Planet Earth” debut at No. 1 in the Billboard 200? If it does, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, shares are worth $0. The album will be released on July 24. Trading closes at 11:59 p.m. July 29. The market will be cleared when Billboard releases new charts on Aug. 2.
THE LOWDOWN: Continuing his tour through the major labels – this time he’s with Columbia – Prince returns with his 24th studio album. After last year’s “3121” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and after a widely-praised Superbowl halftime performance in February, the only question is whether the artist-once-again-known-as-Prince will debut at the top spot.
THE PR: Even Prince’s official website isn’t saying much about the new album, and there isn’t much else on the web. What we do know is that Prince’s latest single “Guitar” is available for free download via a special arrangement with Verizon V-Cast. (See video ad below.) We also know that “Planet Earth” will include a collaboration with Wendy and Lisa, former members of Prince & the Revolution. Outside of that? We’ll have to wait. He’s so cryptic.
LEARN MORE:
Visit
Prince’s home page.

VERIZON AD FOR PRINCE’S NEW SINGLE “GUITAR”: