Update: Bart provides the following URLs:



http://www.musicstation.c...22051.html

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/0...art_1.html

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The Artist Formerly Known As Prince Launches New Website NPGonlineLTD.com On March 4



NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 3, 2000--



Launch Comes in Tandem with Soul Train Artist of the Decade Award and VH-1 Airing of New Year's Eve Concert Rave Un2 the Year 2000



On Saturday, March 4, world-renowned musical icon The Artist proudly
unveils his brand new website NPGonlineLTD.com, reinforcing his role as the
first musical artist to recognize the Internet's valuable role in an independent
artist's career. Concurrent with this debut, the prestigious Soul Train Awards
will honor The Artist's history as the most prolific artist-composer-producers
of our time by bestowing him with the Artist of the Decade Award (Male) during
the Soul Train Awards telecast on March 4th. Adding to the thrills of the day,
VH-1 will grace our airwaves with The Artist's New Year's Eve pay per view
concert RAVE UN2 THE YEAR 2000 at 10pm.



The launch of NPGonlineLTD.com sustains The Artist's breakthrough use of
the Internet as a homebase for his groundbreaking music, revolutionary political
views, unique philosophies and up-to-the-minute news. Slick and gorgeous, the
new site is not only the ultimate fan site, it is weighty in political and
social views unique to The Artist. The site will also link to Paisley Park
studios and his other two sites --1800newfunk.com the retail stop and
Love4Oneanother.com which focuses on The Artist's charitable work.



"It's my hope that NPGonlineLTD.com will become a place where all creators
who seek and desire true artistic freedom will come and express their views. The
voices of change are always welcome here," comments The Artist.



Such accomplishments have been noted by The Soul Train Awards who have made
him the recipient of the Artist of the Decade Award (Male). On Saturday, March
4, The Artist will receive the award for his bold leadership and acumen during
the 1990's and for pioneering the concept of internet distribution of CD
releases by himself and other music artists attached to his NPG record label.
Whitney Houston will receive the Artist of the Decade (Female). The award show
will air from 8-10.



For those who may have missed New Year's Eve's hottest event, RAVE UN2 THE
YEAR 2000, VH-1 will air the concert on this Saturday, March 4 from 10 p.m. to
12 a.m. Viewers will catch the musical genius explode with classics form his
vault of smash hits as well as new songs from his acclaimed record, Rave Un2 The
Joy Fantastic. Special guests include Lenny Kravitz, George Clinton, Larry
Graham, members of the Family Stone and others. The concert will repeat on VH-1
on Tuesday, March 14 at 10p.m. and Wednesday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m.



The Artist has recorded over 20 gold and platinum records. His efforts for
artistic autocracy began during his residence with Warner Brothers records.
After well-documented dissatisfaction, The Artist was emancipated from this
contract in 1995. He then formed an agreement with EMI, which was celebrated by
the release of Emancipation. This began an extremely liberating and lucrative
independent phase with NPG Records. Shattering all expectations, he successfully
marketed a stream of music via the Internet and direct to retail approach, which
included the 5-disc set Crystal Ball which sold over 250,000 copies plus albums
for legendary bass guitarist Larry Graham and Chaka Khan. Additionally, The
Artist has originated a unique, creative atmosphere at Paisley Park where
artists like Maceo Parker and George Clinton are afforded the luxury of free
studio time, no contracts, and the use of The Artist's many musical talents. The
Artist's latest release Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic !
on Arista Records is now gold, with current singles "Manowar" and "Hot Wit U"
now hitting radio airwaves.



Contact:



Lois Najarian

Susan Blond, Inc.

212-333-7728, ext. 105