DredScott said:

Definitely has some Prince overtones - especially the conversational part.

From what I've heard of the sample of N.E.W.S. - I think we're in for something special.
As far as the concerns expressed about Prince - not being in the "mainstream." What's so good about the mainstream anyway. Look and listen all around you. Most of what the media is trying to shove down our throats isn't all that good - in fact, some of it is pretty bad.
You also gotta realize that "mainstream" music - like "mainstream" movies, etc predominantly is about new / or up and coming artists - not the more established ones. The demographic that the media caters is the very young. Prince remains an icon because those who are not exposed to his music from the media - are exposed to it via family and friends hipping them to a good thing.
And isn't it funny that the Britney's the Justin's, the Christina A's are covering the whole shock ground set by Prince who has now moved on in a new direction.