Prince was full of energy during sessions for his posthumous album ‘Welcome 2 America’, according to backing singer Shelby J.

The new album was recorded in 2010 but was shelved by the star, despite performing select cuts on his ‘Welcome 2’ Tour. 

It features the singles Hot Summer and Born 2 Die, which were released ahead of the album’s recent debut, and Shelby has opened up on working with the music icon during the original sessions. 

She tells Entertainment Tonight: “He was in such good spirits during its time. I remember that as I look back at photos because I take a lot of photos and just remembering where he was with his energy and how that helped us.”

Prince passed away in 2016 from an accidental fentanyl overdose, but Shelby notes the themes of the album – including social justice, social media and disinformation, and celebrity culture – are eerily timely. 

“He really cared about the world,” she reflects. “And you can really hear that he’s a poet. He’s a storyteller. When you listen to the songs on this album, you’ll be able to hear that.

“During that time, we had conversations about Black Wall Street, social media, of how things would have to get worse before it got better, where he saw the future going. Everything. 

“He always had his finger on the pulse. He was so far ahead of things.”

Shelby continued: “So when you listen now, it’s like, how could he be talking about this stuff?

“He’s always been ahead of the curve and everything. But this album really speaks to what we’re dealing with right now. In our country. And in the world. 

“I think it’s going to help people heal. I think it’s going to make people excited about what they can do to make the world a better place.”

‘Welcome 2 America’ is available on CD, standard 2LP Black Vinyland limited 2LP Clear Vinyl, along with a special Box Set Edition.