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Prince - 3121

The video for "Black Sweat," the second single from 3121, premiered on February 2, 2006, demonstating a rather more minimalistic approach both in the sound of the song and the style of the video. Prince is also believed to have a concert tour in the works to promote the new album.

On February 4, 2006, Prince was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, where he performed two new songs, the guitar-driven "Fury" and "Beautiful, Loved  and  Blessed", with up-and-coming R and B singer Támar. Both are featured on Prince's own 3121, with "Beautiful, Loved  and  Blessed" also appearing on Tamar's album, titled Beautiful Loved  and  Blessed (due for release on May 2, 2006).

On February 15, 2006, Prince performed at the Brit awards alongside Wendy, Lisa and Sheila E. He played "Te Amo Corazon" and "Fury" from 3121, and "Purple Rain" and "Let's Go Crazy" from Purple Rain, in a performance which was generally regarded as the best of the night.

Rhino Records planned to release a new Prince compilation, Ultimate, on March 14, 2006, a week before 3121 was supposed to hit stores. However, in early March the release was delayed, possibly even cancelled. Rhino's catalog list for Prince  doesn't mention the release anymore, and the page that had all the release details has been removed. No reason has been given, nor is it sure if the set is simply delayed or cancelled altogether.

The double cd set was slated to consist of one CD of hits, while the second disc would contain extended versions that for the most part were unavailable on CD before now. Artwork for a promo copy revealed that the selection included these tracks: "Let's Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix)", "Little Red Corvette (Dance Remix)", "Let's Work (Dance Remix)", "Pop Life (Fresh Dance Mix)", "She's Always In My Hair (12" Version)", "Raspberry Beret (12" Version)", "Kiss (Extended Version)", "U Got The Look (Long Look)", "Hot Thing (Extended Remix)", "Thieves In The Temple (Remix)", and "Cream (N.P.G. Mix)".

3121 was leaked to the internet on March 6, 2006. Prince achieved his first career number-one debut on the Billboard 200 (in the issue dated April 8, 2006) with 3121. The set sold 183,000 copies in the United States in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It also debuted at number one on Billboard's Top R and B, Hip-Hop Albums tally.