Prince has shown a new openness in the past two years, championing the work of collaborators and plugging into the community, both locally and nationally. Here are five times he surprised us.
5 big surprises from the refreshed Prince
October 21, 2015 at 4:30PM
1. Dakota Jazz Club concerts
In January 2013, he played six shows in the intimate club with a different band each night — introducing 3rdEyeGirl on the third night.
2. "Breakfast Can Wait"
He issued a single in October 2013 —with Dave Chappelle dressed as Prince on the cover — offered a music video made by an 18-year-old fan and threw a pajama party at Paisley Park with pancakes.
3. Timely and topical
In May he delivered the single "Baltimore" about police brutality and racial issues, and went to Maryland for a Rally 4 Peace concert attended by Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and others.
4. Spotify
In July Prince claimed he didn't know what Spotify was, then pulled all his music from the streaming service. He later released a free single, "Stare," on Spotify.
5. Lynx party
![Maya Moore (center) and the rest of the Lynx team celebrated their championship. ] JIM GEHRZ � james.gehrz@startribune.com / Minneapolis, MN / October 16, 2015 / 13:30 AM � BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Fans and members of the Minnesota Lynx 2015 WNBA Championship team rally to celebrate the team�s victory at the Target Center, following a parade in downtown Minneapolis.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/73GODNAVERSGPDWDKUPEJ3XKEY.jpg?&w=712)
A few hours after watching the Lynx win the WNBA championship Oct. 14, he performed a three-hour dance party/concert for the team and staff.
JON BREAM
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