What was the name of Prince's 2001 jazz-influenced studio album?

Prince’s 2001 jazz-influenced studio album was *The Rainbow Children*.

Released on November 20, 2001, *The Rainbow Children* was Prince’s 24th studio album. It followed his return to using the name Prince after several years of performing and releasing music under the Love Symbol. The album was issued by his NPG Records label and independently distributed by Redline Entertainment.

The record is a concept album built around spirituality, sexuality, racism, and the imagined rise of a Martin Luther King Jr.-inspired social movement. Its music blends Prince’s funk and R&B foundation with prominent jazz textures, including contributions from saxophonist and flutist Najee. The long-form arrangements and spoken narration made it markedly different from his most radio-oriented work.

The title is sometimes confused with *N.E.W.S.*, another jazz-oriented Prince project released in 2003, or *Xpectation*, an instrumental album from 2003. *Lotusflow3r* came later, in 2009. *The Rainbow Children* was also notable for its limited promotion and initial connection to Prince’s NPG Music Club.