"The Work, pt. 1" is a song written by Prince in 2001 and the debut single for his album The Rainbow Children. The song is an homage to James Brown in both the delivery and title (Brown was known to release songs in multiple parts). The track features Prince performing in falsetto and backing vocals by Kip Blackshire and girl group Milenia.The lyrics of "The Work, pt. 1" speak of inequality and battles racism, which is the overall theme of The Rainbow Children.