The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!



The Song: 'She's Always In My Hair'

The Contestants: Prince vs. D'Angelo

In This Corner -- Prince: The Minnesota multi-instrumentalist has bridged the gap between soul, rock, pop and R&B in a way that no other artist has been able to achieve. The Sultan of Smooth puts his vocals to the test with this emotional tune, blending rugged guitar riffs, flanger and his effortlessly slick vocals. The song originally appeared as a B-side for 'Raspberry Beret' and was said to be about former girlfriend Susan Moonsie of Vanity 6. The song remains a cult favorite and is rarely played live.

Prince, 'She's Always In My Hair'

Buy it on iTunes

In This Corner -- D'Angelo: This Grammy-winning R&B crooner was largely influenced by the Purple One. While maintaining the rock elements of the Prince's signature squealing guitar, D'Angelo adds a fitting neo-soul flair to this tune. The Virginia-born singer originally recorded the cover for the 'Scream 2' soundtrack back in 1997, but it recently resurfaced on a Prince tribute compilation, appropriately titled 'Controversy.'

D'Angelo, 'She's Always In My Hair''