February 25th, 1999

Larry Graham 2 appear at R&B Foundation 1999 Pioneer Awards

Larry Graham was among the presenters at the R&B Foundation's tenth annual 1999 Pioneer Awards, which took place in Culver City on February 25th, 1999.

Larry presented the Foundation with a $100,000 cheque on behalf of NPG Records and Love 4 One Another, encouraging artists 2 obtain ownership of their master recordings.

Click here 2 read Larry Graham's speech.

Click here 2 read a Minneapolis Star Tribune article on the event.

According 2 an official press release dated February 15th, 1999, .

Other attendees will include George Clinton, Patti LaBelle, Howard Hewitt and many, many more.

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February 24th, 1999

George Clinton interview on Grammy web site

Ben Houge reports that the Grammy's official web site includes a link 2 an audio interview with George Clinton.

Ben repors that George Clinton talks about playing in Fiji Islands on New Year's Eve 1999, but makes no mention of The Artist.

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February 22nd, 1999

Party of friends in Paris, France

Raphy reports that a party 4 friends of The Artist and the NPG will take place in Paris at Charly's Bar on February 22nd starting at 8 PM. Please write 2 Raphy 4 more info.

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Special on The Artist on Spanish cable TV station

npgshy reports from Spain that "spanish tv channel 40 TV, from CANAL SATELITE DIGITAL (one of the 2 only spanish satellite television channels) is playing a half hour special on the artist tho billed as 'prince week'. beginning 2day [February 22nd] at 11 pm from monday 'til friday. no word yet on the contents."

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February 21st, 1999

"Don't Talk 2 Strangers" video on MuchMoreMusic

Joel reports from Canada:

It is Sunday, 2pm [February 21st], and I just saw on MuchMoreMusic the video for Chaka Khan's "Don't Talk 2 Strangers" which was not a single for Come 2 My House but for the Down in the Delta soundtrack instead. It started playing at around 1:55pm so if you know the rotation schedule, you can watch it next time.

The other thing.... I was in the Gap in the Eaton Center on Thursday and was surprised to discover that they have "Courtin' Time" on their in-store soundtrack. Kinda neat.

Leon Jones confirms that last bit:

while shopping at the GAP last week, i heard the song "Courtin Time" over the speakers. Since the gap only plays their own compilation cd's in the store, I assume that this song will be included on the cd once it on sale at all the GAP stores.

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February 17th, 1999

Larry Graham on Channel 9 News in Minneapolis

Please note that Larry Graham will appear on Channel 9 News (local Minneapolis TV station) on February 17th at 9:20 PM CST.

Get yo VCRs ready! :)

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February 16th, 1999

The Artist mentioned in Time magazine

Harold M. Leaver reports that the current issue of Time magazine includes "a brief and (surprise!!) positive mention of the Artist in an article concerning music on the Internet..."

John Gardiner has more in4mation:

Just got my weekly Time magazine... Feb. 16.... there is a multiple page article on how the large companies are battling over the internet with "bootleggers and pirates" with music ... etc.... title: "You've got Music" - "record companies, hearing disaster, are desperate to keep their wares from being pirated off the internet"... anyway.... on pg 3 or so of this article - there is a rather nice pic of the Artist, along with a separate 1/2 page related-article about artists and what they are doing via the net ..."Music without Labels", it goes on to mention that the Artist recently released a "brilliant, ambitious five-CD titled Crystal Ball and peddled it on his website.... according to his spokesperson, the set sold 250,000 copies online and the Artist says that 1998 was his most profitable year ".....

Click here 2 read the full article.

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February 15th, 1999

Ani Di Franco talks about The Artist in Addicted to Noise interview

In an interview with the Addicted To Noise web site dated February 15th, 1999, independent singer Ani Di Franco talks xtensively about The Artist and his current endeavours.

Click here 2 access the Addicted To Noise article directly.

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Kat Dyson guest stars at P-Funk show in LA

J. reports that former NPG member Kat Dyson recently guest starred at a P-Funk show in Los Angeles:

I had a chance to check out a George Clinton & P-funk show at the House of Blues. The show apparently was sold-out, and the house was packed.

For those of you who have seen a P-Funk show, you know how big the band is. The band is huge (more than 20 members total). They went on stage at 10pm and DID NOT STOP until 2am (and even then would have kept on going, xcept the house had to close).

They were funkay. About 1/2 way through the show, they already had two different drummers and about 5 guitar players. It was madness on stage. They have also added a very very very interesting electric violin player. She's very gypsi-ish and is an incredible addition (IMHO). She goes back and forth with George on vocals, and Byrd (on Guitar) and adds a very chilling element to the show. I have a feeling she may get snatched by the competition while George ain't looking. Apparently, George recruited her from the NAMM show (that's where Kat & Rhonda hooked up with O{-> )

At one point, I think it was during "Flashlight", I couldn't believe my eyes. I was scanning the stage, and low-n-behold... I saw, and heard, none other than ms. Kat Dyson. Wearing red snake-skin pants (hair still in braids) and she was playing Funkenstein's guitar (the guy in the Diapers) and had a big ol smile on her face. She jammed with them for another 4 or 5 songs, and then left the stage.

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February 9th, 1999

Girl 6 on FOX TV (Holland)

Marcel reports that, "4 those who haven't seen Girl 6, it's on Fox tv, February 9, 20:15 in Holland."

The movie soundtrack features many tracks by "Prince" and The Artist with the NPG.

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Artist-themed party in Italy

Salvatore Violet announces:

A private "O(+> party" will take place in north Italy(ts) , Saturday 6th of February 6th '99, organized by Me, Totò Luca in my own mansion. At this special party will partecipate all the North Italy diehard friends and it will be named "The Evolution Will Be Colorized" in hommage to the entire Artist's career and to the evolution of his "looks" trough the years. Everyone may choose a costume from 1979-98 years to impersonate an Artist charachter and will be introduced to the party with a relative mini-soundtrack. A special prize (a video surprise-collection) will be done to the best charachter performance. The entire special party will be recorded live and the relative videotape will be sent to Paisley Park. The party will open at 8 pm o'clock and it will last until early morning (until the police will come!). For any suggestions or comments on the "Italian O(+ party" soundtrack please don't hesitate 2 contact Totò Luca at: totoviolet@hotmail.com.

" WE LIKE 2 PARTY...WE FUNKY ALL NITE!!!!!!!!!!!"""" THANX A LOT......TOTòLUCAVIOLET!

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February 5th, 1999

Mavis Staples live in Irvine

Paul Holweger reports:

Just want a blurb to say that the Mavis Staples show in Irvine, CA. Friday night was da bomb... She performed with one piano and a hammond organ (at different times)... She was so powerful, "Church if you will" ....She definitely took you there..... Didn't hurt that I had front row seats either...

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1999 - The New Master: the latest

Paisley Park has released an EP entitled 1999 - The New Master with new versions of "1999" featuring The Artist, Larry Graham and Rosie Gaines (among others) -- in answer 2 Warner Bros.'s attempts 2 milk the original master (which they own) dry on the occasion of the 1999 New Year's Eve celebrations. The EP's official release date was February 2nd. Click here 2 read the official press release.

The New York Post web site has an article about the release. Here r some xcerpts:

1999 - THE NEW MASTER
The Artist
NPG

(By DAN AQUILANTE)

(...)

Sure, that original is a classic, a masterpiece of pop funk, but these new versions deliver the same basic framework with a much wider stylistic range.

"1999: The New Master" is the first hit on the disc. On this opening track, elements of the other six renditions reveal themselves. It is this seven-minute extended "1999" where the funk-rock bravely includes elements of Latin, rap and orchestral music. The more one listens to this version, the more evident it is how much thought went into this project.

To aid him on this artistic revolution (...), the onetime Prince has enlisted bass funkmaster-general Larry Graham (former Sly and the Family Stoner), vocalist Rosie Gaines and rapper Doug E. Fresh. Rosario Dawson is also featured, on a one-minute spoken-word political statement that delves into the nature of freedom, slavery and flesh-and-blood masters.

The disc's final twist is an a cappella version of "1999" in which the former Prince puts the focus on the words, yet is still able to make you feel the funk. It's a clever trick that's worthy of this song.

If you are going to buy a version of this song for your year-end party, this seven-song mini-disc is the one to have, for its fresh musical turns are more 2000 than 1983. It is also a fine portrait of the Artist as a young music revolutionary.

The full track list is:

1. 1999 {The New Master} (7.09)
2. Rosario {1999} (1.19)
3. 1999 {The Inevitable Mix} (5.46)
4. 1999 {Keepsteppin} (4.33)
5. 1999 {Rosie Doug E. In A Deep House} (6.23)
6. 1999 {The New Master} {Single Edit} (4.30)
7. 1999 {Acapella} (5.11)

The EP started appearing in both regular and online stores at the end of January 1999. It is also available from 1-800-NEW-FUNK. 4 more in4mation about the availability of the release in local record stores, please check r Retail Info page.

The Boston Herald has an article on the release, and so does the Journal Sentinel in Milwaukee.

SonicNet also has an older article about the new release. Click here 2 access the SonicNet directly.

Gwen Dawkins reports that, "on Saturday, January 16th, 1999, between 4 and 5 pm, 107.5-WGCI, played the new 1999 remix!"

Tom Ragno reports on December 29th that "radio station Z-100 in New York City aired the new version of '1999' this afternoon at 4:20pm. It included a large portion of rap by Doug E. Fresh. eye liked it a lot! It was very funky. The main chorus was changed slightly 2 'so 2nite we're gonna party cause it's 1999'." However, Lenny Federici reports on December 31st that "the report that the New Master of the song 1999 , That was suposedly played on Z100 , was actually a comedy bit making fun of the Artist song." On the other hand, Ryan Doering reports on January 2nd that he "heard the Paisley Park remix of '1999' on Z-100 and although it sounds like a parody, it is really not. It is a very funky song and Doug E. Fresh does a short rap in it. I like it a lot and cant wait 2 get it 4 my own collection." It there4 sounds like the remix was indeed broadcast on Z-100 after all.

FunkyMF also notes on January 1st that "Tony Fly, a DJ on minneapolis radio station KDWB, played the 1999 remix at about 5pm. on December 31st. He announced it by saying ..'The artist is probably wondering where i got a hold of this' and then played it. "

BSallmen7 reports on December 21st that "WNCI, a Top 40 radio station in Columbus Ohio, played the new 1999 by the Artist on Monday [December 21st]'s morning show. It was played at the 9 am hour. If u live in Columbus Ohio, please call and request the song!"

Michael Quinn reports that the Wall of Sound web site has an article on the 4thcoming release. Click here 2 access the article directly.

Eric Saunders reports in early December 1998 that he "just got off the phone with DJ Brother Jules and was instructed by him and The Artist 2 get the word out 2 everybody. U need 2 demand that all retailers order the new release from Paisley Park. It is a 4 track single. It is "1999" like u aint never heard it. It contains collaboration by Rosie Gaines, Larry Graham, Chaka Khan, and Doug E. Fresh. This single is phat. The only way that record stores will carry this is if U all get off ur rears and let them know that u want 2 hear it! Let them know that they can order it directly from Paisley Park. Or via the online web site at 1800newfunk.com. Let's go guys....It's time 2 represent! We've been waiting 18 years 4 this!"

Pieter Wyffels has a report from Belgium that confirms that some work needs 2 be done and that each and everyone of us can help:

"1999" is now available (Warner Brothers release) on cd-single with "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" as a B-side.

The people in charge in FNAC stores, the Free record shop and Music Man record stores are xpecting huge sales 4 that single. They haven't hear anything about a The Artist/Paisley Park release and are not really considering ordering the remix as people are buying the original anyway. Still eye advised them 2 try 2 order the remix as eye want it.

Looks like Warner Brothers will be making lots of money...

Pietro had a similar xperience:

Following the advice of Eric Saunders eye tried 2 convince my local record dealer 2 order the Paisley Park release of "1999", but as reported by Pieter Wyffles they say that there is no need 2 do so, since the WB single is selling pretty well. eye would suggest that Paisley Park should consider a major distribution deal like 4 the Crystal Ball set or put the new release on sale through 1-800-NEWFUNK. eye work in the Consumer Electronics Business and know how powerful retail chains can be (at least here in Germany). They would rather follow the "suggestion" of WB instead of a customer's wish which would mean more work 4 only small sales succes (at least in their opinion). There4 the mentioned strategy powered by all friends worldwide could be a cool hit against the WB-Machinery. Just 2 show them that the friends of The Artist are still there.

On a more positive note, Segue319 reports on December 15th that they "found out that the Blockbuster music store in Redwood city will be carrying the 1999 single. When eye asked the sales clerk if he will be carrying it he said yes. eye would also like 2 know where eye can get the 'Come On' maxi single, eye can't find it anywhere. eye live in the Bay Area. eye already called the Virgin Megastore downtown."

Harold Pride III notes that MTV also has a short article on the 4thcoming release. Click here 2 read it directly. As well, Billboard has a short item on it. Click here 2 access it. These articles do not contain any new in4mation, however.

Also, remember that a double launch party is planned on January 1st and 2nd in Las Vegas with The Time and Larry Graham. Please refer 2 our Tour 1999 page 4 more info.

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GCS2000: the latest

Larry Graham and Graham Central Station's new NPG Records album GCS2000 is out in North American stores since February 2nd, 1999. The album is distributed directly by NPG Records. People who pre-ordered the album directly from Paisley Park by donating $7 2 the Love 4 One Another charities r also receiving their copy of the album thru the mail. The CD started appearing in both regular and online stores at the end of January 1999. It is also available from 1-800-NEW-FUNK as part of the Newpower Pak. 4 more in4mation about the availability of the release in local record stores, please check r Retail Info page.

The Graham Central Station web site also reports that on January 27th, "Larry was inducted with other influential bass players into the Rock & Roll Walk of Fame outside Los Angeles' Guitar Center, 7425 Sunset Blvd. (not 2 b confused with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which resides in Cleveland, Ohio). Alongside Stanley Clarke, Bootsy Collins, Tim Bogert and the families of James Jamerson and Jaco Pastorius, Larry made an imprint of his hands (no, not just his thumb!) in the cement and answered questions from the press about his new album. Larry said it was an unforgettable experience.". Click here to view a picture of Larry with Bootsy Collins (and more), kindly provided by B.C. Electric Web Design.

The Rolling Stone web site has a new interview with Larry Graham. Click here 2 access the Rolling Stone interview directly.

Larry Graham is currently doing a series of in-store appearances in the US.

The last in-store appearance took place in Minneapolis at the Electric Fetus store on February 18th. After signing records, Larry also per4med live with the NPG. The per4mance was webcast on Love 4 One Another and included classic Sly & The Family Stone tracks as well as xcerpts from GCS2000. Also, b4 the per4mance itself took place, Mpls mayor Sharon Belton actually came on stage and proclaimed that February 18th would b Larry Graham Day from now on! Larry was actually presented with a proclamation... Mpls is a fonky town!

Here r more eye-witness reports on the per4mance:

[Mayho:]
Hi there - I jsut got home from Electric Fetus, Larry Graham's in store performance. Man!! That was BOMB!!! That was an absolutely FUNKY performance!!! There were about 200 people?? I was not sure though there were many many people in a small CD store. They set up the stage (that wasn't even a stage, very tiny tiny section) just beside cash registers, and there were a white Larry's bass, guitar, drums, and keyboards were already set up when I stopped by around 2:30pm. There were regular Paisley staffs, and they told us that Larry was going to signe first. Larry Graham appeared around at 4:50pm, and he was signing on his new CD "GCS2000" that people brought. His wife, Tina and their daughter were also at the store. Larry and Tina were talking to every single fan when they were signing, and I mentioned them that I was one of the extras for his video "U Move Me" that was shot in last summer in Minneapolis. To my surprise, they remembered me!! Tina asked me how I was doing, how my bass lessons are going (because I told them that I just started playing bass at the video shooting last summer) I brought my bass strap, Larry signed on it :) Here's the set list at Electric Fetus on Feb. 18th.

Days Of Wild (intro)
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)
Free
Everyday People
Love and Happiness
Larry's bass solo
The Jam (Dynaminte!)

On the bass, of course, Larry Graham, on the guitar Mike Scott, on the drums Kirk J, and on the keyboards Mr.Morris Hayes. Larry kept saying, "Minneapolis is the Funky City!!" That was soooo funky so that the floor was waving like an earthquak!! They started playing around at 5:45pm, ended around at 6:30pm. During the performance, the staffs from Paisley were holding their 8mm video cameras and shooting Larry & the NPG, and the very funky crowd. I was glad to see them since they haven't had performances at Paisley such a long long time.... Hopefully there is going to be a party at Paisley on this Friday.... ;)

[Michael "Allen" Holtz/Q102:]
Larry Graham yesterday at the Eletric Fetus in MPLS declared that MPLS has the Funkiest people. Mayer Sharon Sales Belton followed that up by declaring it Larry Graham day in MPLS. It was a great concert and if U were there U know what I am talking about. "FUNKY!" He showed around quarter 2 five and signed autographs 4 at least a half hour and then perform after that. Here play list: Days Of Wild intro, ThankU4lettinBmyselfagain, Free, Everyday People, Love & Happieness, Imagettin, and The Jam. Once again this was a great per4ormance and hope U had a chance 2 B there.

Lawrence Tucker reports on February 11th, 1999 on meeting with Larry Graham:

I had the opportunity, blessing and pleasure of meeting Larry Graham and his lovely beautiful wife Mrs. Tina Graham on Saturday at Willie's in Marlow Hts, MD.

They are such a pleasant, nice couple, and it really is like they are one. (they are!) Just like on TV u can tell they really are still crazy in love with and about each other as when they first met, yet at the same time, definitely know how to deal with the business at hand when they are out and about touring, making guest appearances etc. ( Some of these younger "stars" could take notes on how good musical legends handle events like this!

The security that was with them were tellin everyone as we got up close to them that we would only have two minutes and could only get one item signed so every one could have a chance (hmph!) I had three items wit me-GCS2000, One In A Million You LP, and the Year End Special Issue of BRE which had on the cover, a great picture of Larry, Chaka and The Artist on the front. When Larry, Tina and the NPG rep saw that, they all said happily-surprisingly, "BRE!!!" From that point on I was in! Larry signed all three and security just backed on off ya'll they just backed on off! lol I was like" yeah'! But I was cool tho'. I think that's why Larry signed em all cuz I acted cool even tho the security was yellin one item only! He's a feel good brother!Larry G!!! I'll be sending that to pic to BRE soon so be on the lookout!

They had, I think, their daughter with them who sings vocals on his new album. Also, a rep. from NPG was with them who was very nice as well.

I heard a quick announcement about it on Friday while I was driving around, and I was like, "Yo, I got-ta, got-ta, got-ta meets da maaaaaan!" I never knew he was the originator of that "thumb-style" of funk bass guitar playing!! I just knew him basically for his vocals and of course , "One In A Million U"! I probably was jammin to his other stuff for years and never knew it was him!!!

Anyway, he and his wife are so cool and so gracious to all their fans (friends) that were there, they were huggin folks and everything! And alot of folks who showed up actually knew them and they remembered them too!!

I told them we in DC definitely support everything their doin' from their positive spiritual message, to their position with The Artist, to their position with the record companies to just the total " STAND" they are taking. They are truly makin' history! I told them we are so proud of all of them! The limo driver told me they just had come from an event at The Convention Center and were on their way to the airport. Larry told me they would be back in DC to perform again in the near future! Got some cool pics of em too! ( nuthin' like a good ole' downhome DC- folks-from-around-the-way-we-keeps- it-real-crowd to make cool artists feel at home without no hollywood hype pressure!!!) Cool!!!

The Graham Central Station web site reports that a private release party took place on February 5th. A couple of readers were lucky enough 2 attend. Here r their reports:

[Michael in Montreal]
was at the Larry Graham party at club NV on Friday inNY...funky,swank club,met Sinbad...Larry Graham and wife Tina,and I think their daughter arrived around 10:30, and our man the Artist arrived around 11:00 and stayed 4 an hour, they played the cd and talked, and then the dj took over (Mayte was not with the Artist)...

(...)

[A reader in NYC]
The Conductor's bellowing voice could b heard over the train's PTA system... "Next Stop is Graham Central Station!", okay it was really Spring St.. on the MTA's C Line, but it still felt just the same. It was last Friday night, February the 5th two days after the release of GCS2000 (from NPG Records) n the big night of Larry Graham n GCS' album release party at Club NV in New York.

When u first enter Club NV(289 Spring St..), u get the feeling that u have traveled through time and space 2 the mid 70s where 2 lounge u had 2 also possess a style and that style had 2 be funky. The host of Funk 4 the late 90s and beyond, Sinbad was in attendance, chatting with party goers n extending a friendly hand 2 shake n a smile filled with charm.

The listening party was actually on the upper level of the club n the room that it was 2 house, was just like the lower level. It had feeling of comfort. If you have ever seen the club scene at Paisley...from the "Somebody's Somebody" music video off of The Artist's 1996, album release EMANCIPATION ...you can just imagine how it looked n probably felt as well. The room was decorated with posters of Mr. Graham in a silhouette n the music that was being pumped through the room was mellow...as the attitudes of its inhabitants.

The party goers were an odd bunch. Just like the crowd of a The Artist concert every aspect of the human race was re-presented n from every genre of tastes. A room of Funksters ready 2 party the night away. N eye was right in the middle of all the excitement.

The first members of the NPG to arrive were Mr. Hayes (keyboardist) and KAJ(drummer/producer). Both played important roles during the recently ended New Power Soul Festival tour that featured not only The Artist, but also Chaka Khan and Larry Graham of GCS as the tour's major hitters. Both Mr. Hayes n KAJ cruised the crowd, joking n chatting. And then it happened...the Funkiest Bass Player 2 ever guitar(besides Bootsy:0) Larry Graham arrived!! Accompanying him was his beautiful wife Tina and his lovely daughter Latia. Then walked in New York's own Doug E. Fresh bopping his head 2 the funk beat of "Free". After a quick innerview with "E TV" Larry begins his own walk through the crowd. He is greeted with many thank us n well wishes from fans n lovers of the Funk.

As introductions begin eye noticed a man we all know n adore also on the VIP Dias with Larry n crew its The Artist!!! and he is sporting the water flowing cane, styling. When Mr. Graham's gets on the mic he brings 2 the stage Mr. Hayes, KAJ, Marva King and Doug E. Fresh. After a moving round of congradulations party goers r treated 2 an improv by Doug E n a little air guitar playing by Tina and Larry during the playing of the track "Imagettin" (off GCS2000). The night was a long one and the party funky. eye injoyed myself wholeheartedly n eye know the rest of the party goers had 2 as well...

The USA Today web site has a review of the album. Click here 2 access the review directly.

Cleopatra reports that Larry Graham was in Los Angeles on December 5th on the occasion of the 1998 Billboard Awards and was interviewed backstage 4 local radio station 92.3 KKBT. Larry stated, among other things, that his new CD entitled GCS2000 would be released on February 15th, 1999. However, the official release date is now February 2nd, 1999.

Brad Attaway also reports on January 13th that, according 2 the CDNow online store, GCS2000 is xpected 2 arrive on January 26th, 1999. Click here 2 access the page about the release directly.

Jon Dakss reports that his Graham Central Station official web site now has several samples of GCS2000 tracks in RealAudio 4mat. Click here 2 access the page with the samples directly.

The official Graham Central Station web site also has an interview with Larry Graham online which was conducted at the time of the Today show appearance (end of May). Click here 2 read the interview.

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