Aretha Franklin reacts to Prince's untimely death

Soul star Aretha Franklin has described the untimely death of Prince as "such a blow".

Franklin paid tribute to the "Purple Rain" hitmaker who passed away at his home on April 21 after displaying "flu-like symptoms".

Describing Prince as a "unique individual", Franklin, 73, said he was into his music "to the max". "It's really surreal. It's just kind of unbelievable," she said.

Franklin also revealed Prince used to sleep in his studio when making his music because he was so dedicated to his work.

"I think that he was a very explorative and as I said he was one of those artists that go into the studio and stayed in the studio - he would sleep in the studio.

"Myself, when I finish recording as an artist I go home and I am through with it until it's time for me to go back in the studio but some artists just stay in the studio because they love music like that."