Carver County Chief Deputy Jason Kamerud said police responded to a medical call at 9.43am and the crime lab and medical examiner are on scene.
A reporter from local TV station KSTP, Farrah Fazal, tweeted this afternoon: "BREAKING: Deputies say they are now doing "death investigation" at Prince's PaisleyPark recording studios near Minneapolis. @ KSTP."#Death Investigation at #Prince's #PaisleyPark studios near Minneapolis. Details so far: https://t.co/QmSCdDPeq7 via @KSTP— Farrah Fazal (@FarrahFazal) April 21, 2016
Celebrities and fans have flooded social media with tributes, with Katy Perry tweeting: "And just like that...the world lost a lot of magic. Rest in peace Prince! Thanks for giving us so much..."
The news comes days after the singer was released from hospital after a bout of flu.
PRINCE TRIBUTES
Thank you God for letting us experience the GREATNESS that is— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) April 21, 2016
Prince! What a blessing! #RipPrince
Now Prince? No no no.. RIP You genius x— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) April 21, 2016
We've just lost an incredible talent! So sorry to hear about #Prince we will always love your music forever and ever! #RIPPrince— La Toya Jackson (@latoyajackson) April 21, 2016