Remembering the King of Punk Funk
Rick James' story is one of the most interesting and turbulent of any in the music industry. From his humble beginnings in Buffalo, NY to his tragic 2004 death, Rick's life was a series of highly publicized peaks and valleys. Perhaps because of this, his music and legacy aren't as appreciated by the average music listener as they should be.
When most people think Rick James, the first thing that comes to mind is probably his 2004 appearance on the Chappelle Show. You know the one... where Chappelle portrayed him as part of Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories and Rick famously exclaimed "I'm Rick James, Bitch!" Fourteen years later, it's pretty commonplace to hear someone utter "cocaine is a helluva drug" or see memes of Rick (or Chappelle as Rick) floating around the internet. I admit, the skits were hilarious. And even more hilarious, the fact that they were not completely exaggerated.
When I think Rick James, I think musical genius with quite an impressive 39 year career span in music. I think about a man that was able to sign a recording contract with Motown Records at just 18 years old. I think about a man whose first solo album went platinum and sold over two million records... a man who was such a huge superstar that The Purple One, Prince, once opened for him on tour.
Rick James was able to help legendary 60's Motown acts like Smokey Robinson and The Temptations have revivals in the 1980's. It was Rick James who wrote comedian Eddie Murphy a hit song that would eventually make it to number two on the Billboard Hot 100. When MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This" was the first ever rap song nominated for Record of the Year in 1991 at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards? That was Rick James. It was through Rick James that the world was introduced to such tremendously talented artists as Val Young, The Mary Janes Girls, and the ivory queen of soul, Teena Marie. I could go on and on about Rick's accomplishments in music, but wouldn't it be easier to let you HEAR how talented and influential he was?
Today, on what would've been Rick James' 70th birthday, I've composed a list of what I consider to be his definitive works... what some may say are THE ESSENTIALS. While most of these songs are actually by Rick James, others are either written, composed, or produced by him. I've even included (old and new) hit songs that sample (or in the case of Michael Jackson's "Thriller", were inspired by) the work of this musical god. (We will have to discuss how Rick wasn't given the proper credit for "Thriller" one day soon). Hopefully, some of you are introduced to a different side of Rick. For those already familiar with his musical prowess, this playlist will just serve as a great way to revisit some of the classics you love.
As always... sit back, press play, and #TurnThisUp!!!
