Rick James, born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, emerged as a definitive force in the funk scene during the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for his flamboyant personality, provocative lyrics, and pulsating grooves, James's career launched into the stratosphere with hits that blended funk, soul, and rock music.

Before reaching stardom, James's eclectic journey in music began in his teen years when he fled to Toronto to avoid being drafted into the Vietnam War. By the time he released his debut solo album, "Come Get It!" in 1978, which featured the instant classic "You and I," James was on a trajectory toward fame. His 1981 hit, "Super Freak," cemented his status as a funk icon and has been widely sampled, most memorably by MC Hammer in "U Can't Touch This." James continued to produce and perform music until his passing on August 6, 2004. Although his career experienced ups and downs, including struggles with legal issues and substance abuse, Rick James's legacy endures through a bevy of compilation albums and remixed tracks that introduce his sound to new generations, such as "Mary Jane (Young Franco Remix)" and curated collections like "The Definitive Collection" and "Anthology." His influence can still be felt in the realms of funk, pop, and hip hop, attesting to his title as the undisputed "King of Punk-Funk."

Genres

Disco

Funk

Motown

P Funk

Quiet Storm

Soul

Synth Funk

Related Artists

Prince

Cameo

George Clinton

The Gap Band

Bootsy Collins

Zapp

Teena Marie

Bruno Mars

Michael Jackson

Anderson .Paak

The Time

Mark Ronson

Latest Release

Mary Jane (Young Franco Remix)

Rick James•

Young Franco

Single - Released April 19, 2022