- Street Songs · 1981
- Street Songs · 1981
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1978
- Street Songs · 1981
- Come Get It! · 1978
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1983
- Cold Blooded · 1983
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1997
- Street Songs · 1981
- Anthology · 1994
- Street Songs (Deluxe Edition) · 1981
- The Big Bang · 2006
- Throwin' Down (Bonus Track version) · 1982
Essential Albums
- With 1981’s Street Songs, Rick James slapped a rocker’s edge onto disco’s derriere. Inspired by the Buffalo projects where they grew up, he and the Stone City Band explore a thriving subculture of prostitutes, junkies, and hustlers on “Ghetto Life,” while “Mr. Policeman” is one of the first songs to openly address police brutality. James had the guts to go where others wouldn’t dare. With their wired grooves and debauched come-ons, “Give It to Me Baby” and “Super Freak” are more than suggestive—they’re deliriously, defiantly hedonistic.
Music Videos
- 2011
- 2006
- 2006
- 1985
Artist Playlists
- He's...well, you know.
- Their original tunes have been the source material for some of modern music’s biggest hits.
- Funk freak-outs and cool ballads indebted to the brash pioneer.
- The funk auteur could do heartfelt devotion, too.
Compilations
Appears On
- T.W.D.Y., Slow Pain, Ronnie Hudson, MC Frosty & DJ Ultralight
More To Hear
- Spinna celebrates 40 years of Rick James' 'Street Songs.'
- The rapper/actor talks Hollywood.
About Rick James
Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Rick James made bold, risk-taking funk and R&B music that—combined with an electric personality—made him an icon. • Born in Buffalo, James joined the Naval Reserve as a teenaer to avoid being drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He later deserted and fled to Toronto. • In 1964, he joined the Toronto R&B-rock fusion band The Mynah Birds, which included future rock superstar Neil Young. • James’ 1978 debut album, Come Get It! featured the R&B smashes "You and I" and "Mary Jane.” • His fifth album, 1981’s Street Songs, spawned two of his signature hits: “Give It To Me Baby” and the raunchy, Grammy-nominated “Super Freak.” • In 1990, MC Hammer sampled “Super Freak” for his hit single “U Can’t Touch This,” which earned both artists a Grammy for Best R&B Song. • Prior to his death in 2004, James re-entered the pop-culture sphere with an appearance on Comedy Central’s Chappelle's Show. The sketch introduced the iconic catchphrase, "I'm Rick James, bitch!"
- HOMETOWN
- Buffalo, NY, United States
- BORN
- February 1, 1948
- GENRE
- R&B/Soul