Latest Release

- APR 19, 2022
- Mary Jane (Young Franco Remix) - Single
- 1 Song
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1978
- Street Songs · 1981
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1981
- Street Songs · 1981
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1997
- Street Songs · 1981
- Street Songs · 1981
- Come Get It! · 1978
- 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Rick James · 1983
- Street Songs · 1981
Essential Albums
- Showing disco and funk how to rock ’n’ roll on the wrong side of the tracks.
- 2005
- 1989
- 1988
- 1983
- 1982
Music Videos
2011
2006
2006
1985
Artist Playlists
- He's...well, you know.
- Funk freak-outs and cool ballads indebted to the brash pioneer.
- Their original tunes have been the source material for some of modern music’s biggest hits.
- The funk auteur could do heartfelt devotion, too.
Singles & EPs
Compilations
- 2002
Appears On
- T.W.D.Y., Slow Pain, Ronnie Hudson, MC Frosty & DJ Ultralight
- Anthony Hamilton
More To Hear
- Spinna celebrates 40 years of Rick James' 'Street Songs.'
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