By pairing electric funk with a devilish persona, Rick James helped move the ‘70s and ‘80s pop world to a sexier, funkier place. Uptempo singles like the horn-filled “Big Time” and the bass-forward “Come Into My Life” nodded to Parliament and opened the door for R&B's ‘80s pop takeover; the sumptuous “Glow” combined disco-era sparkle with MTV-ready shine. James' influence didn't stop there, as his ‘00s team-up with legendary MC Busta Rhymes shows.