Rick James died

[AndreaU]

You know, "Super Freak"... Very well known around Western NY, especially, since he was born in Buffalo.

Apparently he died in his sleep. He was 56.

I know he had his not-so-great moments personally, but he was quite the funkmaster.

[SusanL]

what were the circumstances of his death? I am so sorry to hear this, too young.:( We grooved to his music.

[jtoepfert100]

I read natural causes. I realize he led quite a wild life, but natural causes at 56? It did say he had hip replacement surgery back in 97 and suffered a stroke recently, too.

[Schmee]

That is really sad.


I can't help thinking about the "Rick James" episodes on Chapelle's Show.

[Escher]

Who's Rick James?

[sneezles]

Originally posted by Escher
Who's Rick James?

Aside from being known for "Super Freak", he was a Motown song writer for the Temptations and Smokey Robinson. He also was responsible for M C Hammer's "U Can't Touch This"
http://www.rickjames.com/images/superfreak-video.jpg


"She was a very kinky girl
The kind you don't take home to Mother...

[crlykat]

Likely he died early from complications from coke? I know he claimed that's what caused him to assault two women, so instead of jail, he went to rehab instead.

[PAMMELA]

I'm sure it had to do with a lifetime of drug use and abuse.

[Jazzmatazz49]

I honestly didn't know he ever did much other than Superfreak. It really became well-known when MC Hammer used part of it in his big hit. I guess I was out of the loop on funk!