Rick James RIP

Published on August 7, 2004 By thatoneguyinslc In Music

As i'm sure that most of you already know, Rick James died today. When i found out, i was getting off an airplane and just happened to glance over at the tv by the gate. He is best known for "superfreak" and a shitload of hit songs that he either wrote or produced.

I've been playing bass for almost 20 years, and always liked his style of funk (he was a damn fine bassist) and his style is still directly influincing rock and funk music to this day. Most folks nowadays remember him for his offstage problems with cocaine, his 2 year stint in prison, and Dave Chappelle's hilarious impressions that always ended with the classic catch phrase "I'm Rick James bitch!" Chappelle was just getting ready to produce a serious biographical movie about his very interesting and sad life. He was a musical hero to me, even though when i discovered him i was a skinny little white kid practicing my chops in a basement in Salt Lake City.

The music world has lost a very colorful and talented musician, writer, and producer...I will miss him!

Brian

Comments

pttiann

on Aug 07, 2004

Thank you for letting me know Rick James passed away. I agree with you. He was part of my teenage years. I always loved "Super Freak". It was one of my favorite tunes as a teenager. In fact it is one of the first albums I purchased in my life. I never knew though that he had such a sad life. I look forward to seeing Dave Chappelle portray him in his life story. May God Bless him and keep him near. pttiann

thatoneguyinslc

on Aug 07, 2004

The suprisng thing is that he died of natural causes. But i'm sure its related to the lifestyle he lead before he sobered up.

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