Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson Jr.; February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. A pioneer of funk music during the 1970s, his sound drew from a mix of funk, rock, R&B, and psychedelic soul. He was most notably known for his 1981 hit single “Super Freak”. James was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, and is considered one of the founding fathers of funk. In addition to producing his own records, he also produced songs for other artists, including Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.
| Name | Rick James |
| Birth Date | February 1, 1948 |
| Genre | Funk, Soul, Rock, R&B |
| Instruments | Vocals, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards |
| Labels | Motown, Gordy, Reprise, TK |
| Associated Acts | Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, Eddie Kendricks |
10 Best Rick James Quotes
“I’m a street cat. I’m a survivor.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“Love is the only thing that can save the world.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“The most important thing is to be yourself and not try to copy someone else.”
– Rick James, from Biography
“I don’t think I’m a bad person. I’m a good person with bad habits.”
– Rick James, from Billboard
“I’m a very spiritual person. I believe strongly in God.”
– Rick James, from LA Phil
“I’m a great fan of all kinds of music, from classical to funk, jazz and reggae.”
– Rick James, from VH1
“I think I’m one of the most underrated artists in the world.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I believe in the power of music. Music has the power to heal, to bring people together, to uplift.”
– Rick James, from CNN
“I’m not a drug user, I’m a drug abuser.”
– Rick James, from Vibe
“I look for the perfect groove. That’s what I strive for.”
– Rick James, from MTV
6 Inspirational Rick James Quotes
“There’s always a time for love, a time for peace, a time for understanding, and a time for music.”
– Rick James, from AllMusic
“My biggest influence is myself.”
– Rick James, from All About Jazz
“My music is all about love, peace and understanding.”
– Rick James, from NME
“I want to make music that people can dance to, and that has the power to bring people together.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I’m just a regular person that loves music and wants to make music and make people happy.”
– Rick James, from Discogs
“I want to make music that moves people, that makes them feel something.”
– Rick James, from Grammy
7 Famous Rick James Quotes
“I was a little wild, but I was never completely out of control”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I was always an original. I never tried to copy anyone else”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“The first time I heard ‘Super Freak,’ I thought, ‘That’s the ultimate party record!”
– Rick James, from The Hollywood Reporter
“I write from the heart. I’m not one of these writers who come in and fill up a piece of paper with words”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I’m very proud of the fact that I wrote some of the most original, most innovative music in the past twenty years”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I think that’s what makes us all human”
– Rick James, from The Hollywood Reporter
“I’m more like a volcano than a rock star. I’m full of energy and I’m always ready to blow”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
6 Rick James Quotes About Love
“Love is the ultimate high. It’s the strongest emotion there is.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I’m a romantic. I want to be in love and get married.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“Love is a very real thing. But it can be very painful.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“Love is a universal language that all can understand.”
– Rick James, from Interview Magazine
“Love is something that you have to work on; it’s something that you have to cultivate.”
– Rick James, from Interview Magazine
“Love is a beautiful thing, and it should be embraced.”
– Rick James, from Interview Magazine
8 Rick James Quotes About Life
“I just want to live life and be happy.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“Life is a great big rollercoaster. You never know what’s coming up next.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“I think life is short. So you should enjoy it, and live it to the fullest.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“Life has a way of teaching you lessons, and either you learn them or you don’t.”
– Rick James, from Rolling Stone
“I think the best thing I can say to the kids is life is going to be hard at times, but accept the challenge and make the best of it.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“I think there’s a way to have a balanced life, and to not be a slave to the music.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“Life is a very serious thing. When you’re young and you don’t understand that, it’s easy to get into trouble.”
– Rick James, from All Music
“Life is a journey, and sometimes it’s hard, but you just have to go on.”
– Rick James, from All Music
8 Quotes About Rick James
“He was a master at creating music that was innovative and funky, and took soul music to a whole new level.”
– Paul Shaffer, from Rolling Stone
“Rick was the master of funk. His style was a hybrid of soul, rock and funk. He’s influenced everybody from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Prince.”
– DJ Quik, from Rolling Stone
“I don’t think anyone realized how great of a producer he was. He was a true genius. He was a great musician, but he was a much better producer.”
– Junior Vasquez, from Hollywood Reporter
“Rick James is a cornerstone in the history of modern music.”
– Charlie Wilson, from Rolling Stone
“He was just a very creative individual, a prolific writer, and a performer. He was just a real musical genius.”
– Reggie Calloway, from VH1
“He was a genius. He was a very controversial person, but he was a genius.”
– Teena Marie, from Hollywood Reporter
“He was one of the most important funk and soul performers of the 1970s and 1980s.”
– All Music, from All Music
“Rick James was an innovator and an originator. He was part of a revolution in soul music.”
– Quincy Jones, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Rick James
Frequently Asked Questions About Rick James
1. What is the most famous Rick James quote?
Rick James was an iconic musician and songwriter, best known for his song “Super Freak” and his flamboyant stage persona. He was also known for his clever and humorous one-liners, which has left a lasting impression on the music industry. Here are some of the most famous Rick James quotes:
- “Cocaine is a hell of a drug.”
- “I’m Rick James, b****!”
- “Dance with me, I want to be your partner.”
- “I don’t want to be a superstar, I just want to be a star.”
- “If you love something, let it go. If it comes back, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, it never was.”
- “You don’t have to be rich to be my girl, you just have to be good to me.”
- “We all have to live together, so why not live together in peace?”
- “I’m gonna make you dance, make you scream, make you holla…I’m gonna make you move.”
- “I’m gonna do it my way, no matter what you say.”
The most famous Rick James quote is arguably “I’m Rick James, b****!”, famously delivered during the 1980s television show “The Ebony Show”. This phrase has been widely used in pop culture, from movies and television shows to music and books. It serves as a reminder of Rick James’ larger-than-life personality and influence on the music industry.
2. What is the origin of the phrase “cocaine is a hell of a drug”?
The phrase “cocaine is a hell of a drug” was first popularized by the late singer and songwriter Rick James in his 1984 hit single, “Cocaine Is a Hell of a Drug.” The song details the destructive effects of cocaine and the struggles that Rick faced due to his addiction to the drug. The song was widely praised for its honest portrayal of the perils of cocaine use and has since become a widely recognized phrase.
In the song, Rick James sings the chorus:
- Cocaine is a hell of a drug
- A hell of a drug, ain’t no telling what it’ll do
- Cocaine is a hell of a drug
- A hell of a drug, it’ll make you lose your mind
The phrase “cocaine is a hell of a drug” has been used to describe the dangerous and powerful effects of the drug, as well as the devastating effects it can have on an individual’s life. It has become a popular phrase in pop culture, and has been referenced in songs, movies, and television shows.
3. What other notable quotes are attributed to Rick James?
- “I’m a very misunderstood person.”
- “I’m in show business, and I’m in it to make money, not to be a saint.”
- “I’m bad, but I’m not evil.”
- “Music is the key to the heart and soul of the universe.”
- “If it feels good and it’s legal, I’m all for it.”
- “I’m a hustler, and I’m here to make money.”
- “Life’s too short to be unhappy. Enjoy yourself.”
- “I’m not a star, I’m a supernova.”
- “Don’t be a slave to society, be the master of your own destiny.”
4. How did Rick James influence modern music?
Rick James was a multi-faceted musician and songwriter whose influence can be seen in many genres of modern music. He was a master of funk and soul, but he also had an ear for rock and pop. Here are some of the ways Rick James has influenced modern music:
- James was a pioneer in the funk genre, and his music is credited with helping to shape the sound of modern funk. He was one of the first artists to create a new style of music that was a hybrid of funk, soul, and rock.
- James was also a master of sampling and looping. He was one of the first artists to use samples from other songs to create new music. This technique has since become a staple of modern music production.
- James was also a prolific songwriter. He wrote many of his own songs, but he also wrote for other artists, including Michael Jackson and Prince. His songwriting style is still evident in the music of many modern artists.
- James’ music was also a major influence on hip-hop. His songs were frequently sampled by rap artists and his beats were often used as the basis for hip-hop tracks.
- James was also an innovator in the live music scene. He was known for his high energy performances and his use of costumes and props. His influence can be seen in the performances of many modern live acts.
Overall, Rick James was a major influence on the sound of modern music. His ambition and creativity have inspired countless artists and producers.
5. What was the relationship between Rick James and Prince?
Rick James and Prince were longtime friends and collaborators. They had a mutual admiration for each other’s music and often collaborated on projects.
The two first met in the late 1970s, when Prince was just starting out as a musician. At the time, Rick James was already an established artist with a successful career. The pair hit it off and quickly became close friends. They worked together on several songs, including the hit single, “Uptown.”
Their friendship would last for decades, and they would often collaborate on projects. In 1985, the duo released the album, The Hits/The B-Sides, which included some of their biggest hits.
In later years, both Rick James and Prince achieved immense fame and success. The two often praised each other in interviews and credited each other for their accomplishments.
- Rick James and Prince first met in the late 1970s
- They worked together on the hit single “Uptown”
- In 1985, they released the album The Hits/The B-Sides
- They often praised each other in interviews
- Their friendship lasted for decades
Conclusion
Rick James was an iconic figure in the music industry and his influence and legacy will live on forever. His music, characterized by funky rhythms, soulful vocals, and a unique blend of rock and funk, reached fans across the world and helped to shape the sound of funk and soul music. His signature quotes and memorable lines have become part of popular culture, his legendary status solidified in the annals of music history. His memory will live on for generations to come, with his music, his quotes, and his legacy of funk and soul.
