Listening back to these Rick James classics, I’m reminded of just how much soul, sweat, and truth he poured into every track. His music was never just about the beat—it was about the feeling.

Rick James (center) and the Mary Jane Girls during the 11th Annual American Music Awards in 1984 WireImage Freaky fall After his song “My Mama” hit it big in Europe, James toured clubs there.

The inimitable Rick James' birthday was Feb. 1. To ride out his month we brought back our temporary takeover of "I'll Take You There," the 24/7 R&B and soul channel from NPR Music.

Rick James and Prince had tension based on their competitive natures and talent, but ultimately, they respected each other’s art and legacies. No they weren’t friends, but they admired each other.

Funk music pioneer Rick James, famous for the raunchy 1981 hit "Super Freak (Part 1)" and later infamous for drug and sex crimes that outdid the debauchery of his songs, was found dead Friday ...

Rick James, the self-proclaimed "king of punk funk" whose brash, boisterous, self-destructive life epitomized the title of his greatest hit, "Super Freak," died Aug. 6 at his home near Universal ...

How would you like music fans to remember Rick James? As someone who beat the odds, and as a musician who gave up the truth. My music ain’t no contrived bullshit. It ain’t no sci-fi shit.

But it’s also perfect because it’s Rick James doing Rick James things. “Ebony Eyes” is a perfect music moment in black history, and I bet you didn’t know that, ebony eyes. Straight From ...