Tribute to a Funk Master: Rick James

I have a confession to make.  I think that Rick James is one of the funkiest musicians of all time. 

My brother Moose has been bumping his jams for years.  However, I never really liked him until last week.  When I thought of Rick James, I thought of the mythical song “Super Freak,” which I have heard about 10,000 times and I think really sucks. 

However, one song I do love is Rick James’ 1981 classic, “Give It to Me Baby.”  I know that most of the readers have already heard the song before because it has been featured in a few movies.  Back in the day, it reached #1 on the R&B charts.  However, I would like to use my bully pulpit (JamandaHalf) to implore you to give it another listen.  It is truly funky.

The first song on the playlist is “Give It to Me Baby” followed by a recording of Rick’s epic concert in Long Beach from 1981.  If I could go back in time, I would, if only just to go to that show.  It was a true party complete with a tribute to the late, great, Bob Marley, who had just passed away.  

"You paid too much money to come in here and sit on your ass!... Raise your left hand, raise it up high.  Now pretend its the KKK and smack the shit out of it!  Now keep the groove up!"

Everyone should listen to more...

Rick James.  Period.   No joke.  Mocked by the young, misunderstood by the old, the late Rick James has left a legacy that is more his image than his music.  Thanks to some key guidance from my man MC Bob I had a chance to reevaluate my previously shallow misconceptions about a man who should be recognized for nothing but his truly funky music.  I dont care who you are, where youre from, or what genre of sounds you like to groove by, this is transcendent music.  It may not be positive, and it might not be philosophical, but it is definitely genuine, and certainly upbeat, and somehow that combination of energy and honesty meld into a jam of triumphant proportions.  And this holds true for all his jams (except that one with eddie murphy).

Weve seen that there are an infinite amount of ways to appreciate music, and what makes you like a song can be different for every person.  So do yourself a favor and revel in a little bit of Rick James, for whatever reason you choose.  There is something we can all learn from such a unique spirit, whether you take it seriously or not, anything that genuine and unceremoniously honest is a beautiful thing.  So do yourselves a favor and listen to more Rick James.  And watch this..