Funk fans, mark your calendars. A new Rick James retrospective is dropping June 6, and it’s not just another greatest hits package — it’s a full-on celebration of a music icon who did it his way (and then some). Collected, part of Universal's long-running European series now released through Music on CD, is a 3-disc powerhouse packed with the hits, deep cuts, unreleased material, and unexpected cameos that made Rick James an unforgettable force in funk, soul, and pop.
More Than Just "Super Freak"
Sure, Collected brings all the essentials: “You and I,” “Bustin’ Out,” “Give It to Me Baby,” “Cold Blooded,” and of course, “Super Freak.” But it goes way beyond the usual — this set dives into Rick’s early recordings, including his time with The Mynah Birds (featuring a pre-fame Neil Young!) and the obscure funk-rock group The Great White Cane. You’ll even hear tracks he produced for Stone City Band, collaborations with Chaka Khan, Eddie Murphy, and Smokey Robinson, plus a goldmine of 12" mixes that never made it to CD before.
Rick James: From Buffalo to the Big Time
Born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, New York, Rick’s story is one for the ages — raised by a single mom who hustled hard to raise eight kids, he eventually dodged the U.S. Navy and landed in Canada. There, under the name Ricky James Matthews, he got swept into Toronto’s music scene, even jamming with Ronnie Hawkins and Levon Helm. By 1966, he was signed to Motown with The Mynah Birds, who might’ve been stars if it weren’t for some Navy-related drama that saw Rick sent to serve time.
Motown eventually brought him back, and after a few false starts, Rick hit it big with his band Stone City Band and the Gordy label. His blend of hard funk, soul, and rock — what he famously dubbed punk-funk — was groundbreaking. And while he never quite reached crossover superstardom, his sound left an undeniable mark on the likes of Prince, Teena Marie, and The Mary Jane Girls.
From MTV Snubs to Chappelle’s Show Fame
Rick was vocal — about racism in the music industry, drug policy, and MTV’s early exclusion of Black artists. In the ‘80s, he even produced the unlikely pop hit “Party All the Time” for Eddie Murphy. And just when it seemed his time in the spotlight had faded, a new generation met him through Dave Chappelle’s legendary “I’m Rick James, b**!” skits**, based on true stories told by Charlie Murphy.
Sadly, Rick passed away in 2004 at just 56, but not before reminding the world how unforgettable he truly was.
Rick James – Collected (Out June 6)
This 3-CD set is a must-own for fans, collectors, and newcomers alike. With over 45 tracks, including 10 that are brand-new to CD, Collected is a funky, raw, and unapologetically Rick James ride through music history.
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