When Rick James dropped Street Songs in 1981, the world didn’t just get another R&B album—it got a musical revolution. Infused with brazen sexuality, street-smart attitude, and genre-bending grooves, Street Songs introduced the world to the bold and unstoppable force of punk-funk. Now, thanks to Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, this iconic album returns in an exquisitely remastered 180g 45RPM 2LP set sourced directly from the original master tapes—limited to just 4,000 numbered copies.
With hits like “Give It to Me Baby,” the steamy duet “Fire and Desire” featuring Teena Marie, and the unforgettable “Super Freak” (whose DNA runs through generations of hip-hop and pop), this new pressing offers the chance to hear James’ groove-laden brilliance in the highest fidelity ever released.
Every bass thump, every gritty lyric, every horn stab—it’s all here, polished to perfection and ready to light up your living room like it’s 1981 again.
Audiophile Features:
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Sourced from the original 1/4" analog master tapes
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Cut via DSD 256 & analog console lathe
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Pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing
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Housed in a premium Stoughton gatefold jacket
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Limited to 4,000 individually numbered copies
Tracklist
Side One
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Give It to Me Baby
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Ghetto Life
Side Two
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Make Love to Me
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Mr. Policeman
Side Three
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Super Freak
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Fire and Desire
Side Four
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Call Me Up
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Below the Funk (Pass the J)
Who Was Rick James?
Born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. in Buffalo, New York, Rick James was a genre-blending musical force whose career pushed the boundaries of funk, soul, rock, and pop. A multi-instrumentalist and visionary producer, James began his journey playing with Neil Young in Canada before returning to the U.S. to craft a sound all his own—a sound that would come to define the '80s.
Known as the “King of Punk Funk,” James rose to fame with his 1978 breakout Come Get It!, but it was Street Songs that catapulted him into the stratosphere. The album was more than just a commercial success—it was a cultural moment, spending 20 consecutive weeks at #1 on the R&B Album Chart and going multi-platinum.
Rick James was as known for his outlandish persona and controversial lifestyle as he was for his music, but beneath the flamboyance was a genius songwriter and producer. He penned hits for Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, and Eddie Murphy, and his influence is still felt today—from MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” to the sonic DNA of modern funk and trap-soul artists.
Though his life had its ups and downs, Rick James’ musical legacy is undeniable. His boldness, humor, and fearless honesty made him an icon—and Street Songs remains his crowning achievement.
Why This Reissue Matters
This deluxe Mobile Fidelity edition isn’t just a reissue—it’s a full resurrection. The new mastering and pressing reveal depth and clarity previously buried in analog haze. Feel every throb of the bass on “Ghetto Life,” every seductive breath in “Fire and Desire,” and every tight guitar riff in “Super Freak” with stunning immediacy. It’s like hearing the record again for the first time—only better.
Whether you’re a vinyl collector, a funk aficionado, or simply ready to get down and get freaky, Street Songs in this form is a must-have.
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