Knowra Rick James Rick James Rick James (1948–2004) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who became a leading figure in funk with hits including “Super Freak” and “Give It to Me Baby.”
Funk : A rhythm-centered popular music style built on strong bass lines, syncopation, and interlocking instrumental parts. James’s music drew on funk’s groove-centered foundations.
Buffalo, New York : A city in western New York on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. James grew up in Buffalo and drew on its local music scene.
Berry Gordy : An American record executive who founded Motown Records and helped build it into a major music company. Gordy signed James to Motown and oversaw the label that released his breakthrough work.
Sampling (music) : The reuse of recorded audio within a new musical composition or recording. The sample of “Super Freak” made James’s work central to a major pop hit.
Super Freak : A 1981 funk song by Rick James, known for its distinctive bass line and later sampling in “U Can’t Touch This.” Its groove and chant-like hook distill James’s approach into his best-known hit.
United States Navy : The maritime service branch of the United States armed forces. James enlisted as a teenager and left the Navy after going absent without leave.
Eddie Murphy : An American actor and comedian known for films, television, and stand-up comedy. Murphy’s recurring “I’m Rick James, bitch!” sketch turned James into a new pop-culture catchphrase.
U Can't Touch This copyright dispute : A legal dispute arising from MC Hammer’s use of music from Rick James’s “Super Freak.” The case drew attention to James’s songwriting credit and financial stake in the sampled song.
Stone City Band : An American funk band associated with Rick James, serving as his backing group and recording in its own right. The band supplied the tight ensemble sound behind James’s records and performances.
Toronto : The capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario and Canada’s largest city. After leaving the Navy, James spent time in Toronto, performing and developing as a musician.
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