Not me but Rick James. I was really grown when I learned he wasn’t talking about no woman, the candy or shoes. Chiiiile…Rick James was something else and a half.
Even as a youngun in ponytails and cornrows, I was bopping to Rick James. What a beautiful voice. I mean, be-u-tee-ful! Imagine being a wild child with a voice like that. Umph! I’m sure that got him certain privileges with the ladies.
Now, this is me guessing but I suspect when Eddie Murphy came out in his leather outfit in Raw, he was looking at Rick James back in the day. Just a wild guess. He actually wrote music for Eddie and a number of other artists. Even put Teena Marie out there and they were one powerful duo with Fire and Desire.
His music is full of energy. Provocative, if you will. He brought out a side in you he wanted for himself. One of my many favorites is Give It to Me Baby. And there’s the classic Super Freak. I could go on naming every song, really.
He was a bad boy lighting up joints at his concerts and this was a real problem back then. Now look where we’re at. Even kids are vaping in bathroom stalls, not to mention there’s a joint shop on every other corner. Chemically laced, that is, like sugar.
I used to look at his album cover and he’d stare back with a come hither look. Such an intriguing fella to me, living loose, wild and free. He and Prince had similar paths in music and the girl groups they brought on. For Rick, it was the Mary Jane Girls and it was Vanity for Prince. Both with very defined artistic styles.
I can’t believe he’s been gone from us 20 years now. I’m amazed and thankful how artists leave such an indelible mark with their gift. How hard they work to let us know they were here. Their music travels through time in the people who enjoy it. It makes me feel good to share the good times I continue to have in listening.
Rest in Love, Mr Bad Boy Rick James.
Portraits on Tiffany 
You chose the right song for this post! I love “Ebony Eyes!” Rick had such a distinctive voice. There was NO.thinking who was singing when his voice was on a track. You knew it was him!
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Yes, that is a beautiful song that shows his range. He definitely brings himself into that song. Whenever listening, I’m always ready to hear his part. Funny you mention how distinctive his voice is. Whenever I used to listen to En Vogue, I never got who was singing what. I remember thinking, ‘What’s the point is everyone sound alike?’ Maybe it’s just me.
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Ah, now I could differentiate who was singing which verses with En Vogue, and I know that’s partly because I obsessed over them. 😂😆🤣
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I liked the group, in general but not the biggest fan. I was disappointed to hear that egos broke them up, although that’s not new to any group. They had a nice presentation but so much was going on in the background.
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True. Very true. And they had some bad management at one point, too. Just a great thing gone bad and never to return.
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Beautiful song! Artists are wonderful 😊 I think. Well shared 💐
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Yes, it is indeed beautiful collaboration. Thank you for responding.
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💐
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Not a song I’m familiar with but, wow, what a voice! I’m adding it to my playlist!
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Great! I’m glad I was able to turn you on to his music. His ballads are beautiful works of art.
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Since leaving my comment, I’ve been listening to more of his music – and I’m really enjoying it!
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Now, you’ve made me a happy blogger. He’s a funkmaster. 😆. Fire and Desire is one for the books. You’ve got me ready to blast him through the speakers now.
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Great picture and Rick James was the musical truth,, much respect
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Thank you. I love his voice and the energy in his music. Such a talent.
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Yeah he was, left a lasting impression
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