Rick James

The King of Punk Funk live in Chicago, March ‘79 😮‍💨 Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

@luckyvie on Tik Tok groovin’ to “Mary Jane” 🤘

GIVE IT TO ME BABY ⚡️

I kept playing the riff and realized that it was hypnotic. Right then and there I had the engineer hook up a mic and started singing the story as it came to me... I never wrote down a word. Made it up on the spot. It just kinda grew out of me.” -Rick James 📸: Getty Images.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Teena Marie 🕊️ Rick met Teena at Motown, recognized her talent instantly, and helped shape her early sound as a producer and collaborator. Their partnership created some of the most iconic funk and R&B of all time.

The 1983 R&B Awards were FILLED with familiar faces... Image Courtesy of Getty Images

Rick James’ music didn’t just live on the radio, it lived on screen. From iconic TV moments to unforgettable film scenes, his sound brought attitude, energy, and funk to every frame. Which Rick James placement is your favorite?

Waiting by the phone and listening to “Call Me Up” all night long 😉

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌 Tag someone who shot you with their love gun👇

Leather, lace, braids, no apology. His style came straight out of Black creativity and funk-era freedom, and you can still see that influence everywhere. As NYFW kicks off, that fearless energy feels just as present now as it did then.

Rick James didn’t just change how music sounded, he changed how it looked. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

"We’ve done every award show, won every award, nomination, that we could possibly win. But I think in my whole career, of me and the Stone City Band, this is beyond anything. Just the greatest show In the whole wide world.” -Rick James

Rick James' music was rooted in the traditions of Black soul, funk, & R&B, & he drew inspiration from countless Black artists before him, including Etta James. Rick’s fearless creativity helped push Black music forward, breaking boundaries & influencing generations that followed.

Black History Month is a time to honor the artists, innovators, and visionaries whose creativity shaped the sound of modern music. The R&B, hip-hop, rap, and rock we know and love exists because of the brilliance and influence of Black musicians. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Celebrate Rick James birthday by revisiting his biggest hit SUPER FREAK ⚡️ What’s your favorite lyric in this iconic song?

Happy Birthday to the King of PUNK FUNK, the one and only RICK JAMES ❤️‍🔥 Rick’s influence changed the music world forever. Between his revolutionary tracks and his iconic style, there is no denying the King’s impact 🔥

On this day in ‘82, the King of Punk Funk performed “Super Freak” at the American Music Awards ⚡️ This night, Rick was awarded “Favorite Soul Album” for his record STREET SONGS.

1/13/83- RJ took the stage in Indiana during his “Throwin’ Down” tour 🤘 Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Throwin’ it back to January ‘83 at the 10th annual American Music Awards 🙌 Fun fact: Rick teamed up with TG Sheppard to present Lionel Richie the award for “Favorite Pop Single” during this show! Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Wishing a very happy birthday to one of Rick James’ idols, Elvis Presley ⚡️