RICK JAMES – Collected 2LP

RICK JAMES – Collected

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Gatefold sleeve
• 2LP compilation featuring early songs and hits by the Punk-Funk originator, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer
• Includes liner notes
• Featuring the hits "Give It To Me Baby", "Super Freak", "You And I", "Dance Wit' Me", "Ebony Eyes" with Smokey Robinson, "Glow" and "Loosey's Rap" featuring Roxanne Shanté

Singer James Ambrose Johnson, born on February 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, fled to Toronto, Canada, to avoid the draft. There, he started The Mynah Birds, a rhythm & blues band and changed his name to Rick James. In 1966, Neil Young joined the band, but their journey ended when James was exposed as a draft dodger and jailed.

After serving his time, Rick James joined several bands, including The Great White Cane, and developed his unique funk style. In 1978, Motown signed him to their Gordy Records, releasing his debut solo album Come And Get It! featuring the hits “You and I” and “Mary Jane.” The album climbed to number 13 on the U.S. charts. Rick released multiple successful albums, such as Bustin’ Out Of L Seven and Fire It Up, with hits like “High On Your Love Suite' and “Bustin’ Out (On Funk).” His 1981 album Street Songs marked his internationally breakthrough, blending funk, rock, and new wave. It produced hits like “Ghetto Life,” the massive “Give It To Me Baby,” and “Super Freak,” earning gold records and Grammy nominations.

His follow-up albums included Throwin’ Down, featuring “Dance Wit’ Me” and "Standing On The Top" with The Temptations, and Cold Blooded, with “Ebony Eyes”a collaboration with Smokey Robinson. Furthermore Rick wrote and produced “Party All The Time” for Eddie Murphy, reaching number 2 on the Billboard charts. Also included on this Collected album are the hits “Glow”, “Loosey’s Rap” featuring the queen of hip hop Roxanne Shanté and his collaboration with Busta Rhymes of “In The Ghetto”

Rick James Collected includes most of his hits and early songs and the 2LP, is available on black vinyl and includes liner notes.

Tracklist:
Side 1
1. You And I
2. Mary Jane
3. High On Your Love Suite
4. Bustin' Out (On Funk)
5. Love Gun
6. Come Into My Life - Part 1
7. Big Time

Side 2
1. Give It To Me Baby
2. Super Freak
3. Ghetto Life
4. Dance Wit Me - Part 1
5. She Blew My Mind (69 Times)
6. Hard To Get

Side 3
1. Standing On The Top feat. The Tempations
2. Cold Blooded
3. U Bring The Freak Out
4. Ebony Eyes feat. Smokey Robinson
5. 17
6. You Turn Me On 

Side 4
1. Glow
2. Can't Stop
3. Spend The Night With Me
4. Sweet And Sexy Thing
5. Loosey's Rap feat. Roxanne Shanté
6. In The Ghetto - Busta Rhymes feat. Rick James

Label: Music On Vinyl
Released: 2025