"Super Freak" musician Rick James Dies

Flamboyant funk music pioneer Rick James, a dynamic performer whose sensuous 1981 dance hit "Super Freak" came to embody the ruinous excesses of his colourful life, has died in his sleep of natural causes. He was 56.

James died at 9:20 a.m. on Friday in his home near Hollywood, a record label spokeswoman said.

He was one of my all time favorite funk musicians.

Posted by Uptown Girl

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Posted by Lawren at August 6, 2004 10:03 PM

You Said

Did anyone see the episode of Chapelle's Show with Rick James on it? When I heard he died today, all I could think of was him on that show saying "Cocain's a hell of a drug!"

Says: Mel at August 7, 2004 02:28 AM

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Yep. I was shocked Friday night to hear that he had died. People I was out with were making fun of me for saying he was so young and I couldn't believe he was dead - I wasn't really aware of his drug problems. I guess living in a basement is like living under a rock for me ;)

Says: Kelly at August 8, 2004 06:33 PM

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