"I can't hang out as loose as I used to, but I can still go down Jefferson Avenue and look in the faces of winos, pimps and junkies, all the things I'm made of."
About Rick James
Rick James — Life and Legacy
Rick James was a groundbreaking musician whose work in the late 20th century transformed the landscape of funk and rock music. His distinctive sound and flamboyant persona were encapsulated in hits like 'Super Freak,' which not only showcased his musical talent but also his fearless approach to themes of love and freedom. James's lyrics often reflect a candid exploration of relationships, revealing both the ecstasy and turmoil that accompany them. For instance, his famous line, 'I'm your super freak,' captures a celebration of sexual liberation and individuality, challenging conventional norms of romance and desire. James's worldview was shaped by his own tumultuous experiences, including struggles with addiction and the pressures of fame. His quotes often reveal a deep understanding of the complexities of love, portraying it as a force that can uplift yet also devastate. This duality is evident in his music, where he blends joy with a sense of vulnerability. By openly discussing his life and relationships, he invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and freedom. Today, Rick James's quotes and music continue to resonate, as they encapsulate the spirit of self-expression and the pursuit of authenticity. His legacy lies not only in his chart-topping hits but also in his ability to articulate the intricate dance between love and freedom, making his words relevant to new generations of listeners.
Quote collection
Rick James quotes (page 1 of 3)
51 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"You can't have rock and roll without drugs, you can't have rock and roll without sex."
"I'm in love with mary jane. she's my main thing. she makes me feel alright. she makes my heart sing. and when I'm feeling low, she comes as no suprise. turns me on with her love, takes me to paradiiiiise do you love me mary jane, yeah now do you think you love me mary jane don't you play no game."
"Funkers are people who dig the funk; Little funkers, Big funkers, Old funkers, Young funkers, Foxy funkers, Mother funkers, Papa funkers."
"I wrote and produced millions and millions of selling records, so my publishing company alone was worth millions of dollars. I didn't have to work anymore in life because when the rappers started sampling... I'm the most sampled artist in history."
"Whether you're rich or poor, life's still cold-blooded."
"I love marijuana - Mary Jane - and you can print that! I smoke it every day and it's the greatest thing since ice cream and I'm not afraid to say it."
"I just live one day at a time."
"My teacher said I would either be a hoodlum, or a great entertainer."
"She's the kind you don't take home to mother."
"I'm still James Johnson. Rick James is a stage name. James Johnson keeps Rick James on the ground... Kind of sort of."
"If anything I consider myself non-violent. I'm from the hippy era, peace, love, groovy."
"Off stage it's cool-out time. You can't funk and roll ALL the time."
"You and I, we'll be together 'til the six is nine."
"I was angry about the fact that my father would beat my mother on a daily basis, that my mother would like take it in turn and beat on me. I was an abused child. I was mad about all those things, very bitter and very angry."
"KISS hammered home the importance of high drama...I decided to design my show with the same goal; I wanted my fans to remember my show for the rest of their lives."
"I'm trying to change the root of funk, trying to make it more progressive, more melodic and more lyrically structured."
"Punk Funk means to be one with yourself. To be rebellious, aggressive, able to do and say what you feel at all times, without inflicting mental or spiritual pain."
"I'm a long way from Ike Turner."
"I get some letters from girls that if their mothers knew what they were writing me in these letters, they'd get their butts whipped."