The death of a Super Freak.

So, Rick James has passed on and become the third celeb death in th black community along with Isabel Sanford and Ray Charles. So hopefully, according to death in 3 theroy then we are set for awhile. That being said, in honor of Rick James I'd like to list his 5 best contributions to the world.

5) David Chapelle. Rick James gave this guy more than enough material to make a film and much more. Who can ever forget the immortal joke "what did the five fingers and hand say to the face?" SLAP!!! Good times and Rick James always saw the joke. That is the sign of real class.

4) Rick James was considered by many to be one of the pioneers of the R & B, rock & roll, funk sound. Bewteen his career as a singer/songwriter and musician well as his contributions in the producing aspect, many can give thanks and their musical starts to Rick James' influence.

3) The song "Super Freak" would become a signature song not only to Rick James but to the early 80's dance scene, being a classic in the disco, funk and R & B genres.. Few can hear the open strains of this song and not give a smile, a dance and even more to the beat heavy, booty shaking anthem.

2) The Mary Jane Girls. The brain child of Rick james, this group of his former background singers became a staple on MTV for their #1 hit "My House" and are sited as a founding sound for a number of female r & B artists. This as well as being one of my favorite vidoes of all time and a special space in my childhood. I have always wanted, and still do, to be one of Rick James' "Mary Janes".

1) And the number one reason? Rick James produced one of my favorite songs of all time with one of the 80's top comdeians. This song is my favorite bad "crank up the radio and freak out the apartment complex" song. We all know it and we all love it so let's just sing the Rick James/Eddie Murphy classic togther... "My girl wants to party all the, party all the, party all the time!" And let's hope wherever Rick James is that the party is still rolling. (though if it is hell then that song is on repeat.)