Rick James
by Nelly (featuring T.I.)

Album: M.O. (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Pharrell Williams-produced disco-funk number finds Nelly hooking up with T.I. The two Southern stars also linked up with the Neptunes beatmaster on another M.O. track "IDGAF."
  • The song is titled after funk innovator Rick James, who clocked up five Hot 100 Top 40 hits between 1978 and 1984. The singer-songwriter is probably best known for "Super Freak," whose famous bass line was later sampled by MC Hammer for "U Can't Touch This." James died in Los Angeles on August 6, 2004 of a heart attack.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?