Tag Archives: Rick James

Since I hit 100 blogs without realizing it, I figured I do something special for blog #105.  The following list of LPs/ CDs are the FUNKIEST Soundtracks of all time according to www.funkaliciousblog.com – while all albums may not be comprised of all FUNK music, they are unquestionably FUNKY!  Now, put on your favorite soundtrack, go ahead put it on…  Let’s take a ride down memory lane and reminisce about what made you feel good when you heard any of these musical FUNKY gems.

Music is my life!
I have worked in the business of music entertainment in one form or another for over 25 years. Below are some of the music personalities that I have met along the way. I have also interviewed many celebrities. You can hear my interviews at my funkalicious blog or c-dub’s interviews page.

Blaxploitation meets urban culture.

Hip And Happening Aqua Teen Hunger Force – Cartoon Network

Adult Swim’s “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” series has a character called ‘Boxy Brown’ (A play on Foxy Brown, a lead character in another blaxploitation film).

The world of Funk and R&B was taken aback Sunday night, as word got out that one of music’s most beloved daughters took flight. The Motown Alumni Association (MAA) released a statement that singer TEENA MARIE passed on at age 54.

 
Janelle Monae is known to most via her appearance on Big Boi’s compilation release Big Boi Presents… Got Purp? Vol. II. Featured on the album is an uptempo remake of the DeBarge classic “Time Will Reveal,” which still gets airplay, and the track “Lettin’ Go,” my favorite song on the CD.

Doing interviews with Teena Marie was an absolute highlight of my career in music. Having spoken to Rick James at least three times, chatting with her, was like adding to the anatomy of my body of FUNK encounters. While most females recognized in the genre of FUNK are considered to be R&B artists, one can not deny the FUNKessential contributions of Teena Marie.

Shortly after Rick James’ release from Folsom prison, he hit the road to get back in the swing of things.

At the young impressionable age of 15, I heard a song that altered my perception of music and how I listened to the lyrics amidst the groove. “Some people might say I’m infatuated, I don’t care cause they really don’t know. They’ll never see or hear the things I do with you. So far as I’m concerned they all can go to hell.”

There’s so much Funkin’ music used in advertising. I was taken aback and thrilled recently to hear the classic Ohio Players track Fire as the theme music for this season of the “Reality Show” HELL’S KITCHEN. I’m surfing the tube one night and see a flash of Gordon Ramsey. Having worked with him on Kitchen Nightmares for a season, I tuned in for a minute, not because I love the show – but thought I might catch him berating and humiliating one of the “talents” on it – horrible, but true . First there’s clips of what’s on the show, maybe some commercials… all of a sudden sirens, I’m like “huh”? as I’m grabbing a brew from the fridge.

Funk is the last genre of original live music. As hip-hop is now the essence of pop-culture, it is unquestionably a child of funk. Quincy Jones spoke of hip-hop being derived from be-bop when he released his album Back on the Block. It’s amazing how many titles and categories have been used to describe Black Music. Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Ragtime, Soul – The late Jerry Wexler summed it all up as R&B, Rhythm and Blues, it’s all Black Music. Post Be-Bop and Pre Hip-Hop is Funk.