I would say that the closest comparison to Prince was Rick James, much more so than Sly Stone or James Brown or Jimi Hendrix. Because here are the parallels. Rick wrote all of his songs, he could play most instruments, wrote sexual lyrics, wrote songs for other musicians, formed an all girl group, wrote some songs in a womans perspective. He really was like Prince in many ways. But I like Prince way better except that I think Rick could sing better. I never thought that PRince was the greatest vocalist in the world but then again look at Mick Jagger, he cant sing at all but the stones are still great.

Only in terms of electro-funk.

I do love Rick though.

I'm not nor have I ever been a Rick James fan. Yes he has several cuts that are and that I groove to, but I wouldn't call myself a fan.

Having said that, what audio tracks or live performances really showcase Rick as a musician? What is a track or footage that really showcases him as a guitarist, keyboardist, or bassist?

Rick James and Prince were always two very different artists in my mind. Personally, I've always seen Stevie Wonder as a closer comparison to Prince, as much as Prince can be compared to ANYONE.

JamieStarrbucks said:

I would say that the closest comparison to Prince was Rick James, much more so than Sly Stone or James Brown or Jimi Hendrix. Because here are the parallels. Rick wrote all of his songs, he could play most instruments, wrote sexual lyrics, wrote songs for other musicians, formed an all girl group, wrote some songs in a womans perspective. He really was like Prince in many ways. But I like Prince way better except that I think Rick could sing better. I never thought that PRince was the greatest vocalist in the world but then again look at Mick Jagger, he cant sing at all but the stones are still great.

he is

JamieStarrbucks said:

I never thought that PRince was the greatest vocalist in the world...

There's no such thing. Nevertheless, personally I think he's an exceptionally skilled vocalist. Though just as a recent example of his talent, I'm wondering: What did you think of his performance of "Somewhere Here On Earth" on Jay Leno's Tonight Show?

We need a farkin' "Rick James and Prince" thread for this recurring topic.

ernestsewell said:

We need a farkin' "Rick James and Prince" thread for this recurring topic.

Does seem to be a never ending age old debate. The two have always been like apples & oranges in my book, loved them both.

PDogz said:

ernestsewell said:

We need a farkin' "Rick James and Prince" thread for this recurring topic.

Does seem to be a never ending age old debate. The two have always been like apples & oranges in my book, loved them both.

*Error* One of my all time favorite posts!

[Edited 7/11/10 11:30am]

Elle85n09 said:

PDogz said:

Does seem to be a never ending age old debate. The two have always been like apples & oranges in my book, loved them both.

http://prince.org/msg/7/309788 One of my all time favorite posts!

Not sure I understand, have you checked that link?

Prince can't compete with Rick James as far as funk!! Now I like Prince much better overall but thats because of Prince's Rock and Pop stuff. Rick James is pure funk!! Prince cant do that as good to me. Totally different artists

i dont think rick would want to compare

[img:$uid]http://i29.tinypic.com/2v11yf6.jpg[/img:$uid]

PDogz said:

Elle85n09 said:

*Error* One of my all time favorite posts!

Not sure I understand, have you checked that link?

Sorry PDogz. I guess I haven't figured out the new link process. It's the Prince on the "Fire it Up" tour thread. Last posted in 2009. GREAT recounting of your experience at that concert, as well as, some first-class, mature, and interesting posts by most thread participants. I go back and read it when I get nostalgic for the old days.

[Edited 7/11/10 11:29am]

[Edited 7/11/10 11:48am]

OperatingThetan said:

Only in terms of electro-funk.

I do love Rick though.

Seriously?

No.

I do love Rick but his music does not match the Mpls Sound at all.

prince stole from Rick James and made it better

as far as attitude goes

i think rick james was a pure badass and prince was just a Junior badass

.

[Edited 7/11/10 11:46am]

i think stevie is closer, Rick n Prince do have there similarities, but vocally Rick James is average vocalist, he doesnt have diversty Prince has

Elle85n09 said:

PDogz said:

Not sure I understand, have you checked that link?

Sorry PDogz. I guess I haven't figured out the new link process. It's the Prince on the "Fire it Up" tour thread. Last posted in 2009. GREAT recounting of your experience at that concert, as well as, some first-class, mature, and interesting posts by most thread participants. I go back and read it when I get nostalgic for the old days.

Wow! You remembered I had posted in that thread?!? I'm so honored! (I'll have to make a special note of that in my Org files, lol). Thank you so much for that, seriously.

Yeah, that was a great memory of mine. The thread that you're speaking of from 2009 was actually in reference to this thread: "How Did You Become A Fan Of Prince?" started by WildGoldenHoney back in January 2008! I've also found excerpts of my story posted in various other blogs on the net (makes me wish I had taken more time and done a better job writing it in the first place. Didn't realize at the time I was relaying history, lol).

I haven't run into too many people even here on The Org that attended one of those shows, though I'm sure they're around (...at least I hope they are, lol). I feel like some old hippy dude recalling how when the Beatles first came to America when I tell that story of Prince opening for Rick James, lol.

Where is WildGoldenHoney anyway? She was a sweet lady.

PDogz said:

Elle85n09 said:

Sorry PDogz. I guess I haven't figured out the new link process. It's the Prince on the "Fire it Up" tour thread. Last posted in 2009. GREAT recounting of your experience at that concert, as well as, some first-class, mature, and interesting posts by most thread participants. I go back and read it when I get nostalgic for the old days.

Wow! You remembered I had posted in that thread?!? I'm so honored! (I'll have to make a special note of that in my Org files, lol). Thank you so much for that, seriously.

Yeah, that was a great memory of mine. The thread that you're speaking of from 2009 was actually in reference to this thread: "How Did You Become A Fan Of Prince?" started by WildGoldenHoney back in January 2008! I've also found excerpts of my story posted in various other blogs on the net (makes me wish I had taken more time and done a better job writing it in the first place. Didn't realize at the time I was relaying history, lol).

I haven't run into too many people even here on The Org that attended one of those shows, though I'm sure they're around (...at least I hope they are, lol). I feel like some old hippy dude recalling how when the Beatles first came to America when I tell that story of Prince opening for Rick James, lol.

Where is WildGoldenHoney anyway? She was a sweet lady.

Hippy! lol I'm fifty and proud of it. I never got to go to see Prince before he became an icon, but when I read that thread I feel as if I'm there. The "Fire it Up" Tour made it to Columbia,SC (iirc) and I was working for the Telephone Co in Charleston,SC at that time. Had I known about it, I'd have pulled some split shifts and been there. Prince wasn't getting too much promotion on WTMA-AM radio back in those days. They played "Super Freak" by Rick, but P didn't get play until "Controversy" got some limited spins when it was released. I heard "I Wanna B Your Lover" at my brother's basketball game on somebody's boombox in '79. When 1999 was released, it was everywhere. I love reading about the lucky people who experienced Prince when he was beginning his journey. Thanks for the memories PDogz.

I never had the pleasure of "meeting" WildGoldenHoney. If she hasn't closed her acct. on the org, maybe we could send her an orgnote. It would be cool if she replied. Don't be a stranger, okay?

Elle85n09 said:

PDogz said:

Wow! You remembered I had posted in that thread?!? I'm so honored! (I'll have to make a special note of that in my Org files, lol). Thank you so much for that, seriously.

Yeah, that was a great memory of mine. The thread that you're speaking of from 2009 was actually in reference to this thread: "How Did You Become A Fan Of Prince?" started by WildGoldenHoney back in January 2008! I've also found excerpts of my story posted in various other blogs on the net (makes me wish I had taken more time and done a better job writing it in the first place. Didn't realize at the time I was relaying history, lol).

I haven't run into too many people even here on The Org that attended one of those shows, though I'm sure they're around (...at least I hope they are, lol). I feel like some old hippy dude recalling how when the Beatles first came to America when I tell that story of Prince opening for Rick James, lol.

Where is WildGoldenHoney anyway? She was a sweet lady.

Hippy! lol I'm fifty and proud of it. I never got to go to see Prince before he became an icon, but when I read that thread I feel as if I'm there. The "Fire it Up" Tour made it to Columbia,SC (iirc) and I was working for the Telephone Co in Charleston,SC at that time. Had I known about it, I'd have pulled some split shifts and been there. Prince wasn't getting too much promotion on WTMA-AM radio back in those days. They played "Super Freak" by Rick, but P didn't get play until "Controversy" got some limited spins when it was released. I heard "I Wanna B Your Lover" at my brother's basketball game on somebody's boombox in '79. When 1999 was released, it was everywhere. I love reading about the lucky people who experienced Prince when he was beginning his journey. Thanks for the memories PDogz.

I never had the pleasure of "meeting" WildGoldenHoney. If she hasn't closed her acct. on the org, maybe we could send her an orgnote. It would be cool if she replied. Don't be a stranger, okay?

I won't, promise. Us "Grown Folks" have got to stick together, lol. Cause you know The Children want to be working our LAST NERVE, lol. (...and I'm only one year behind you).

PicklesMcMillan said:

prince stole from Rick James and made it better

as far as attitude goes

i think rick james was a pure badass and prince was just a Junior badass

If anything, they stole from each other.

Anyonr remember Teena Marie's account of how Slick Rick stole Prince's reprogrammed synthesizers and used them for the "Street Songs" album?

I dont remember all the details and I apologize, but I swear thats a true story.

I think this was after Prince stole Denise Matthews from Rick, so maybe thats why!

PDogz said:

Elle85n09 said:

Hippy! lol I'm fifty and proud of it. I never got to go to see Prince before he became an icon, but when I read that thread I feel as if I'm there. The "Fire it Up" Tour made it to Columbia,SC (iirc) and I was working for the Telephone Co in Charleston,SC at that time. Had I known about it, I'd have pulled some split shifts and been there. Prince wasn't getting too much promotion on WTMA-AM radio back in those days. They played "Super Freak" by Rick, but P didn't get play until "Controversy" got some limited spins when it was released. I heard "I Wanna B Your Lover" at my brother's basketball game on somebody's boombox in '79. When 1999 was released, it was everywhere. I love reading about the lucky people who experienced Prince when he was beginning his journey. Thanks for the memories PDogz.

I never had the pleasure of "meeting" WildGoldenHoney. If she hasn't closed her acct. on the org, maybe we could send her an orgnote. It would be cool if she replied. Don't be a stranger, okay?

I won't, promise. Us "Grown Folks" have got to stick together, lol. Cause you know The Children want to be working our LAST NERVE, lol. (...and I'm only one year behind you).

It's a deal friend.

As far as pop music is concerned, I think George Michael could have been close at one point. Rick James was probably one of the closest, yes. Madonna and Janet in some ways too.

I know some people will hate me for saying it, but today, we have another talent in pop music that can write, sing and produce their own songs, and play their own instruments. Her name is Lady GaGa. If she continues on her current pace, and does not fade from the spotlight or get in any trouble, she could be right up there one day.

I don't like Super Freak, his most known disco song.

I can't mention other Rick James songs.

the mick jagger comment burns.

until about 1980 or so, when he discovered growling, he was one of the best rock vocalists around, in my opinion. Sex, loss, heartache, anger -> oof, he made me feel it.

but maybe that's just the skinny white boy in me.

Mintchip said:

the mick jagger comment burns.

until about 1980 or so, when he discovered growling, he was one of the best rock vocalists around, in my opinion. Sex, loss, heartache, anger -> oof, he made me feel it.

but maybe that's just the skinny white boy in me.

That's the thing about vocalists, sometimes the oddest of qualities in voices can make really good singers. Like Joe Cocker, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Louis Armstrong, Cyndi Lauper, Garry Shider, and yeah; even Mick Jagger (LOVED "Angie", "Waiting For A Friend", "Fool To Cry", "Angie", "Beast of Burden", "Wild Horses", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "Brown Sugar", "No Use In Crying", "Tops", just to name a few, lol).

You're in good company with me in your support for Mick Jagger (...and I'm no "skinny white boy", lol). But now if you were defending the vocal stylings of William "Shebang" Hung, I may have been concerned.

Adisa said:

I'm not nor have I ever been a Rick James fan. Yes he has several cuts that are and that I groove to, but I wouldn't call myself a fan.

Having said that, what audio tracks or live performances really showcase Rick as a musician? What is a track or footage that really showcases him as a guitarist, keyboardist, or bassist?

It would be hard to pull specific tracks to demonstrate Rick's mastery over various instruments, because he was ALL OVER his productions. And I never saw any footage captured of any of Rick's performances on TV or video that accurately conveyed what was really going on had you been there live.

But at a live show, it was amazing to watch Rick go from guitar on one song, then move over to keyboards on another song, then beat the Hell outta his bass guitar on yet another. Rick's concerts never failed to leave me completely physically exhausted, the Funk just kept coming at you strong & hard. THAT was the magic of Rick James. He had complete control over the entire production, whether it was live or recorded. And The Stone City Band was nobody's joke! Those dudes ROCKED... endlessly! (...and at peak decibels, lol). Your ears would be ringing for days afterword, lol.

Sorry you missed out on Rick James. The hits that got played on the radio barely scratched the surface of his talent.

StonedImmaculate said:

PicklesMcMillan said:

prince stole from Rick James and made it better

as far as attitude goes

i think rick james was a pure badass and prince was just a Junior badass

If anything, they stole from each other.

Anyonr remember Teena Marie's account of how Slick Rick stole Prince's reprogrammed synthesizers and used them for the "Street Songs" album?

I dont remember all the details and I apologize, but I swear thats a true story.

I think this was after Prince stole Denise Matthews from Rick, so maybe thats why!

true.. true

JDODSON said:

As far as pop music is concerned, I think George Michael could have been close at one point. Rick James was probably one of the closest, yes. Madonna and Janet in some ways too.

I know some people will hate me for saying it, but today, we have another talent in pop music that can write, sing and produce their own songs, and play their own instruments. Her name is Lady GaGa. If she continues on her current pace, and does not fade from the spotlight or get in any trouble, she could be right up there one day.

George Michael compared to PRINCE?!? Yikes! I could understand Madonna, even though she doesn't play any instruments (yeah, I know... she HOLDS a guitar in some performances, lol). But she had that whole edgy, controversial, sexual thing going for a while.

Now even I hate MYSELF for saying this, but I can see Lady Gaga blowing up in Princely ways if she continues to craft her musical skills. More and more as the weeks go by, I'm starting to actually LIKE Lady Gaga (hold on while I smack myself, lol). And I love the costumes, reminds me of what I miss most about Elton John and Parliament/Funkadelic. I even found myself thinking at the recent BET Awards: "What this show needs is Lady Gaga", lol.

The only thing that holds back my "Gaga to Prince" comparison much further is that I believe Lady Gaga got started much later, so she'll never have the same impact that Prince had, blowing the doors off when he was still in his teens. Cause I swear: Lady Gaga is NOT telling the truth about her age. I'm willing to bet she's in her early 30's.

thedance said:

I don't like Super Freak, his most known disco song.

I can't mention other Rick James songs.

Shame on you!