Militant said:

apparently,Rick felt the same way.In his book,he disses the Mary Jane Girls but has alot of praise for Val Young...

"I always liked the way she sounded.She had this sexy-ass rasp to her voice.It was magic when she sang.The first album I cut with her was called 'Seduction'.After her first single,Seduction was one of the longest standing dance records on New York City's Dance Chart.She was a Diva in New York.They loved her.Her second album was called 'Private Conversation' with a hit dance tune of the same name.Although she didn't get a huge hit like the Girls or myself,I always loved recording her.She was a joy to work with"---page 220.

Militant said:

That's correct.She became a popular,in-demand session vocalist.In the late 80s,she was recruited to be in Bobby Brown's band.You can hear her vocals on numerous hip-hop songs,too.

SoulAlive said:

Before I leave let me leave some food for thought. I posted here to give
fans some real background information.No manufactured lies or fanstasies.
Here's the bottom line my sources are from living breathing people who
where there when the song was created and helped create the song "In My House". Not liner notes or books published after death. Again I am not disputing Val has a version of the song but, it was not created for her.I guess the members of the band have a conspiracy against Val.Could it be like
the Water Sisters, you just didn't know this fact.You are correct the song was meant to be for a solo singer "Rick".
A word of advice don't believe everything you read.You can be a fan of VAL,
Britney Spears or Milli Vanlli it really doesn't matter to me. As you said
towards the end of Rick life he was at odds with JoJo this is true but,let
me ask you this question if Rick wanted Val to take over lead from JoJo
and reform the group why wasn't it done when he was alive he had more than enough opportunity. Again, doesn't sound like much love for a protege. Also he went on tour to support his album "Urban Rhapsody" I'm curious was Val featured on either one.

Let's discuss session work again it is for the most part based on
hook-ups and "favors" end of story.I hope she got paid.

Again, the Water Sisters sang with JoJo in the studio. Although, Rick
attempted to give each girl a singe it didn't work out.If they couldn't do backgrounds on the other songs how could they chart a single. Also it was the band singing with JoJo in concert covering for the others.

Finally,trust me my time is to priceless to be against VAL,you or anyone else. I just don't like lie after lie being told. I wanted to shed some truth
and light to the matter.I also don't like someone taking credit and getting
paid for work they didn't do I am sure we agree on this.This kind of takes the shine off the old protege doesn't it. Lets agree to disagree and use this mind power on something really important getting "OBAMA ELECTED". Be Blessed!

SoulAlive!

You're dropping jewels, my friend.

truth007 said:

I appreciate everything that you have reported and like I said before,I am not calling you or anyone else a liar.There are several conflicting stories from the people who were there.I simply choose to believe Rick's story,since he is the one who would have the most insight.You know the old saying about hearing something "straight from the horse's mouth"? Like I said,I can't see why he would lie about this.You mentioned your "living breathing people" as your sources,but how can you dismiss what the actual songwriter says? Since he's the one who actually sat down and wrote those lyrics,wouldn't he know for certain who he was writing them for? In the end,it's not really important anyway.I don't wanna make it seem like I'm arguing with you.This has actually been a lively discussion.






As you can clearly see,I don't believe everything that I read





In no way am I suggesting that Rick was cool with Val touring with the reformed Mary Jane Girls.I'm not even saying that it was a wise thing for Val to do.But,it's all water under the bridge now.If you read Rick's book,he had nothing but glowing praise for Val Young (see the quotes I posted above).By contrast,he was pissed at the Mary Jane Girls.Like There is alot of bitterness/backstabbing concerning Rick and the girls,but much of it has very little to do with Val Young.Their problems existed long before she began touring with them.If you haven't done so already,you really should read Rick's book.He gives us alot of insight into the situation.As for your claim that Rick didn't have alot of love for Val....the quotes I posted above (from Rick's book) contradict that view.Furthermore,in 1987,Rick gave Val several songs that he originally wrote for the third Mary Jane Girls album.He allowed the Mary Jane Girls to fade away into obscurity but yet he still found time to help out Val with her second album.This kinda shows you which protege he favored more.






Regardless,there is no denying that Val is a talented vocalist.Why would people use a talentless singer on their records? Her vocal talent has never been in question.I think it's impressive that she was able to move on after the Rick James years and still make money in her profession (music).By comparison,the Mary Jane Girls didn't do very much after Rick discarded them.Contrary to what you may think,being a session vocalist is admirable.Shanice and Tracie Spencer are two other 80s female artists who became in-demand session vocalists in the 90s.Nothing wrong with it at all.A paycheck is a paycheck.






I love the song "Jealousy".It's one of the best songs on their first album.That should have been a huge pop hit for them.But like I said above,there are no guarantees in the music biz.




I really don't think that this is a case of multiple lies being told.It's just that,the people who were involved have told conflicting stories,which leaves fans having to choose what to believe.If a songwriter claims that he wrote a song for a particular artist,why should I not believe him? But none of this is important anymore.We should just be grateful that Rick left us alot of funky jams to enjoy (no matter who is singing it...lol).Have a great weekend!

.
[Edited 9/19/08 6:49am]

Harlepolis said: