Sadly, it's an autobiographical song. In his autobiography, he writes that a 14 year-old girl named Nancy basically raped him. Excuse me, taught him about "love". He was only 10.
Nath Rob Yes, I do realize that. I had the privilege of seeing him live a number of times back in the day and his voice was rich and powerful even as he played and danced across that stage. A TRUE musician, vocalist and showman. Lip sync or not, that's still his voice which was amazing.
He carries himself like a true Aquarian! A chameleon grounded in his charm and wit. A musical genius and just a beautiful man. Rest in Funk James Ambrose Johnson Jr ♥️
I remember when my son walked under the carport singing Ghetto Life for the first time when he was about 14 years old and he asked me who sang it and I replied That's Rick James!!! He's 25 now but it made my heart glad to see that he had the ability to recognize good ole school music. I fell in love with Rick James when I was 8 years old because my daddy had his 8-track tape and would play it when we would go riding in the car. They don't make em like that no more. RIP Rick James
Very articulate and intelligent dude who had that hood side to him as per a ghetto upbringing. That’s the beautifully complex nature of many Black people. That ability to navigate all facets of the social strata bc we had to in order to survive. Those complexities however, enriched the hell out of America like no other people ever. Rick is just one example of that genius
Articulate and intelligent dude? Why don't you kiss his thug drug infused ass. Go live that beautiful ghetto life for real and see how that turns out for you. Is that how you want your kids to be?
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a super star like Rick who can converse, perform and entertain with such freedom off greatness and genuineness at the same time. Humble greatness.
This is 6 years older than me and I still play and can sing mostly all RJ’s smash hits especially the falsetto note at the end of His 1978 classic hit dedicated to Ms Pattie Labelle called SpaceyLove I listen to that song and tears fall from my eyes when ever I sing & them hit notes🎶
Awesome interview of RICK JAMES he really talks about his mom with lots of love❤️ miss you always remember you and your band and your music 🎼love the the song in living. In the ghetto
If hammer should've save that hammertime house with that annoying gold sink. He does give mr. James respect but coke mouth kept running the mouth. Lol.
This Street Songs album from the 80s is one of the few albums where every recording were smash hits. Together with Lady T, Rick James rocked the house.
Say what you wanna about Rick James but he was a superstar in his day! His music catalogue is filled with gems from 1978- 1985! His charisma and talent was ahead of his time! From the uptempo to the slow jams.. Rick James was a master soul funkster! RIP to RJ! We still love ya brother! 💯✌️
Wow, that´s my Rick. Sleek and funky. Thanks for the music and the memories. You have a special place in my heart and that´s the funky side. Rest strong and funky great one.
I have this album still from the 80 s .. Rick was one of the best black artists from this era .. very talented musician..one of his other songs dance wit me was one of my faves .. from different album 👍
I was station outside Nuremburg Germany when this song came out!! The best years of my life. Blow Derrick❤😅 Rest in Peace Rick we all miss you very much!!🙏❤❤❤❤
Damn album should've gone DIAMOND as far as I was concerned. It dominated. It was on its own level at the time...and there was nothing out to sound anything like it.
@@altacalifornio5375 im a black sister and i noticed when Prince it was so international..people who didnt like his music was saying they did but when Rick died it was less chaotic..I love Rick..forever.
@@altacalifornio5375 He should have been bigger than Prince, Culture Club, Duran Duran, The Go Go's. But MTV refused to play his videos. In the 80's MTV was King. Rick was not underrated but could have been HUGE with the talent he had!
5 to 7 days each week. I have to watch Rick James videos and interviews! He's number one on my to watch list...! 💘 me some talented, sexy Rick James! Plus is hold his own in every interview I've seen him in.! Again he holding it down.! This is a great interview and proformance.!!!
The first album I ever bought was Street Songs. I was just starting my freshman year in HS, and even the white kids were humming his songs, his music reached all races. I remember when he tried to get his videos played on MTV and was rejected. Despite his problems, he helped Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls become stars. Before Michael and Prince, it was Rick James for me.
I grew up in Buffalo was born in 83…I never knew Rick was from Buffalo and fell in love with his music in my late 30’s. I really like him as a person too after seeing his interviews.
It’s so cool how humble Rick James is. Yes he’s pompous and vain and proud but I love that! I also love how he gives compliments to the hosts who no one has even heard of and talks about other famous people no one knows and only his legacy has lived on. He’s a true true talent and STAR.
Good to hear him talk sensibly. His mom raised eight children. His brother is a lawyer. Rick was creative and coherent. He wrote and produced for many people. I like this interview. Dead now, his headstone in the graveyard is impressive.
Street Songs was the best dance album during that time....I’m so glad he was able to be on the Merv Griffin show. I wish Rick James was still here with us.
Very well said as I pride myself in being able to navigate all spectrums of society as a black man coming from a professional household ( dad an architect and mother an RN) but still being able to hang with my people in the hood growing up as a kid. Well rounded is what we call it.
Rick James! Turns me on alive and Dead.! He definitely could do me 😌 I find his ruff around the edges character a turn on and a he'll of a Man.! Rest in peace Rick James!
Slick Rick and the Stone City Band " Bustin Out on the Funk" "Ghetto Life" Punk Funk Horns "Where's The Place 2 Funk" GHETTO LAND. . . just talkin Square Bizz
Ghetto Life is basically sort of highly artistical rap song. Unfortunanently rap music didn't go into this kind of route, instead opted for sampling and simple structures with talking lyrics.
@@TD-il6ju > Are you serious ? How do you know the price ? Do you know what the fabric was ? Amazing costumes every time we see him. Was just beautiful. **
@@vuyolwethusigaji3175 I don't know how I forgot her. On that man shit I suppose. Thanks for reminding me because she was the biggest singer of all time as well.
Prince, Rick James, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston: all DRUG related deaths. All died from taking drugs they CHOSE to take, but did not have to take. So why arbitrarily blame the music business? These people didn't die from "music" -- they died from DRUG use. So maybe DRUGS are a bigger problem than we want to admit. (Just a fact.)
Nah. Keith Richards is still with us and he did more drugs by noon on any given day than the comment section combined. Those guys just couldn't hack it.
Ghetto life is one of the greatest songs ever written, from the bass line, to the vocals, to the saxophone at the end, it's truly perfect.
Sadly, it's an autobiographical song. In his autobiography, he writes that a 14 year-old girl named Nancy basically raped him. Excuse me, taught him about "love". He was only 10.
Tell it brother
@@jdfodio
I thought he was 9.
Thanks, I am gonna check that out 😁
jdfodio
I thought he was just 9 (yikes). 😬
Voice was rich as hell. With all the glitz and flash, Rick had the powerful voice and musicianship to back it all up.
You realise he's lip syncing there right?
Nath Rob Yes, I do realize that. I had the privilege of seeing him live a number of times back in the day and his voice was rich and powerful even as he played and danced across that stage. A TRUE musician, vocalist and showman. Lip sync or not, that's still his voice which was amazing.
@@nathrob2437 Yep. 😎
Yes his voice has a vulnerability to it..
@@nathrob2437 He's lip syncing his voice. It's not like someone else sang it for him.
the 80's were a great time
everyone looks like a Power Ranger
Kev Ctulu lol
Lol
Lol!!!😂😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kev Ctulu 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
This dude single-handedly saved Motown in the 80s
You are correct. Single handed. Rick James to Boys to Men debut kept them afloat.
@@brianmcghee3597 and some help from the Commodores.
@@KiD-xh8pq I can’t forget Lionel Richie Solo album “ Can’t Slow Down” was on Motown in 1983.
He carries himself like a true Aquarian! A chameleon grounded in his charm and wit. A musical genius and just a beautiful man. Rest in Funk James Ambrose Johnson Jr ♥️
Had the prettiest skin complexion, caramel!
Yes!♒️💖
I’m a double Aquarian & I’d have to agree with you. 😘
His Scorpio ♏️ moon 🌙 is seeping through as well.
When Rick speaks during this interview, you see he was very intelligent. witty and down to earth.
But he’s Rick James, beach.
And high AF
@@Plymouthmusicschoolyeah but he still perform great and very professional i wish i was there to enjoy his concerts
@@graceguerrero7045 His concerts were events!
Oh it’s very obvious
I remember when my son walked under the carport singing Ghetto Life for the first time when he was about 14 years old and he asked me who sang it and I replied That's Rick James!!! He's 25 now but it made my heart glad to see that he had the ability to recognize good ole school music. I fell in love with Rick James when I was 8 years old because my daddy had his 8-track tape and would play it when we would go riding in the car. They don't make em like that no more. RIP Rick James
Very articulate and intelligent dude who had that hood side to him as per a ghetto upbringing. That’s the beautifully complex nature of many Black people. That ability to navigate all facets of the social strata bc we had to in order to survive. Those complexities however, enriched the hell out of America like no other people ever. Rick is just one example of that genius
Articulate and intelligent dude? Why don't you kiss his thug drug infused ass. Go live that beautiful ghetto life for real and see how that turns out for you. Is that how you want your kids to be?
cocaine is a helluva drug
@oddmodd1 .............. Well said! I concur.
Rick was fine till he started getting heavy into substances
Me too 🤗 @@Gexxon
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a super star like Rick who can converse, perform and entertain with such freedom off greatness and genuineness at the same time. Humble greatness.
Obnoxious comment,much?
This is 6 years older than me and I still play and can sing mostly all RJ’s smash hits especially the falsetto note at the end of His 1978 classic hit dedicated to Ms Pattie Labelle called SpaceyLove I listen to that song and tears fall from my eyes when ever I sing & them hit notes🎶
Awesome interview of RICK JAMES he really talks about his mom with lots of love❤️ miss you always remember you and your band and your music 🎼love the the song in living. In the ghetto
The most underrated artist of all time
Cocaines a hell of a drug 😁
So true rick James didn't get his props
One of the greatest
If hammer should've save that hammertime house with that annoying gold sink. He does give mr. James respect but coke mouth kept running the mouth. Lol.
I disagree. I think Rick got his props. He landed where he was supposed to. He wasn't in Prince or Michael's category. He was just below that
This Street Songs album from the 80s is one of the few albums where every recording were smash hits. Together with Lady T, Rick James rocked the house.
YES HIS GREATEST WORK EVERY !!! DAMN!!!SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He was so handsome and a very confident man I wish he was still with us x
He was a very sexy manly "Man"!!!
It's nothing wrong with being a gentleman! Give accordingly to the individual.! And it will be appreciated!
Say what you wanna about Rick James but he was a superstar in his day! His music catalogue is filled with gems from 1978- 1985! His charisma and talent was ahead of his time! From the uptempo to the slow jams.. Rick James was a master soul funkster! RIP to RJ! We still love ya brother! 💯✌️
He’s still a Super 💫 He stays in rotation on my iPod. Play a Rick song and watch the dance floor fill up. He still gets the party started. RIP👑
@@summerbabetoo yes indeed 🙌🏾 🎶🕺💃🏽
Even after everything he has done and gone through I have nothing but love for him.
I wish this guy existed in 2018
Rick James was Buffalo. Tough to grow up here, very sorry Rick and Tina are not here.
@@danpage79eah! He could have been like Prince but Rick got caught up in the drugs and the drugs won.
@@Wridde23 prince was off his tits on all sorts of drugs to, wtf are you talking about
He would put most rappers to shame. Rick was all attitude. And SCB were so cold
He's still right here and so long as we have recorded memory he will here
R.I.P Rick James you were the king of funk.
And of glam rock.
No he wasn’t
Yes he’s a king of funk bu James Brown is the King of funk and the Father of soul funk
Rick ain't dead that's a myth
Funk n roll
Wow, that´s my Rick. Sleek and funky. Thanks for the music and the memories. You have a special place in my heart and that´s the funky side. Rest strong and funky great one.
Jammed to his music early 80’s Best dance music ever!!! And he Loved his Mom!
It's not fair how much talent this man had... What an entertainer.
nobody can never imitate Rick James, voice
There is another singer who sounds similar but of course he’s the real deal.
The Stone City Band were pure talented entertainers themselves. This whole group was rocking! Singing, dancing, playing instruments...Amazing!
Haha they were most definitely not playing those instruments
You know I’ve never watch an old interview of him. 🤯wow. He’s awesome. Voice is powerful clear and vibrant!
Wow, nobody like Rick James and never will be. I do hope he is resting in peace. Born star !
I have this album still from the 80 s .. Rick was one of the best black artists from this era .. very talented musician..one of his other songs dance wit me was one of my faves .. from different album 👍
@Shock yes .was not intended as a specific meaning of race . 👍
Fascinating character/personality
His voice range was awesome....he made some mistakes but undeniable talent.
curt williams He played all kind of instruments guitars, keyboard, drums. Enormous talent. My favorite is Ebony Eyes.
He was lip syncing how did he do mistakes? Lol
@Shock oh yeah that would make more sense
He did have such a great voice - that often gets lost.
I love seeing him here before
the effects of substance abuse took over.
He had an amazing range in his prime he was a real singer.
Ghetto Life is my all time JAM!
I was station outside Nuremburg Germany when this song came out!! The best years of my life. Blow Derrick❤😅 Rest in Peace Rick we all miss you very much!!🙏❤❤❤❤
Damn album should've gone DIAMOND as far as I was concerned. It dominated. It was on its own level at the time...and there was nothing out to sound anything like it.
Redd Blitz the album is more groundbreaking than society gives it credit for.
This was all i heard when this came out. I was six years old.
Whole album, excellent, including the full version of "FIRE AND DESIRE"
The sax on "MAKE LOVE TO ME" ❤️❤️❤️
And STILL hot and fresh..to me.
Rick james was so underrated#!
duh?? have a drink with him..
@@altacalifornio5375 good dealer..WHAT does that mean?
@@altacalifornio5375 im a black sister and i noticed when Prince it was so international..people who didnt like his music was saying they did but when Rick died it was less chaotic..I love Rick..forever.
@@altacalifornio5375 He should have been bigger than Prince, Culture Club, Duran Duran, The Go Go's. But MTV refused to play his videos. In the 80's MTV was King. Rick was not underrated but could have been HUGE with the talent he had!
@@altacalifornio5375 no worries because they don't exist anymore..
5 to 7 days each week. I have to watch Rick James videos and interviews! He's number one on my to watch list...! 💘 me some talented, sexy Rick James! Plus is hold his own in every interview I've seen him in.! Again he holding it down.! This is a great interview and proformance.!!!
He sounds just like the DAMN RECORDS!!! I miss 79 😢
Yess!💗💗RIH super mega icon funk music! When music was real!👏👏👏👏👍💗💗
They didn't actually perform this and are pretending in this recording. That's why it's identical to the record and the song fades out at the end.
Rick James Rocks! If I could only go back to the 80s!
The first album I ever bought was Street Songs. I was just starting my freshman year in HS, and even the white kids were humming his songs, his music reached all races. I remember when he tried to get his videos played on MTV and was rejected. Despite his problems, he helped Teena Marie and The Mary Jane Girls become stars. Before Michael and Prince, it was Rick James for me.
I was entering freshman year in high school too!
So I'm 39 now and........how come no one ever told me about this dude!!!! Ghetto Life had my jaw hit the floor!! Wow!!
There's sooooo much out there you will never get if you rely on mainstream media. Keep digging!
Patrick, mainstream media is why he was well known back then.
You're not that much younger than me. How could you not know who Rick James was?
Are you blk, ni$$a?!?🤯boy you just blew my mind..if you’re blk.
And I see you might not be, you’re forgiven..carry on.
The incomparable Rick James!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💕💕💕We miss him so much 💔💔
I grew up in Buffalo was born in 83…I never knew Rick was from Buffalo and fell in love with his music in my late 30’s. I really like him as a person too after seeing his interviews.
Glittery exciting and funky I always love Rick James 🎸 🎶
Yes Ghetto Life is one of my favorites by him. Used to keep it on repeat especially when in a party mood. Definitely need our music back.
It’s so cool how humble Rick James is. Yes he’s pompous and vain and proud but I love that! I also love how he gives compliments to the hosts who no one has even heard of and talks about other famous people no one knows and only his legacy has lived on. He’s a true true talent and STAR.
“I’m one of the baddest mfs of all time.”🤣🤣🙌🏽🙌🏽He sure was! Love Rick❤️
One of the greatest talents!! Rick James!!💙💙👍💯 That voice!
Miss him being in the world 🌎
I love Rick James Ghetto life, 69 time's where my favorite growing up, I was 10yrs old, my main man King of Funk Rick James!
ME TOO BRUTHA ... I WAS 8 OR 9 AND HE TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING I NEEDED TO KNOW AND MORE ....
He seems pretty normal here. Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
Good to hear him talk sensibly. His mom raised eight children. His brother is a lawyer. Rick was creative and coherent. He wrote and produced for many people. I like this interview. Dead now, his headstone in the graveyard is impressive.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😉😙😉😙😙😉😉😙😙😙😉😗😆😆😉😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆oh. Break time...😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆😆
Too much money and needing high
Free base
@@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597 ?????????
He really was a fantastic entertainer and a true talent . . RIP Rick James ! ♥️🙂🙏
Street Songs still in my playlist 2020 Funk on Rick see ya on the flip side......
I love some Rick James this man is such a genius and really humble. Listen to how real he is this man is a true OG.
I'm Rick James bitch. Rick is really a very cool dude. There's always hype but seriously down to earth.
Was looking for this for a long time. I remember watching this after school back in the day.
R I P RICK JAMES you will always be the best
..after Prince!
Rick had somemenny great songs, ghetto life, is definitely one of my favorites. 🦅💪😎👍🇺🇸
I would love to see more Rick James footage
Been lookin all night on TH-cam. Rick was DA MAN!!
Just hearing the name RICK JAMES makes me want to dance . RIP bro
Wow he has perfect pitch. This is very rare for the average singer now
I love ya Rick 4 sharing some of my young experiences also, RIP Funk Master! 💝G2O Life 4EVR
"She laid her pigtails down on meeee" Ha, ha, that line gets me every time.
❤🥰💜💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾🕺🏽💃🏾🕺🏽🌞
❤🙏🏽❤ Abehjha Kibuuka ❤ PEACE AND LOVE AND BLESSING TO YOU FROM 🥰🙏🏽🥰 KATHERINE IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS 3:45am TUESDAY DECEMBER 27 , 2022
I. LOVE you. Rick. James
Super freaky. Man he was truly ahead of the time he lived in. He was GOOD Looking. I love. Rick James.
I need to pay more attention to Rick James!! He was FIERCE!!!
That interview could've been crazy uncomfortable but Merv is an absolute boss.
Chad Miller fuck merv !!
Yeah Merv was a gentleman
At last a show host who really appreciated Rick....cool!👍🐼🇵🇷👢
Rick is the man inspiring the many greats that came after....
Rick James, Is a Hell of a Entertainer! I can't never tell if he's actually singing, that's talent, skills, entertainment!!!
Word..it sound just like the album smh..wow true artist/musician
@@monewilliams6245 NOBODY IS THIS GOOD LIVE ... HE IS THE BEST BUT ITS LIP SYNCHING
Street Songs was the best dance album during that time....I’m so glad he was able to be on the Merv Griffin show. I wish Rick James was still here with us.
Their braids were gorgeous!
What a boss. Great interview.
ALL TIME "KING OF FUNK" . . . Rest in Peace, Rick
I love rick, wish i could see him live! RIP TO THE LEGEND ❤️
Very well said as I pride myself in being able to navigate all spectrums of society as a black man coming from a professional household ( dad an architect and mother an RN) but still being able to hang with my people in the hood growing up as a kid. Well rounded is what we call it.
Amazing how well spoken and articulate RJ is
Got all his albums.......love Rick! 😎😎👍👍
He respected the music and those that paved the way for him he featured the temptations on his songs
ghetto life is my favorite song he ever wrote. cool to see this here.
"He works for Me" - Boss
Now wait a minute......Rick is a absolute superstar! How could I have ever doubted his stardom! I love this!
He really was blessed with that voice of his
Not only a GREAT performer, but very INTELLIGENT! 😉
Rick James! Turns me on alive and Dead.! He definitely could do me 😌 I find his ruff around the edges character a turn on and a he'll of a Man.! Rest in peace Rick James!
He was sexy in this era...
👁👅👁
That would’ve been my partner in crime 😏... we would’ve did a lotta stuff together 😏.. like he said “threes not a crowd to her she says” ☺️🖐🏾
Bad Boys always lead to unnecessary heart break and drama.
Rick was just so freakin cool. (And talented as Hell!) The 80’s were made more funky and fun because of Rick!!
Rick James was Genius! What a Voice! ❤️ He was Fine!
Hes so truthful and every mannerism and nuance of his is living art. I want to be that free. No filters No regrets just Raw Truth. ❤
Slick Rick and the Stone City Band " Bustin Out on the Funk" "Ghetto Life" Punk Funk Horns "Where's The Place 2 Funk" GHETTO LAND. . . just talkin Square Bizz
Ghetto Life is basically sort of highly artistical rap song. Unfortunanently rap music didn't go into this kind of route, instead opted for sampling and simple structures with talking lyrics.
100 percent well said
danm shame with all the nonsense sampling
Love rick James 🎷🎺🎷❤️❤️👏👏👏🎼🎙💃🎸🎸🎷🎷👍🏻
Still a Legend In 2023!!! Will Echo Through Eternity...
Wow this band has a lot of talent. I’m seriously impressed!
Yes sir Stone City Band
Thank U 4 sharing this
This is the most bad ass dance song ever!!! Rick James was the King of Funk !!!
When it came to funk nobody could touch Rick James 🔨 😂
I miss Rick James and that whole era. "Back in the day" :(
Every interview hes a real entertainer.
I saw him once in Fayetteville, NC it was a great show. Back in the day you had to deliver or else someone would buy your LP.
What is his outfit made of seriously. Hella fly
SWXXVE ROSE it cost 36,000 dollars. Each one of their outfits
@@TD-il6ju > Are you serious ? How do you know the price ? Do you know what the fabric was ? Amazing costumes every time we see him. Was just beautiful.
**
Prince, Rick, and Michael never lived to see sixty. Maybe the music business is a bigger problem than we think it is. (Just a thought)
Facts!!
and Whitney
@@vuyolwethusigaji3175 I don't know how I forgot her. On that man shit I suppose. Thanks for reminding me because she was the biggest singer of all time as well.
Prince, Rick James, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston: all DRUG related deaths. All died from taking drugs they CHOSE to take, but did not have to take. So why arbitrarily blame the music business? These people didn't die from "music" -- they died from DRUG use. So maybe DRUGS are a bigger problem than we want to admit. (Just a fact.)
Nah. Keith Richards is still with us and he did more drugs by noon on any given day than the comment section combined. Those guys just couldn't hack it.
RIP Rick . Thanks for the music x x
I would love to do music with rick if he was alive in 2019 also ghetto life is a banger
I miss my 70s and 80s......so much amazing music! The whole world was dancing! 🕺😀
Yeah and if anybody wore that same outfit today people would lose their mind because of fragile masculinity SMH
Always been a huge Rick James fan I’m a 91 baby but he killed the vocals live at that 🥊
“He works for me” hahahahaha Hahahahahahahah beautiful
This man was a gen💗 ius 💗 as 💗 well 💗 as 💗 a 💗 real 💗 Houdini 💗 an 💗 talented 💗 artist 💗 that's 💗 all 💗 love 💗 you 💗 Rick 💗 James 💗💗💗💗💗💗