I’m trying to change the root of funk, trying to make it more progressive, more melodic and more lyrically structured.
I’m too old to do crazy things anymore.
I went to India, lived, and studied.
My music is pretty honest. I can’t rap on science fiction. Punk is from the street.
I decided to build up my band in Buffalo because Buffalo was where I had originally built up my own musical strength.
Off stage it’s cool-out time. You can’t funk and roll ALL the time.
I feel that I have to say something in a song and that it’s not just enough to lay down the music.
I wanted to play the Apollo Theater because I didn’t think I was going to be on the earth long.
I try to make the audience forget all their problems – for an hour and a half or so get them out of themselves, and space, and time, and consciousness.
Now is my time. Everything I’ve done up to this point is just a warm up. This is where it all begins.
I think rap definitely has its place in the art world. I think it is an art form. But, just like any art form, you can misuse it.
I’m really not tailored for responsibility.
I’m a long way from Ike Turner.
You and I, we’ll be together ’til the six is nine.
I was going to get drafted, but I didn’t really want to go into the Army.
I just live one day at a time.
I believe everything happens under God’s plan anyway.
That girl is pretty kinky, the girl’s a super-freak, I’d really like to taste her.
She’s the kind you don’t take home to mother.
When I’m about Rick James, it’s all about get out there and kill ’em.
Cocaine’s a hell of a drug.