45 Years Ago Today, a Music Legend Released One of the "Funkiest" Albums Ever

It may be hard to believe, especially for millennials and older, but today, April 7, marks a momentous occasion in music. It was on this day in 1981, when one music legend decided to drop a mega hit album that has gone on to become a classic. 

Upon its release, it shot to #1 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums and #3 on the Billboard 200 charts. Additionally, it was nominated for a few Grammys, and the genius behind the project earned the honor of being the first Black male artist to be nominated for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance category at the ceremony.  Lastly, it’s worth noting that the legacy of the songs has managed to live on, as one of the tracks in particular was sampled by a top rapper in the last few years. So what’s the album and who’s the artist? 

Rick James Releases ‘Street Songs’ on April 7

Street Songs was Rick James’ fifth studio album and was released on April 7. The album was widely regarded as triumphant in music, with Rolling Stone in the 80s noting, “James' last album, Street Songs, was the most powerful record by a Black artist since Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life.” Considering Songs in the Key of Life is one of the best albums of all time, Rolling Stone paid quite the compliment. Street Songs also did big numbers. It sold over four million copies and is the biggest album of James’ career. 

When looking at the singles from the highly acclaimed project, the most notable tracks are “Give It to Me Baby,” “Ghetto Life,” “Fire and Desire,” and, of course, “Super Freak.” Personally speaking, I think the four tracks are gems in their own right. “Give It to Me Baby” has maintained relevance over the years as it’s been featured in a number of commercials for various brands, including Blockbuster and Walmart. “Fire and Desire,” featuring Teena Marie, is one of the smoothest R&B duets ever. 

Then there’s “Super Freak.” The track is in a lane of its own. It earned James a Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, the first among Black men, and it’s been sampled time and time again to create hits for other artists. Both MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl” are just a few of the tracks that owe their success to James’ original “Super Freak.” 

Want to celebrate the legacy of Street Songs? Now is a great time to stream the track on your preferred music subscription service.

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