Rick James, most popular for his hit song "Super Freak" and Dave Chappelle's comedy sketch surrounding the Funk legend, was found dead at a residence in Universal City, California this morning. After Rick James struck it big in 1981 for his song "Super Freak", his life became filled with the issues of drugs, legal problems and deteriorating health.

In 1993, he was charged for two charges of assault on women. The first attack in 1991, where he restrained and burned a young woman with a hot pipe during a cocaine binge at his house in West Hollywood. He was free on bail when the second assault occured in his hotel room. He was charged over two years in prison.

In 1997, he released a new album, but a year later he suffered a stroke while performing at Denver's Mammoth Events Center, derailing a comeback tour. In 1998, he underwent hip replacement surgery.

With his trademark Jheri curl, James was one of the biggest R&B stars of the 1980s. Aside from "Super Freak," which MC Hammer used a decade later for his monster hit "U Can't Touch This", James' hits included "Mary Jane," "Ebony Eyes," and "Fire and Desire," a stirring duet with Teena Marie.

There is no doubt that the R&B super star will be missed.

CNN news article.
BBC news article.
Rick James website.