There are some people in the world that are bigger than life. For anyone over 40, the legend that is Rick James captures that.
Recently, SHOWTIME released the trailer for “Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury of Rick James.” The biopic/documentary is directed by Emmy-nominee and hip-hop journalist Sacha Jenkins of “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” fame.
He was born James Johnson, but as Rick James… he became a Superfreak! Through his music, we immersed ourselves in the experience of Black America.
Clearly, James was immortalized by his music and his insane surreal life. But his life was propelled into uber-international-stardom with younger fans by Dave Chappelle and his Rick James parody and skits for his Comedy Central sketch comedy show, “Chappelle’s Show.”
For fans just getting to know Rick James through “Chappelle’s Show,” the now infamous phrase “I’m Rick James Bitch!” became a viral sensation thanks in part to Dave Chapelle’s embodiment of Rick James.
DAVE CHAPELLE as RICK JAMES on “Chapelle’s Show”
By all accounts, this is about as real and accurate a depiction of what the surreal life of James was like. James is best know for mega-hits songs like “Superfreak,” and “Give It To Me Baby,” and his exploits surrounding drugs, violence and sexcapades.
James died in 2004, but left a legacy of an honest portrayal of life in the fast lane and he was always upfront about his addictions; sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.
The music spoke for itself. Rick James collaborated with other artists over his lifetime, including greats Joni Mitchell, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Eddie Murphy, Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls and M.C. Hammer.
“Party All the Time,” was a hit for Eddie Murphy, but not so much for James. James also had a role in M.C. Hammer’s huge hit “Can’t Touch This.”
The trailer has many of his friends and those who knew him best giving testimonials. Included in the group are Ice Cube and Bootsy Collins. “Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury of Rick James,” is produced for SHOWTIME Steve Rivo, written by Sacha Jenkins, Rivo and Jason Pollard.
The film will premiere on Friday, September 3rd, 2021 on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET & PT.
