"You And I" By Rick James

“You And I” by Rick James is the ultimate party jam. The track is crackling with energy, attitude and FUNK. And 37 years after its original release, it still gets me hyped and in a party mood whenever I hear it. It’s a stone-cold club banger. The dynamic, high-octane groove kicks you right in the sacroiliac. And the horns are on fire. This track makes me miss the days when many popular music acts had real horn players in their bands.

The explosive groove also boasts an irresistible, booty-shakin’ bass line, funky clavinet and wicked guitar licks; and axman Freddy Rapillo serves up a smooth, jazzy guitar solo. James brings his patented brash charm to his soulful vocal performance. Also, the female background singers help sweeten the groove. This is one of those tracks that sounds best turned all the way up—be it in your ride, the club or in your living room.

“You And I” was written and arranged by James. It was the first single from his double-platinum debut album Come Get It! (1978). The song spent two weeks atop the U.S. R&B singles chart and peaked at #13 on the pop charts; and it climbed to #3 on the U.S. dance chart. The album’s second single, “Mary Jane,” also performed well on the charts, reaching #3 on the U.S. R&B singles chart and #41 on the pop singles chart. The collection, which was released on Motown sub-label Gordy Records, made it to #3 on the U.S. R&B albums chart and #13 on the pop albums chart.

James wrote and composed all the songs on Come Get It!, except for "Mary Jane," which he co-wrote with keyboardist Billy Nunn. James co-produced the album with Motown producer and engineer Art Stewart. The Stone City Band lineup for Come Get It! was Billy Nunn (keyboards, background vocals), Freddy Rapillo (guitar), Andy Rapillo (bass), Bobby Nunn (keyboards, background vocals), Richard Shaw (bass, background vocals), Lorenzo Shaw (drums), Mike Caputy (drums), Sascha Rose (background vocals); Levi and Jackie Ruffin (background vocals), Vanessa Brooks Nunn (background vocals), and the horns were provided by Michael and Randy Brecker, sax and trumpet, respectively.

The album successfully launched James’ solo career, and it firmly put him on the map in the popular music scene. He went on to drop several more great funk and R&B hits, including the crossover smash “Super Freak.” Outside of the studio, James distinguished himself onstage as a charismatic and exciting live performer; and he eventually became one of the biggest names in the funk game. The late musician/performer was probably known just as much for his bad-boy persona as his music.


You And I at Amazon