20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best Of Vol. 2: Rick James & Friends CD

James proteges the Mary Jane Girls are featured on a couple of synth-heavy tracks, "All Night Long" and the infectious "In My House." An even more famous James discovery, the soulful vocalist Teena Marie, is represented by two songs with her mentor--the frenetic "I'm a Sucker for Your Love" and the Quiet Storm-like ballad "Fire and Desire." Also included are James's collaborations with Motown legends the Temptations and Smokey Robinson, along with tracks by James's former backing group, the Stone City Band, and lesser-known James-produced acts Val Young and Process & the Doo Rags. Despite the variety of artists here, the set has a remarkably consistent vibe, thanks to James's singularly funkified musical vision.

Renowned in mainstream pop for his 1981 smash single "Super Freak," Rick James was far from a one-hit wonder; in fact, he was a prolific performer, songwriter, and producer throughout the late '70s and early '80s. While this 20TH CENTURY MASTERS collection does feature vocals by James on some tracks, it primarily serves to showcase the funk icon's '80s production work and songwriting talents (most of the tunes on this disc were penned by James).

Personnel: Rick James (vocals, various instruments); The Mary Jane Girls, Teena Marie, The Temptations , Val Young, Smokey Robinson, Process & the Doo Rags (vocals); Stone City Band (various instruments).