Los Angeles, CA - Today funk legend Rick James was found dead in his Los Angeles area home. Early reports state that James died in his sleep the night of August 5th of natural causes. James, who lived alone at this home, was found by his personal assistant. Those close to James think the singer may have died of heart failure.

Rick James was recently honored at the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards for his outstanding career achievements in music. Best known for his hits “Give it to me Baby,”“Fire and Desire,”“Cold Blooded” and the smash hit “Super Freak,” which was sampled by MC Hammer for the song “You Can’t Touch This” and earned the two artists a Grammy in 1990.

Rick James was not married at the time of his death but is survived by three children, his daughter Ty and sons Rick Jr. and Tazman, and granddaughters Jasmine and Charisma.

[Editors Notes] I recently had a chance to meet and talk to Rick James and the ASCAP R&S awards. He was so cool and just straight hilarious. Even though he was a vet in the music business he took the time to answer all the questions the media had for him on the red carpet. I laughed as he cracked jokes and talked trash about Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy and Charlie Murphy in his own humorous way. After asking him some questions Rick even took the time to strike a pose with me in the picture above. He was so dam cool. R.I.P. Rick James.

- [ LS ] -