Anniversary of Rick James' Death

“You can't have rock and roll without drugs, you can't have rock and roll without sex” - Rick James

(Rick James)

Rick James was born as James Johnson Jr. on February 1st, 1948 in Buffalo, New York, USA. At 10 years old his father left the family. His mother would take him on her routes when running errands for the mafia. Johnson would be able to see performers such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Etta James while on these errands. Johnson dropped out of high school. As a teenager he was introduced to drugs and involved in a burglary. At 15 years old he lied about his age and joined the US Navy Reserve. He also became a drummer for a local band. Due to missing his twice monthly reserve sessions he was ordered to serve in Vietnam. In 1965 he fled to Toronto, Canada, where he met then local musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell. He then changed his name to “Ricky Matthews”. He then formed the group “Mynah Birds”.

(The Mynah Birds)

They then recorded at Columbia records. The group then recorded with Motown. Matthews then met Stevie Wonder and Wonder suggested that he should change his name to “Ricky James”. The Navy then found James and he was arrested. Motown dropped the Mynah Birds from the label due to James being arrested. After a year in prison he moved to California. In 1968 James went back to Motown and became a songwriter. He worked with the Miracles and the Spinners. Also in 1968 he formed a group called “Salt and Pepper”.

(Salt and Pepper)

In 1969 he moved back to California. In 1973 James signed with A&M Records. In 1976 he returned to Buffalo and formed “Stone City Band”. In 1977 he signed a contract with Motown. In 1978 he released his 1st album “Come and Get It!”. The single “You and I” went No. 1 on the R&B charts.

(James in 1978)

In 1979 he released his 2nd album “Bustin’ Out of L Seven”. He then released his 3rd album “Fire it Up”. He then started his “Fire it Up Tour” which included Prince as an opening act and Teenie Marie. James then produced Teena Marie’s 1st album.

(James (Right) and Teena Marie (Left))

This tour led to a rivalry between Prince and James due to James accusing Prince of stealing his moves.

(James (Right) and Prince (Left))

In 1980 he released “Garden of Love”. In 1981 he released “Street Songs”. The single “Super Freak” sold over 1 million copies. “Street Songs” went to No. 1 on the R&B charts.

(James in 1981)

In 1982 he released “Throwin’ Down”. Also in 1982 he produced the Temptations’ album “Standing on the Top”.

(James (Top Left) and the Temptations (Floor))

In 1983 he released “Cold Blooded”. James then launched the careers of Process and the Doo-Rags and the Mary Jane Girls. Also in 1983 James did a duet with Smokey Robinson called “Ebony Eyes”.

(James (Right) and Smokey Robinson (Left))

In 1984 he was hospitalized due to a drug overdose. In 1985 he produced Eddie Murphy’s album and appeared on the song “Party All the Time”.

(James (Right) and Eddie Murphy (Left))

In 1986 he released “The Flag”. He then signed with Warner Bros. records. In 1988 he released “Wonderful”. In 1989 he released “Kickin’”. In 1990 MC Hammer sampled James’ song “Super Freak” and it earned the both of them a Grammy award.

(James in 1990)

In 1993 James and his wife were accused of holding 24 year old Frances Alley hostage for up to 6 days. James was convicted of the crime.

(James in 1993)

He was released from prison in 1996. In 1997 he released “Urban Rhapsody”. In 1998 he suffered a minor stroke. In 1999 he appeared in the movie Life.

(James (Right) and Eddie Murphy (Left) in Life (1999))

In 2004 James participated in the “Chapelle Show”.

(James in 2004)

On August 6th, 2004 Rick James died of pulmonary failure and cardiac failure in Los Angeles, California, USA. He was 56 years old.

(James’ funeral)

Today is the 13th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great musical artist today.

Albums by Rick James

• “Come Get It!” (1978)
• “Bustin’ Out of L Seven” (1979)
• “Fire it Up” (1979)
• “Garden of Love” (1980)
• “Street Songs” (1981)
• “Throwin’ Down” (1982)
• “Cold Blooded” (1983)
• “Glow” (1985)
• “The Flag” (1986)
• “Wonderful” (1988)
• “Kickin’” (1989)
• “Urban Rhapsody” (1997)

Videos of Rick James

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bNOVK_qzQA  “Midnight Special - You & I and Mary Jane LIVE by Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjlr7YmKa3c  “Rick James - Bustin Out”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id4GXORFGR8  “Soul Train Love Gun Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M  “Rick James - Super Freak”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7741O4LS0c  “Rick James and the Temptations - Standing on the Top”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpl-1-eON1A  “Solid Gold - Cold Blooded LIVE by Rick James”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-qjnpA8kc  “Rick James - Ebony Eyes ft. Smokey Robinson”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWa-6g-TbgI  “Eddie Murphy - Party All the Time”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhR6QquV9bM  “FIRE & DESIRE - LADY TEENA MARIE & RICK JAMES”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybv94PHccIQ  “I'm Rick James Slap! YouTube”

Anniversary of Dr. Sebi's Death

“Mucus is the cause of every disease, eliminate the mucus and you eliminate the disease” - Dr. Sebi

(Dr. Sebi)

Dr. Sebi was born as Alfredo Bowman on November 26th, 1933 in Llanga, Honduras. Bowman learned from his grandmother to become a herbal healer. He was then taught by a Mexican herbalist. He then became a doctor and became known as “Dr. Sebi”. He has treated celebrities such as Lisa Lopes, Steven Seagal, John Travolta, Eddie Murphy and Michael Jackson. In 1993 he was sued for fraud.

(Dr. Sebi in 1993)

He based many of his methods on an Alkaline diet that would nurture the cells of the body and activate the body's bio-electric conductivity for healing properties, opposed to a diet consisting of acid, starch, and hybrid foods that he claimed causes disease.

(Dr. Sebi in 2015)

In 2016 he was arrested for allegedly attempting to launder $37,000 from the Juan Manuel Gálvez de Roatan Airport. On August 6th, 2016 Dr. Sebi died of pneumonia while in police custody in Barrio Ingles La Cieba, Honduras. He was 82 years old.

(Dr. Sebi’s funeral)

Today is the 1st anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great herbalist today.

Videos of Dr. Sebi

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyZwxRB0ySs  “Dr Sebi FINALLY Breaks Down Foods To Eat And Foods Not To Eat!”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWhlwE-dK-0  “Dr Sebi (Must See) May 2016”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2cHokPjIrA  “Dr Sebi On Why People Get Sick. (Must See)”

Happy Birthday Iman Abdulmajid

“A self-esteem issue doesn't change whether you're considered beautiful or not because it's about what's inside you” - Iman Abdulmajid

(Iman Abdulmajid)

Iman Abdulmajid was born as Zara Abdulmajid on July 25th, 1955 in Mogadishu, Somalia. She was renamed “Iman” due to her grandfather’s request.

(Abdulmajid as a child)

At 4 years old she was sent to boarding school in Egypt. During her younger years their family would frequently travel to Kenya. Iman attended the University of Nairobi and studied political science. In 1976 had her first modeling assignment for Vogue. Iman was an instant success in the fashion world due to her long neck, tall stature, slender figure, fine features, copper toned skin, and exotic accent.

(Abdulmajid in 1976)

Iman worked with many notable photographers. In 1979 she appeared in the movie The Human Factor.

(Abdulmajid in 1979)

In 1985 she appeared in the movie Back in the World. Also in 1985 she appeared in Out of Africa.

(Abdulmajid in Out of Africa (1985))

In 1987 she appeared in No Way Out. Also in 1987 she appeared in Surrender. In 1988 she appeared in the movie Love At First Sight. She also appeared in the TV show “In the Heat of the Night”. In 1991 she appeared in Lies of the Twins, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and House Party 2.

(Abdulmajid (Center) with Kid (Left) and Play (Right) in House Party 2 (1991))

In 1992 she married David Bowie. Also in 1992 she appeared in Michael Jackson’s music video, “Remember the Time”.

(Abdulmajid (Right) with Eddie Murphy (Center) and Michael Jackson (Left))

In 1994 she started her own cosmetics firm. Also in 1994 she appeared in Exit to Eden. In 1999 she appeared in the video game “Omikron: The Nomad Soul”. In 2001 she released the book I Am Iman.

(Abdulmajid in 2001)

In the mid 2000’s Iman spent 2 years as the host of “Project Runway Canada”. In 2005 she released the book The Beauty of Color. In 2007 she introduced her clothing line.

(Abdulmajid in 2007)

In 2010 her firm was a $25 million a year business. Also in 2010 she began hosting the second season of “The Fashion Show”. She then received a “Fashion Icon” lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

(Abdulmajid in 2010)

In 2012 Iman signed fellow Somali designers Ayaan and Idyl Mohallim for her cosmetics line.

(Abdulmajid in 2016)

Today she turns 62 years old and we would all like to say happy birthday Iman Abdulmajid.

Films featuring Iman Abdulmajid

• The Human Factor (1979) as Sarah
• Exposed (1983) as model
• Out of Africa (1985) as Mariammo
• No Way Out (1987) as Nina
• Surrender (1987) as Hedy
• House Party 2 (1991) as Sheila Landreaux
• Lies of the Twins (1991) as Cat/Elie
• L.A. Story (1991) as Cynthia
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) as Martia
• The Linguini Incident (1991) as Dali Guest
• Exit to Eden (1994) as Nina

TV Shows featuring Iman Abdulmajid

• “Miami Vice” (1984-1989) as Dakotah
• “The Cosby Show” (1984-1992) as Mrs. Montgomery
• “In the Heat of the Night” (1988-1992) as Marie Babineaux
• “227” (1985-1990) as Eartha Kitten
• “Project Runway Canada” (2007-2009) as herself
• “The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection” (2009-2011) as herself

Books by Iman Abdulmajid

• I am Iman (2001)

The Beauty of Color (2005)

Happy Birthday Eddie Murphy

“The advice I would give to someone is to not take anyone's advice” - Eddie Murphy

(Eddie Murphy)

Eddie Murphy was born as Edward Murphy on April 3rd, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Murphy’s father died when he was young and at 8 years old he was put into foster care for a year.

(Murphy as a child)

He and his brother then moved to Roosevelt, NY. At age 15 Murphy was writing and performing his own routines. Murphy’s early comedy was characterized by frequent swearing and sketches lampooning a diverse group of people. Murphy first started to gain attention on the show Saturday Night Live performing in sketches.

(Murphy on Saturday Night Live as Buckwheat)

In 1982 he released his 1st album “Eddie Murphy”. Also in 1982 Murphy starred in the movie 48 Hrs.. In 1983 he filmed his live show “Delirious” in Washington D.C.

(Murphy performing in 1983)

In 1984 Murphy starred in the movie Trading Places with Dan Aykroyd.

(Dan Aykroyd (Left) and Murphy (Right) in Trading Places (1984))

Also in 1984 Murphy starred in the movie Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy also starred in Best Defense that same year. Murphy was supposed to play Winston in Ghostbusters (1984) but due to scheduling issues he couldn't take the role. In 1985 Murphy released his debut album as a musical artist, “How Could it Be” which featured the song “Party All the Time” featuring Rick James.

(Murphy (Left) with Rick James (Right))

In 1986 Murphy starred in the movie The Golden Child. In 1987 Murphy’s concert movie “Raw” grossed $50 million. Also in 1987 Murphy starred in Beverly Hills Cop II. In 1988 Murphy starred in Coming to America with Arsenio Hall.

(Murphy (Left) with Arsenio Hall (Right) in Coming to America (1988))

In 1989 Murphy released his 2nd album as a musical artist, “So Happy”. Also in 1989 Murphy starred in the movie Harlem Nights with Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. In 1990 Murphy married Nicole Mitchell. In 1992 Murphy appeared in Michael Jackson’s music video “Remember the Time”.

(Michael Jackson (Left) Eddie Murphy (Middle) and Iman Abdulmajid (Right) in the music video “Remember the Time”)

In 1993 Murphy released his 3rd album as a musical artist, “Love’s Alright” which featured the song “Whatzupwitu” featuring Michael Jackson. In 1996 Murphy starred in the movie The Nutty Professor.

(Murphy in The Nutty Professor (1996))

In 1998 Murphy starred in Dr. Dolittle. In 2001 Murphy appeared in Shrek.

(Murphy with his character from the movie Shrek(2001), Donkey)

In 2006 Murphy starred in Dreamgirls. Also in 2006 Murphy divorced his wife Nicole Mitchell. In 2007 Murphy appeared in Norbit. In 2008 Murphy married Tracey Edmonds. In 2013 Murphy released the song “Red Light” featuring Snoop Dogg.

(Snoop Dogg (Left) and Murphy (Right))

In 2016 he starred in Mr. Church.

(Murphy in Mr. Church (2016))

Today is his 56th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday Eddie Murphy.

Movies starring Eddie Murphy

• 48 Hrs. (1982) as Reggie Hammond
• Trading Places (1983) as Billy Ray Valentine
• Best Defense (1984) as Lt. T.M. Landry
• Beverly Hills Cop (1984) as Det. Michael Axel Foley
• The Golden Child (1986) as Chandler Jarrell
• Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) as Det. Michael Axel Foley
• Eddie Murphy Raw (1987) as himself
• Coming to America (1988) as Prince Akeem, Clarence, Randy Watson, and Saul
• Harlem Nights (1989) as Vernest Brown “Quick”
• Another 48 Hrs. (1990) as Reggie Hammond
• Boomerang (1992) as Marcus Graham
• The Distinguished Gentleman (1992) as Thomas Jefferson Johnson
• Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) as Det. Michael Axel Foley
• Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) as Maximillian, Preacher Pauly, and Guido
• The Nutty Professor (1996) as Professor Sherman Klump, Buddy Love, Lance Perkins, Cletus “Papa” Klump, Anna Pearl “Mama” Jensen Klump, Ida Mae “Granny” Jensen, and Ernie Klump Sr.
• Metro (1997) as Insp. Scott Roper
• Mulan (1998) as Mushu
• Dr. Dolittle (1998) as Dr. John Dolittle
• Holy Man (1998) as G
• Life (1999) as Rayford Gibson
• Bowfinger (1999) as Kit Ramsey, and Jeffernson “Jiff” Ramsey
• Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000) as Professor Sherman Klump, Buddy Love, Lance Perkins, Cletus “Papa” Klump, Anna Pearl “Mama” Jensen Klump, Ida Mae “Granny” Jensen, and Ernie Klump Sr.
• Shrek (2001) as Donkey
• Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001) as Dr. John Dolittle
• Showtime (2002) as Off. Trey Sellers
• The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) as Pluto Nash and Rex Crater
• I Spy (2002) as Kelly Robinson
• Daddy Day Care (2003) as Charles Hinton
• The Haunted Mansion (2003) as Kim Evers
• Shrek 2 (2004) as Donkey
• Dreamgirls (2006) as James “Thunder” Early
• Norbit (2007) as Norbit Rice, Rasputia Latimore-Rice, and Mr. Wong
• Shrek the Third (2007) as Donkey
• Meet Dave (2008) as Starship Dave Ming-Chang and Captain
• Imagine That (2009) as Evan Danielson
• Shrek Forever After (2010) as Donkey
• Tower Heist (2011) as Darnell “Slide” Davis
• A Thousand Words (2012) as Jack McCall
• Mr Church (2016) as Henry Church

TV Shows/appearances starring Eddie Murphy

• Saturday Night Live (1980-1984) as multiple characters
• Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983) as himself
• What’s Alan Watching? (1989) as himself
• Dangerous: The Short Films (1993) as Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh
• The PJs (1999-2001) as Thurgood Stubbs
• Father of the Pride (2004) as himself
• Shrek the Halls (2007) as Donkey
• Donkey’s Christmas Shrektacular (2010) as Donkey
• Eddie Murphy: One Night Only (2012) as himself

Albums by Eddie Murphy

• “Eddie Murphy” (1982)
• “Comedian” (1983)
• “How Could It Be” (1985)
• “So Happy” (1989)
• “Love’s Alright” (1993)

Videos of Eddie Murphy

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdXfCrecV2M  “Eddie Murphy Delirious: The Cook-Out”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bTQcREbcyY  “48 Hrs. Trailer”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPE4OCeKt2k  “Coming To America Theatrical Trailer”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWa-6g-TbgI  “Eddie Murphy - Party All the Time”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W37DlG1i61s  “Shrek Trailer”