Anybody that's old and closed-minded does not like Rick James... They don't like the fact that I'm free and I'm wide open.

I'm good. Or maybe people just like me.

I decided to build up my band in Buffalo because Buffalo was where I had originally built up my own musical strength.

I'm still James Johnson. Rick James is a stage name. James Johnson keeps Rick James on the ground... Kind of sort of.

I think rap definitely has its place in the art world. I think it is an art form. But, just like any art form, you can misuse it.

I mean, Rick James was just a man-made image, the image I created. Just trying to live Rick James almost killed me.

I'm not part of the Hollywood scene. I don't run around with 30 women. I have a very calm household. I'm surrounded by my grandkids and wonderful friends, and I consider myself very lucky.