In 1980 it didn't get bigger than Rick James. There wasn't anyone in L.A. who didn't want to get next to him even if it was just standing at the bar at places like Jackie O, The Daisy or Carlos And Charlies. Forget Hot, this was a Music Meltdown. Adjusted for inflation his concert tickets were twice as much money as Madonna's. Funk radio? R & B? Rick James was the artist who brought it to FM radio's table, forever changing the game.

I have always felt fortunate to be involved in urban entertainment, even if the job started out sweeping floors of hallways, which I have done (and still do), but if there is a Top Ten chapter in my book, one of them is being able to get next to Rick James, and not in a damn club either. Seattle is unescapably connected to him through Noc On Wood Records. His only hiphop collabo of record stands with this label out of Seattle. And I was lead promoter for the single. My only regret is that I was in Cleveland on the Nocturnal Rage record promotion while the remix video was being shot in L.A between the same group and The Legend. I could have flown in for this. I felt busy with the record though and didn't feel it was practical. My mistake. And F*#*c practical.

If in L.A. on Wednesday the 11th of August there is a memorial service at Forest Lawn, in Burbank, for Rick James (RickJames.com).

If you go please stop by the gravesite of my friend, Harold Bowe. He passed in 1982 during time off from his work with Stevie Wonder. I miss him alot too. He was 21 and died mysteriously. The people that were with him that night still aren't talking about what really happened. They were at the funeral and all I wanted to do was say something to them. I didn't. It wasn't practical. F@#$ practical.

That funeral was amazing. Steve Wonder sang acapella on that hillside facing Warner Bros. studios. Harold would be pleased by his site. It's sits in the middle of many very young children who have joined him there since. But he was the first to be carried up there, near a beautful tree. I remember how heavy the brass felt as I was one of the people who carried him up that hill. I hope Rick James will be near him. Harold and I partied all the time to that Rick James record.

Well kids, life at Crazy Pinoy moves on, so as long as we have it, let's keep it pushin' ! The bag is packed, we're off to EA Sports in San Francisco bay for the 2005 launch festivities on behalf of Madden 2005! This is the biggest one yet, don't miss out. We hoped to have copies for the ARS Records annual festivities this weekend and are keeping fingers crossed that it gets here before the plane leaves! While in the bay area I willbe dropping by the DIY Convention in downtown. You have to keep those networking skills up if you want to stay up on things!

We all know the place in Seattle but now we will toast in the place to be, for Seattle! Vito's is going to be that VIP Saturday night spot the O.G.'s have been waiting for. Chocolate covered strawberries and champagne? No problem? DJ Lovesick Larry? No problem. Guestlist? No problem. Call Keek Loc The Ghetto Prez for your rezzzzervvvvattttion now!

Look out for Bobby Spoons on the street as he hits the streets with that Devin The Dude (RapALot Records) CD. Perfectly laidback music for summertime.

BUZZ FOR AUGUST: The Artist Formerly Known As LaToya (Toy?), VMA Awards Miami, Gasoline, Nectar club opening (Seattle) Athens Greece, T.H.U.G. Jazz, Al Franken, Pedro The Lion, Mojitos, ARS Records Weekend (Seattle), St Louis Urban Music Convention.

START SHOUTING: Dubb B @ Sea Real Records, Bruce @ DIY Convention, The Quarter Lounge, Mike @ Typhoon (Seattle), Steve @ Blackfish Marine / Yachts, Ferl and Guy Davis, Sir T @ Jamz City Marketing, Eric @ HWA Inc, Mike E. @ Noc On Wood Records, COJO and UPS for always staying up on things!

Gene Dexter, Urban Nation Observer
CrazyPinoy.com