Funk legend Rick James is getting his own limited series that follows his life and career journey. The series titled “Super Freak” will be produced by James’ own daughter, Ty James, reports the Hollywood Reporter.
What We Know:
- The series, titled after one of James’ most famous hits, is described as a “funkadelic mix of music biopic and true crime.” It will focus on James’ attempts to make a comeback to music in the 90s while struggling with drug addiction and crime.
- His attempted restart in the music industry was interrupted when James was convicted of kidnapping and torturing two women while under the influence of crack cocaine in his Hollywood home. He served three years in prison and was released on Parole in 1996. The singer eventually came out with an album titled Urban Rapsody in 1997.
- Along with Ty James, Author and reporter Mike Segar will also executive produce the show. Segar first met James in the 90s when he profiled the musician for Rolling Stone Magazine in an article titled “The Rise and Fall of a Super Freak.” Universal Studios’ UCP is developing the project.
“We are truly ecstatic about this new project with UCP and extremely excited to work with the writer Randy McKinnon,” said Ty James.
- “We are confident he can give the fans exactly what they have been waiting on, plus some,” he continued. “This will be a magic carpet ride, with ups and downs, joys and pain — a story of perseverance and tenacity, with the music being the greatest navigation system. Get ready for the ride of your lives — the story of James A. Johnson, aka Rick James!”
Among the newest projects based on real-life subjects being developed by UCP The Act, Dirty John, and Peacock’s Dr. Death. Most notably, the studio is developing a project titled Candy, based on the life of killer Candy Montgomery; The Girl From Plainville at Hulu; and The Life and Death of John Allen Chau.
