On this day May 13, 1982, Rick James released his sixth studio album Throwin’ Down, continuing his reign as one of the most influential funk and R&B artists of the early 1980s. The album reached number 13 on the Billboard 200 and climbed all the way to number two on the R&B charts, reinforcing James’s crossover appeal and his unmatched energy as a performer and producer.
Throwin’ Down featured a mix of hard-hitting funk grooves and smooth R&B ballads, including standout tracks like Dance Wit’ Me and Teardrops. The album also featured collaborations with the Mary Jane Girls and further showcased Rick James’s signature blend of synth driven rhythms, sharp vocals and edgy lyrical content.
Following the massive success of Street Songs in 1981, this release helped maintain Rick James’s momentum and established him as a defining force in early 80s urban music. His flamboyant style, musical versatility and confident persona made Throwin’ Down another essential chapter in his storied career.
Fun fact: Throwin’ Down marked Rick James’s second straight album to reach the top two on the R&B charts and featured early performances by the Mary Jane Girls, who would later launch their own hits.
Throwin’ Down featured a mix of hard-hitting funk grooves and smooth R&B ballads, including standout tracks like Dance Wit’ Me and Teardrops. The album also featured collaborations with the Mary Jane Girls and further showcased Rick James’s signature blend of synth driven rhythms, sharp vocals and edgy lyrical content.
Following the massive success of Street Songs in 1981, this release helped maintain Rick James’s momentum and established him as a defining force in early 80s urban music. His flamboyant style, musical versatility and confident persona made Throwin’ Down another essential chapter in his storied career.
Fun fact: Throwin’ Down marked Rick James’s second straight album to reach the top two on the R&B charts and featured early performances by the Mary Jane Girls, who would later launch their own hits.
