to get the respect Street Songs got. Street songs was also a pretty short album so it's impact was stronger. I agree totally.

I think what's crazy is how Rick might have been the first to fuse all these elements (like you pointed out) long before most Black Stars were considering crossing over or tapping into the mainstream. Even when they did it was normally through re-working a cover - something that was an already proven hit. Rick carved his own lane in that regard. The interesting part about Rick is he was able to achieve this while never losing his sensibilities and funk roots.

Massive achievement. Even James couldn't do this with Living in America being his biggest single ever and James going his entire career without every having a number one song.

Also the worst song out of his entire catalogue. A mockery of what he'd created and a soundtrack song. SMH.