The name Rick James might not exactly be as hip and/or totally credible as it was back in the '70s or even the '80s, but it used to mean something when you could say you were his protegé. Of course, that was all pre-Chappelle Show . Teena Marie is mostly remembered for her affiliation with James (“Fire and Desire,” anyone?), but she remains one of the most notable and successful white female R&B performers, joining the ranks of Dusty Springfield and Bonnie Bramlett. Like James, Marie's career probably peaked sometime in the '80s, but she's seen recent success after signing with Cash Money Records and having her songs sampled by the Fugees. Her 2004 comeback album, La Dona , hit No. 6 on the charts, and she's even dueted with rapper and Dogg Pound member Kurupt. Rick James might not be around anymore, but it seems Marie doesn't need him after all.
Mon., June 30, 8 p.m., 2008
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