] Funk legend Rick James (search), best known for the 1981
] hit "Super Freak," (search) died Friday, apparently of
] natural causes, police said. He was 56.

The man was extremely talented, I'll give him that. But I have to wonder how much his life was shortened, by the drug excesses of his youth. :/

[ I don't have to wonder... i'm thinking probably about, say 20-25 years, give or take. Truly unfortunate... -k]

Singer Rick James Dies at 56