Mary Jane Girls ~ In My House 1985 Funky Purrfection Version

Something funky to counter your funk for a back to work Motown Monday!

Rick James started the Mary Jane Girls as a solo project for Joanne "Jojo" McDuffie who had been a backing singer for James in the studio and on tour. Enlisting the vocal talents of professional backing vocalists Maxine & Julia Waters, they all went into the studio to record some original Rick James songs.

James was already signed to Motown, so approached the label with the tapes along with is concept of the group and got the green light. He then set about finding suitable members to complete the Mary Jane Girls line up with Cheryl "Cheri" Bailey (the valley girl), Candice "Candi" Ghent (seductress) and Kimberly "Maxi" Wuletich (dominatrix), a little something for everyone in 1979.

Their self titled debut album was released in 1983, with the sexy "All Night Long" becoming an R&B radio staple. The song peaked at #8 Dance/Disco, #11 R&B but did not make the Hot 100. It did not matter, that song became an example of the new R&B jazz fusion thing going on and has been sampled by The Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J, Mary J Blige, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube, Onar and Redman who sampled it on three of his songs.

Rick was big into symbolism. "In My House" seems to be full of sexual innuendo, but the band maintains that it is still about love. The fact was it could have gone either way depending what kind of day I had. . Where did James come up with the group name? Well, he chose the name Mary Jane to reference marijuana, which Rick had a fondness for.

In 1985 they released "In My House", a big crossover success peaking at #7 on the Hot100, topping the disco dance chart for two weeks, and peaking at #3 R&B. It was also their last appearance on any chart. To my knowledge, their last great single was the girl group spin on their cover version of "Walk Like A Man" from the "A Fine Mess" soundtrack from 1986. It's fun!

[porkstack]

Just about the best funky disco song of all time. Awesome

[felab]

EVERY TIME I PLAY IT ITS NEW AGAIN THANK YOU STILL CAN"T BEAT IT ONE LOVE.

[maxr]

I would pop this tape in the radio in my '82 S-10 Sport, and would drive down Freeway 99 to visit my friends in Bakersfeild, on my long change. Brings back so many good times. Thank You Mary Jane Girls. Love the Video TOO!

[gregcampbell]

Mary Jane girls are the destiny child of the 80s with more soul

[judgejurylw]

I started dancing to this very song in 1985, and haven't stopped since, but i am tired as hell.

[sylviaross]

Mmm...mmm...mmm...what a groove! R.I.P., Slick Rick.

[carlwhite]

The Genius of Buffalo's Greatest, Mr. Rick James!

[nimueh]

Good music never gets old, this is one of them.

[SandraKurz]

Die 80erJahre die beste Zeit. Partys schicke Autos guten Job.

[bilalndege]

This is one of Rick James's best production ever. It's a perfect thing.

[Jamal-zoo]

My Brother and My Mother. Died. RIP 84. &. 85. Love. Mary Jane's. I lived in Detroit. All my Love to them!!!

[robocop]

I love 81 84 85. The best years of the 80, s. I want the time machine. If I s saw one. I would run to it. Go back to the 80s. Greatest time ever.

[spoon]

This is a bad song right here love old school music

[jamesinman]

This song is still Real Cool. That’s what I call cool music!

[aussiegreek]

What is it with 80’s funk i get in this trance & can remember dancing to the songs in the clubs

[edwardhackett]

I graduated from high school when this song came out.

[tomadams]

Tight remix here. Rick James bass lines in the background. Glad I got too see him live 💯

[fjacks]

I was 30 when this was released, I'm 66 now and this song stills kicks ass....RIP Rick James....

[jimm]

It’s 2023 & Mary Jane Girls - In My House (Mega Dance Anthem) from the brilliant (Funky Purrfection Super Mega Remix) from Rick James Funky Ladies. My favorite track is a Masterpiece! Thank you for sharing your genius with us! I love your mixes! Especially the Mega Mixes like this one! Enjoy your day!

[charlesjenkins]

Written arranged and produced by their mentor the late great Rick James. This memorable funky jam is one of their hottest now made even greater with this long extended remix. More power from Motown!