Showtime has released a trailer for Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James, a new documentary directed by Emmy-nominated hip-hop journalist Sacha Jenkins (Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men). The film is due to air September 3 on the network.

　　Billed as "an intimate yet propulsive look," the documentary--based on the trailer--looks to be a candid exploration of "one of rock, funk, and R&B's most legendary and under-appreciated figures." James had quite the career before the similarly famous Chappelle's Show sketch. James, who died in 2004, is known for his 1980s hits like "Super Freak" and "Give It to Me," and also a prison term for sexual misconduct. He, also, was memorably upfront about his drug habits--and Bitchin' looks to shine a light on and make sense of it all.

　　The documentary promises to "present a full picture of James's dramatic rise and fall, focusing on the 'punk-funk' music he left behind" while also featuring "rare footage of James's incredible live shows, never-before-seen home video, original interviews with legendary artists, collaborators, and friends, and a treasure trove of recorded interviews with James."

　　Bitchin' is co-written by Jenkins with Steve Rivo and Jason Pollard. The documentary is executive produced by Peter Bittenbender and Jenkins for Mass Appeal, and Douglas Banker and Ty James.

　　David Wolinsky on Google+