James Brown released 'I'm Real' in 1988 under Scotti Bros. Records, at a time when his commercial popularity had waned but he remained an influential figure in funk and soul music.
The album was produced by James Brown himself and featured collaborations with musicians such as saxophonist Maceo Parker and guitarist Jimmy Nolen, though the production reflects a sound more oriented towards the pop and R&B of the era.
Despite not achieving the massive success of his earlier works, 'I'm Real' includes the single 'I'm Real', which received some rotation on R&B charts, and represents Brown's attempt to adapt to the musical trends of the late 1980s.