Slick Rick, the iconic hip-hop artist, is enjoying a late room-service breakfast in his Park Lane hotel room. He has returned to London, the city his family left when he was young, to promote his new album, “Victory,” his first release since 1999’s “The Art of Storytelling.” That album featured collaborations with artists like Outkast, Nas, and Snoop Dogg, all paying tribute to a hip-hop legend.
Slick Rick remains a revered figure in hip-hop, known as the most-sampled artist in the genre. Ghostface Killah has hailed him as the greatest, Eminem has called himself “a product of Slick Rick,” and Jay-Z and Mark Ronson have praised his work, with Questlove describing his voice as “the most beautiful thing to happen to hip-hop culture.”
Despite the long hiatus, Slick Rick has been busy. He battled with US immigration for many years, finally gaining citizenship in 2016, and made guest appearances on tracks with Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Mariah Carey. He also ventured into fashion collaborations and maintained a real estate business in the Bronx. His meeting with actor Idris Elba sparked the creation of “Victory,” recorded at Elba’s homes in London and Paris. The album uniquely reflects his British roots, featuring UK artists like Giggs and Estelle, with videos shot in South London.
Slick Rick’s style is legendary, often adorned with extravagant jewelry. Today, though, he’s dressed more modestly, with a simple eye patch instead of his usual jewel-encrusted one. However, he still showcases a large, diamond-encrusted medallion of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing the importance of image in his career. He believes that presenting oneself well can change perceptions, even if music hasn’t been released in years.
His ability to market his image is notable, with merchandise ranging from T-shirts to Halloween costumes. But his music remains unmatched. In the mid-80s, Slick Rick stood out with his conversational, singsong rap style, mixing English and American accents. His unique approach included storytelling and character voices, inspired by children’s records like those of Alvin and the Chipmunks.
His rise to fame began with a talent contest judged by Doug E Fresh, leading to their collaboration. Their 1985 hit, “The Show,” was a massive success, but it was the B-side, “La Di Da Di,” that left a lasting impact. The track has been sampled over 1,200 times by artists across genres, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Slick Rick’s debut solo album, “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,” went platinum, featuring classics like “Hey Young World” and “Children’s Story.” However, his career faced challenges when a personal conflict led to his conviction for attempted murder, resulting in five years of imprisonment. He recorded two more albums during this time but doesn’t hold them in high regard, considering them rushed.
Despite releasing only five albums in a 41-year career, his influence on hip-hop is undeniable. Yet, Slick Rick seems more excited about his design for a platform-soled version of the Clarks Wallabee shoe than focusing on his legacy. He believes in living life as it unfolds, allowing his work to inspire naturally. With a handshake, he returns to his breakfast, leaving a lasting impression as a legend in the world of hip-hop.