Slick Rick, born Richard Walters on January 14, 1965, in London, England, is a pioneering figure in the hip-hop genre, recognized for his distinctive voice, narrative storytelling abilities, and a fashion style that often includes an eye-patch and extravagant jewelry. Immigrating to the Bronx, New York, in his youth, Slick Rick began his music career in the late 1980s and quickly became known for his unique storytelling style, characterized by a combination of humor, vivid imagery, and a moral lesson, all delivered with his unmistakable British accent.

His debut album, "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick" (1988), is widely regarded as a hip-hop classic, featuring hits like "Children's Story" and "Teenage Love" that showcased his lyrical dexterity and knack for narrative. Throughout his career, Rick has faced challenges, including legal issues that resulted in incarceration; however, he has used these experiences to enrich his music, evident in albums such as "Behind Bars" and "The Ruler's Back." Despite these setbacks, his influence on hip-hop is undeniable, with countless artists citing him as an inspiration. Slick Rick is not only revered as a master storyteller in hip-hop but also hailed as "The Ruler," a fitting nickname for an artist of his stature, whose work continues to resonate with and inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.

Genres

Bronx Hip Hop

East Coast Hip Hop

Golden Age Hip Hop

Old School Hip Hop

Related Artists

LL COOL J

KRS-One

Public Enemy

Snoop Dogg

ICE-T

Big Daddy Kane

A Tribe Called Quest

De La Soul

Rakim

Eminem

Kendrick Lamar

MC Lyte

Latest Release

Metropolis

DJ Muggs•

Method Man•

Slick Rick

Single - Released May 24, 2022