In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, iconic athletic brand PUMA has partnered with legendary rapper Slick Rick and LSU basketball star Flau’Jae Johnson for an exciting new campaign. Combining the essence of hip-hop and athleticism, the duo showcases their unique style and versatility in the promotional video. A Closer Look Slick Rick, known for his […]
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From humble beginnings to global recognition, Slick Rick’s journey is the stuff of legends. Born Richard Martin Lloyd Walters in London in 1965, he migrated to The Bronx, New York, with his family as a child. Encountering Hip Hop culture first-hand, he became entranced. This British-American kid, grappling with his identity, soon found his voice in Rap. Soon, he adopted the stage name “MC Ricky D.”
Rick’s talent caught the attention of Doug E. Fresh, and soon, he was featured in Doug E.’s “The Show” and “La Di Da Di”—two tracks that would signal the advent of the “Slick Rick” persona. His cadence and flamboyant style set him apart. But his knack for weaving intricate narratives laid the foundation for Rick becoming the storyteller we know and respect.
Being dubbed the Storyteller isn’t a title earned overnight. His debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, truly cemented his place in Hip Hop. From the hilarious exploits in “Children’s Story” to the poignant social commentary in “Hey Young World,” each song was an intricate narrative.
Additionally, he was among artists bringing light-hearted fun to the Rap scene. Rick’s signature eye patch certainly set him apart, but that wasn’t just a fashion choice. As an infant, broken glass would blind him in one eye. Moreover, Rick’s vivid storytelling brought characters to life, using music as a canvas to depict real-life issues. He was no ordinary rapper; he was a raconteur. Each album became a new chapter, a fresh saga in the ever-evolving story of Slick Rick.
The impact of Slick Rick is far-reaching. His narrative-centric style revolutionized Hip Hop, influencing countless artists. Names like Snoop Dogg, Biggie Smalls, and Eminem openly attribute their storytelling abilities to Rick’s influence. His peers’ response was overwhelmingly positive, affirming his status in the industry. Slick Rick’s rhymes were not just entertaining—they were groundbreaking. He pushed the boundaries of what Rap could be, changing the landscape forever.
Slick Rick’s success wasn’t confined to acclaim from his peers. He enjoyed remarkable commercial success, too, with The Great Adventures of Slick Rick going platinum. His subsequent albums, The Ruler’s Back, Behind Bars, and The Art of Storytelling, also found chart success, a testament to his enduring appeal. Even today, his music is sampled extensively, his stories told and retold by generations of rappers. Rick’s legacy is a beacon guiding hip hop’s next generation.
Hip Hop continues to evolve, yet Rick’s influence remains undeniable. His storytelling abilities set a high bar that new artists strive to reach. While his style is inimitable, the echoes of his narrative-centric approach can be found in the works of modern rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Joey Bada$$.
The Slick Rick storyteller phenomenon isn’t limited to his music either. It extends to his iconic fashion sense, notably his love for extravagant jewelry and eyepatches. These aspects have left a lasting mark on hip hop’s aesthetic, demonstrating that Rick’s influence is just as visual as it is auditory. As a pioneer, we salute Slick Rick and his contributions to the culture—this year for Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary and many more milestones to come.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Slick Rick released his final studio LP, The Art of Storytelling.
Produced mainly by DJ Clark Kent and Kid Capri, this album featured guest verses from Redman, Rev Run, Outkast, Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg.
Critically the album has been hailed as the only proper sequel to his breakthrough debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. Due to continuous run-ins with the law, the public could never fully experience Slick Rick as an artist. For the same reason, the world will never know what his outstanding ability and outspoken persona could have done for Hip Hop culture. What is apparent is that when the master storyteller has the time, he can pen and deliver a masterpiece.
The Art of Storytelling was Slick Rick’s most commercially successful album, peaking at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album even went gold during its first week of sales. True to the title, the album is full of narratives that could only be crafted by the pen that scribed the famous “Children’s Story.” And although he has not strayed away from his signature rhetoric, The Art of Storytelling shows improvement and Slick Rick’s ability to stay relevant as far as his style blending with the popular sound of the time. This album is deserving of all accolades and is a proper farewell to Slick Rick as an album rapper.
The post Today In Hip Hop History: Slick Rick Dropped His Last Album ‘The Art Of Storytelling’ 24 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.
Busta Rhymes linked up with Slick Rick and celebrated the legend’s Lifetime Achievement Award given to him during Grammy Weekend.
HipHopDX notes, Busta Rhymes linked up with Slick Rick and celebrated the legend’s award.
“Congrats to the Godfather,” Busta Rhymes said.. “Lifetime Achievement Grammy, the win is secured.”
Busta Rhymes celebrates Slick Rick’s Grammy honor: “The win is secured”
https://t.co/52WCdDsvQr pic.twitter.com/DEjAsn7BD7
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) February 4, 2023
Among the Lifetime Achievement award recipients with Slick rick are Nirvana, Ma Rainey, and The Supremes.
“The Academy is proud to celebrate this diverse slate of influential music people spanning numerous genres and crafts as our 2023 Special Merit Awards honorees,” the Academy’s CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement.
He continued, “Each creator on this list has made an impact on our industry — from technical to creative achievements — representing the breadth of music’s diverse community. We’re excited to celebrate this group of legends next month that continues to inspire and shape the music world.”
You can see additional moments from Slick Rick’s celebration below.
30+ years in the game! Shout out to everyone who came out to celebrate my #GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award with me. I appreciate you all.
#AToastToTheRuler #TeamPixel #FixedOnPixel pic.twitter.com/dlsQYk9jnT
— Slick Rick (@therulernyc) February 5, 2023
The post [WATCH] Busta Rhymes Salutes Slick Rick for His GRAMMYs Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on The Source.
Rock The Bells (RTB), the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, announced the lineup for “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea.
The lineup features Hip-Hop’s most notable icons, including Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, Slick Rick, DJ Spinderella, Mannie Fresh, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Rah Digga, EPMD, Bun B, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ EPPS, DJ Nina 9, Grandmaster Dee, Technician The DJ, and DJ Critical Hype. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté & Torae, attendees will also experience a pool deck party series presented by world-renowned party rocker Kid Capri.
Commenting on the cruise, legendary Hip-Hop artist and host Roxanne stated: “How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat? LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Too $hort added, “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”
While the cruise is “sold out,” fans can still go to the website rockthebellscruise.com to sign up for the waiting list, where rooms are offered as they become available.
The sold-out Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience lineup is here! We’re bringing the celebration of Hip-Hop turning 50 to the high seas with @SXMLiveLoud & bringing some of the greatest DJs, MCs, & producers with us. Visit https://t.co/W5Gi4ShOfe to join the waitlist
pic.twitter.com/bR5ojA21sz
— Rock The Bells (@RockTheBells) January 25, 2023
The post Rock The Bells Announces Lineup for First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise with Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Ghostface, and More For Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary appeared first on The Source.
Born Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters on this date in 1965 in London, England, Slick Rick is undoubtedly the best storyteller in the history of Hip Hop.
From stories about his hectic lifestyle just “six minutes” before stage time to his almost unbelievable sexcapades, Rick The Ruler set the bar for rappers to tell their tall tales with style and cadence.
In honor of his born day, TheSource.com has compiled a list of the top five storyline rhymes from his album arsenal.
“La Di Da Di”
“Stepped out the house, stopped short..Oh No! I went back in, I forgot my Kangol..”
“A Children’s Story”
“He ran down the street, there he saw the sister/ shot for his head, he shot back, buit he missed her..”
“Mona Lisa”
“Callin’ me a thief? Please! Don’t even try it! Sit down, eat your slice of pizza and be quiet..”
“The Show”
“I was all alone, no one to be with/ stepped off the D Train at 205th..I saw a pretty girl..”
“Treat Her Like A Prostitute”
“‘Cause all they do is to hurt and trample/ Listen up close here comes my last example..”
The post Happy 58th Birthday To Slick Rick! Five Favorite Storytime Rhymes From Rick The Ruler appeared first on The Source.
Yesterday, the Grammy’s announced their recipients for the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award. Among the recipients are Nirvana, Ma Rainey, The Supremes, and hip-hop legend and pioneer, Slick Rick.
“The Academy is proud to celebrate this diverse slate of influential music people spanning numerous genres and crafts as our 2023 Special Merit Awards honorees,” the Academy’s CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement.
He continued, “Each creator on this list has made an impact on our industry — from technical to creative achievements — representing the breadth of music’s diverse community. We’re excited to celebrate this group of legends next month that continues to inspire and shape the music world.”
Slick Rick’s name was announced alongside six other artists for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Following the announcement, Slick Rick told HipHopDX, that he was honored to finally be recognized for his contributions. “To be receiving this honor is incredible,” Slick Rick said. “And to be in marvelous company with my fellow inductees is humbling. God is good. All the time!”
Despite a legendary career, and being the most sampled hip-hop artist of all time, this would make Slick Rick’s first Grammy Award over the span of a 40+ year career. It would also be the first time this award would be given to a UK-born artist.
In fact, last year, people on the internet were blown away when they finally heard Slick Rick speaking in his British accent. Check out some of the tweets below.
I have never heard Slick Rick speak with a British accent in my life… pic.twitter.com/c75uRBiOMF
— I
Jews, Please dont close my accounts. (@LaCienegaBlvdss) October 3, 2022
The post Slick Rick To Be Honored With 2023 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on The Source.
The 2023 Grammys continue to take shape. All nominees were revealed in mid-November, including a record-breaking nod for Bad Bunny, with Beyoncé leading the field. Last month, Trevor Noah confirmed to Billboard that he will host the ceremony.
This morning, January 5, the Recording Academy announced which musical icons will be honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as relayed by The Hollywood Reporter: Nirvana, Ma Rainey, Slick Rick, The Supremes, Nile Rodgers, Bobby McFerrin, and Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart.
The publication additionally pointed out that the awards will be given posthumously to Rainey, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. Diana Ross was previously given the Lifetime Achievement Award as a solo artist in 2012. Ross is also nominated for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category for Thank You, released in November 2021 as her first solo release since I Love You in 2006 and first original material since 1999’s Every Day Is A New Day.
The Special Merit Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
The 2023 Grammys will air live on CBS (and stream live on Paramount+) from LA’s Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 5.
“A lot of what I would suggest is what I’ve heard [Recording Academy CEO] Harvey [Mason Jr.] talk about: trying to create a Grammys where the music reflects the awards show and the awards show reflects the music,” Noah told Billboard of what he would change about the Grammys. “Oftentimes [with] award shows, there may be a disconnect between the general public who are consuming music and the people who are voting on the music. It’s important for every award show [that] wishes to maintain its relevance to understand that difference. The audience isn’t wrong in having different tastes or a preference on whom they wish to see. I think in music as a whole, you have to acknowledge that, and the Grammys has, albeit slowly.”
