Slick Rick is a British-American rap artist, producer, and lyricist. He is one of the most famous storytellers in the history of hip-hop, as well as the central characters of the so-called Golden Era. He has a pleasant English accent. His voice is often used for sampling in "street" music.
The peak of the rapper's popularity came in the mid-80s. He rose to prominence alongside rap artists Doug E. Fresh and Get Fresh Crew. Musical works of singers - The Show and La Di Da Di are still considered a true classic of hip-hop.
Childhood and youth
Very little is known about the childhood and youthful years of the rap artist. Richard Martin Lloyd Walters (real name of the singer) was born on January 14, 1965. His childhood was spent in the western area of London.
He was brought up in a family of emigrants from Jamaica. The financial situation of the family throughout Slick Rick's childhood left much to be desired. Even then, a plan settled in the head of a black guy, which, in his opinion, would help him bring the financial situation of the family to a high level.
As a child, he was left with one eye. It's all to blame - a piece of glass that fell into his organs of vision. In the mid-70s, Slick Rick and his family moved to the territory of the United States of America.
He soon entered the Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music and Arts. Slick loved black music. He caught the frantic pleasure of listening to rap songs. During this period of time, he first tries to "read".
In an educational institution, he met rap artist Dana Dane. She reinforced Rick's love of recitative. The guys performed at school events, and later founded the duo KANGOL CREW. Rap artists failed to record a single LP and even a single. Despite this, they have achieved a certain amount of respect in the hip-hop community.
Rick has always stood out from his peers. He wore a black patch over his left eye and was hung with massive gold chains, which would later become a mandatory attribute of rap artists. In addition, Slick Rick emphasized the accent, which became a kind of highlight of the black guy.
The creative path of the rapper
In the mid-80s, young Slick Rick was lucky enough to meet Doug E. Fresh. The latter invited him to be part of the Get Fresh Crew. Since then, he has been playing music professionally.
During the tour with the band, Slick Rick took part in the recording of one of the most popular hip-hop songs. We are talking about the track The Show/La-Di-Da-Di. The song is still popular with street music fans to this day.
Acquaintance with Russell Simmons allowed the rapper to conclude his first serious contract with the Def Jam recording studio and pursue a solo career. Slick Rick has already begun compiling his debut LP, but his recording was delayed for a year.
At the end of the 80s of the last century, the debut LP of the rapper premiered. We are talking about the collection The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. The collection not only entered the history of hardcore rap, but also eventually reached the so-called platinum status.
Slick Rick's troubles with the law
At the beginning of the 90th year, the rapper was arrested. He faced an impressive term for the deliberate murder of a cousin and a former bodyguard. At the trial, the rapper said that he killed the bodyguard because he was angry with him and said that he would deal with the rapper's family because the performer refused to raise his salary.
The court agreed to release (temporarily) the rapper on $800 bail. At that time, this amount was unbearable for Slick Rick. Russell Simmons came to the aid of a friend, who paid the amount declared by the court.
After being temporarily released, Slick Rick settled into a recording studio and recorded his second studio album in just three weeks. The second studio album was called The Ruler's Back. For some of the tracks, the rapper also presented video clips.
The court found Slick Rick guilty. Thus, the rapper went to jail for as much as 10 years. The only thing that warmed him at that time was the opportunity to be released early for good behavior.
In 1993, for exemplary behavior and under a special program, he was released for a short time, and immediately recorded his third studio album. We are talking about the record Behind Bars. In 1998, Slick Rick left prison early and forever.
During this period of time he works closely with AZ, Yvette Michel, Eric Sermon and other artists. He tries his hand not only as a rap artist, but also as a producer. At the end of the 90s, the premiere of the fourth studio album of the singer took place, which was called The Art Of Storytelling.
Details of the rapper's personal life
In 1997, there was one who firmly settled in the heart of the rapper. Slick Rick married a girl named Mandi Aragones. The position for 2021 is a couple together. They share love photos on social media.
Interesting facts about Slick Rick
- He also realized himself as a film actor. He has ten films to his credit.
- Slick Rick's first two albums are recognized as hip-hop classics.
- He is considered one of the most mentioned rappers in hip hop history. Such world stars as 2Pac, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nas, Lil Wayne and others spoke about him.
- He lost an eye at one year.
- The rapper was awarded the VH-1 Hip Hop Honoree.
Slick Rick: Our Days
In 2014, he participated in the "Trans4M" concert organized by will.i.am. In 2016, he finally became a citizen of the United States of America, while he retained British citizenship.
In 2018, the presentation of the new single of the rapper took place. We are talking about the musical work Snakes of the World Today.
