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A modern rap music genius, Slick Rick’s legend precedes him like no others. Originally known as Doug E. Fresh’s vocal partner in the Get Fresh Crew, MC Ricky D’s (as he was then known) unforgettable performances on 1985’s double-sided single, “The Show” b/w “La Di Da Di,” brought a new kind of hip hop hero to light. Suave, debonair and capable of both great poignancy and bawdy humor, Rick’s charisma wouldn’t actually flourish fully until the commencement of his own solo career. Highlighted by classics like “Children’s Story”, “Mona Lisa” and “Hey Young World”, 1988’s platinum selling The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick found the U.K. Expatriate/Bronx resident displaying a remarkable talent for wit-filled narratives like some lyrical crossbreed of Bob Dylan and Richard Pryor. And his influence on a generation of rappers-from Snoop Dogg to the late Notorious B.I.G.- continues to be felt through contemporary times. Sadly, tragedy would strike before Rick could completely capitalize on the fruits of his success. A well-publicized incident that landed Rick in jail from 1990 through 1996 would form part of the subject matter of his next two releases - 1991’s The Ruler’s Back and 1994’s Behind Bars (both recorded during stints outside of prison). And then in 1999, Slick Rick made a triumphant comeback with The Art Of Storytelling. “I decide to call the album ‘The Art of Storytelling’ because that is exactly what I am known for! I wanted re-introduce the art form by making an album that included many different variations of stories and rap styles.” Having survived some of the most tumultuous events to touch any recording artist in history, Slick Rick’s rejuvenation is joyously evident throughout The Art of Storytelling. With production contributions from an all-star line-up that includes Dame Grease (DMX, The Lox), Clark Kent, Large Professor and Rashad Smith, the LP’s varied beats provide the ideal complement to the Ruler’s profound tales and keen observations of life. In the tradition of his past recorded romantic episodes, “Two Way Street” finds Ricky’s character testing his fidelity to his wife over hooky vibraphone hits. Marked by a hypnotic drum pattern and guitar strums, “Who Rotten Em” cleverly transports us back to ancient Egypt for a story involving a slave who wins the friendship of a pharaoh due to his rhyme skills. And on “Kill N***z,” Rick draws from his own experiences by dramatizing a man’s release from prison and subsequent reversion to a violent vigilante lifestyle. Finally, childlike voices awaken him from his “Children’s Story” - like nightmare. Sound Files Children's Story - from the album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick La Di Da Di - Live (w/Doug E.Fresh) - from the album The Art of Storytelling The Show - Live (w/Doug E.Fresh) - from the album The Art of Storytelling Street Talkin (w/Outkast) - from the album The Art of Storytelling I Own America - from the album The Art of Storytelling Impress the Kid - from the album The Art of Storytelling Women Lose Weight (w/Morcheeba) - from the album Charango (by Morcheeba) |
 The Great Adventures of Slick Rick Released: 1988 Label: Def Jam |
 The Ruler's Back Released: 1991 Label: Def Jam |
 Behind Bars Released: 1994 Label: Def Jam |
 The Art Of Storytelling Released: 1999 Label: Def Jam |