Slick Rick returns with his new album "Victory"

After more than two decades of silence, the hip-hop legend Slick Rick signs a triumphant return with Victory, his first studio album in 26 years. Released on June 13, 2025, this project is presented in the form of a visual album. Victory is accompanied by a 30-minute short film directed by the filmmaker Meji Alabi. The work was unveiled in preview at the SXSW by London (June 7) and at Film Festival from Tribeca (June 13), confirming the cinematographic and cultural scope of the project.

About Victory

Format : Victory is not simply an audio experience, but a visual album, blending music and filmic narration. The accompanying short film explores themes of heritage, redemption, and royalty, with footage shot in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa.

• Production and labels : The project is co-produced by Slick Rick and Idris Elba, and distributed via the label 7Wallace (founded by Elba), in partnership with Mass Appeal.

• Check-in locations : The album was conceived between London and France, a choice that reflects the artist's dual cultural identity and his careful approach to sound.

• Musical style : Victory navigates between hip-hop, reggae and cinematic orchestral arrangements, offering a rich, bold sound palette that is faithful to the singular spirit of Slick Rick.

Project collaborations

The project brings together several major figures from the international scene:

• Nas delivers a memorable verse on the title Documents 
• The heavyweight of British rap Giggs joined the project
• Estelle brings a soulful, warm and elegant touch

On the thematic side, Victory explores in depth the notions of lineage, Black excellence, resilience and storytelling, all served by the legendary charisma and humor of the Ruler.

Photo: Jonathan Mannion – Rolling Stones

Who is Slick Rick?

Born Richard Martin Lloyd Walters on 14 January 1965 in Mitcham, London, Slick Rick is considered one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop history. Immigrating young to the Bronx, he emerges within the legendary duo Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew, immortalized through the classics The Di Da Di and The Show.

Recognizable among all thanks to his iconic eye patch, his flamboyant style and his British accent, Slick Rick revolutionized the art of MCing. His talent for storytelling through music, his witty punchlines, and his sense of narrative theater have influenced generations—from Nas, Snoop Dogg and OutKast until Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.

Despite legal troubles that have hampered his career, the legend of Slick Rick has continued to grow. Today, with Victory, he returns as king to claim his throne.

Complete discography

Studio albums

1. The Great Adventures of Slick Rick (1988)

Contains : " Children's Story", "Mona Lisa ", "Hey Young World"

2. The Ruler's Back (1991)

With : "I Shouldn't Have Done It ", " Mistakes of a Woman in Love…"

3. Behind Bars (1994)

Recorded during his detention – included “Behind Bars", "Sittin' in My Car"

4. The Art of Storytelling (1999)

With Nas, Raekwon, OutKast – considered as a masterclass narrative

5. Victory (2025)

Exceptional visual and audio feedback, with Nas, Giggs, Estelle – co-produced by Idris Elba

The legacy of the Veretan

The influence of Slick Rick on rap is immense and timeless. His unique voice, visual style, and above all, his art of storytelling continue to inspire more than three decades after his debut. Winner of numerous awards, including the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, he remains one of the most sampled and respected artists in world rap.

With Victory, Slick Rick isn't just making a comeback: it's raising the bar. It reminds us that the art of musical storytelling is alive and well—and still wearing a crown.

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