Slick Rick is officially back.
One of Hip Hop’s most revered master storytellers and cultural pillars, Ricky Walters pka Slick Rick, is joining creative forces with none other than Idris Elba for Victory — a visionary visual album set to be released through Elba’s record label, 7Wallace, in partnership with Mass Appeal. It will be available everywhere on June 13th.
Victory marks Slick Rick’s long awaited return and his first album since 1999’s The Art of Storytelling. The project features collaborations with Nas and Giggs, along with a special contribution from Estelle. It is a part of the ambitious Legend Has It.. campaign from Mass Appeal where they are releasing 7 new albums from 7 iconic acts, others in the lineup being Nas, Raekwon, Mobb Deep, Big L and more.
Slick Rick says “Victory is all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution. A visual blend of art and heart — a sonic journey that reflects where I’ve been and where I’m going. Victory isn’t just music — it’s a bold in your face statement, showcasing British artistry at its finest!”
Idris Elba says “Working with Slick Rick… back home in the UK, and then offering the world of hip hop something amazing has been a blessing. It’s literally a gift!”
Nas says “Slick Rick and I have a long history of working together so it was great to get back in the studio with him to create this new record. He has been such an influential figure in Hip Hop culture and I look forward to him sharing this project with the next generation of fans.”
The album will be accompanied by a 30-minute immersive film, directed by Meji Alabi — the creative mind behind Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Slick Rick collaborated with legendary photographer Jonathan Mannion and brand storytellers Equator Studios for the aesthetic vision while the music was mixed by Young Guru.
Victory was written and recorded between Rick’s birth place, London and in France, with its striking visuals filmed across three continents — the U.S., the UK, and Africa.
Victory will premiere on 7th June at the inaugural SXSW London @ Shoreditch Town Hall followed by an In Conversation with Slick Rick, Idris Elba and film director, Meji Alabi (tickets here). In New York, the film will premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival on 13 June @ SVA 1 Theater, followed by a Q&A with Slick Rick (tickets here).
Watch a trailer above.
