Slick Rick Releases First Album in 26 Years Across UK, US, Africa

Slick Rick, the British-American hip-hop pioneer known for his storytelling, has released his first album in 26 years titled 'Victory,' executive produced and co-created by Idris Elba. The album, which features collaborations with Nas, Giggs, and Estelle, is a celebration of perseverance, storytelling, imagination, and British creativity, accompanied by a 30-minute visual film directed by Meji Alabi, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Encouraged by Elba, Rick embraced a full album rather than singles, recording much of the project between London and France with production largely handled by himself. 'Victory' is noted for its lyrical depth and timeless flow, with standout tracks like 'So You’re Having My Baby' showcasing Rick's masterful narrative style and collaboration with Nas. The project is part of a collaboration between Elba’s 7Wallace label and Nas’ Mass Appeal, marking a significant milestone as Slick Rick becomes one of the first Golden Era rappers to produce a cinematic visual album. Despite his long hiatus, Rick continues to stay relevant by embracing his unique lane in hip-hop, focusing on entertaining himself and feeding his artistic passion rather than competing with younger artists.