Slick Rick announces first album in 26 years, ‘Victory’
Rapper Slick Rick has announced his first new album in 26 years.
Set to be the musician’s first LP since 1999’s The Art of Storytelling, his new album Victory will be released on June 13th by Idris Elba’s record label, 7Wallace. This will be in collaboration with Mass Appeal.
He has described the project as a “visual album”. Expanding further, Slick Rick said: “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!”
Elba serves as an executive producer on the project alongside Rick. It will feature contributions from Nas, Giggs and ‘American Boy’ singer Estelle.
Elba has commented on the project: “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!”
He continued: “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 and its 30-minute short film, directed by Meji Alabi of Beyonce’s ‘Black Is King,’ will premiere on June 7th at the inaugural SXSW London. After the premiere, there will be a conversation with Slick Rick, Elba, and Alabi.
Slick Rick boasts an impressive discography to date, including the fifth most sampled song in hip-hop, which would be his collaboration with Doug E. Fresh, ‘La Di Da Di’.