Slick Rick has announced his first new album in 26 years. Find all the details below.
- READ MORE: British rap legend Slick Rick on Brexit, misogyny in music and his 20 year absence from music: “If you’re not inspired, then you just chill”
‘Victory’, the rapper’s first LP since 1999’s ‘The Art of Storytelling’, will be released on June 13 through Idris Elba‘s record label, 7Wallace, in collaboration with Mass Appeal.
The project, which is described as a “visual album”, sees Idris serve as executive producer alongside Rick and features contributions from Nas, Giggs and Estelle.
“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!” Slick Rick said in a press release.
The album, and its 30-minute short film directed by Meji Alabi (who helmed Beyoncé‘s Black Is King), will premiere on June 7 at the inaugural SXSW London, followed by an In Conversation with Slick Rick, Elba and Alabi. Tickets are available now here. Check out the trailer below.
On the project, Idris Elba said: “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!
“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.”
In 2021, Rick spoke to NME about his extended absence from music, saying he doesn’t regret taking a break: “If you’re not inspired, then you know, you just chill. But if you’re inspired, then get your paintbrush and get to painting and then if you feel it’s ready to be exposed then expose it.”
Elsewhere, Ben Affleck recently named Rick as one of his hypothetical Mount Rushmore of rappers.
