Slick Rick delivered his first album in 26 years with VICTORY earlier in June, and The Ruler returned with a cinematic accompanying short film to the project on Friday (June 20).
Directed by Meji Alabi, Rick’s short film serves as a companion to his album and features appearances from Nas, Giggs and Idris Elba, who executive produced the project. Legendary photographer Jonathan Mannion also helped craft the film’s aesthetic while Young Guru mixed the LP.
“VICTORY is a tale of fiction for the mind. Part myth. Part Magic. Grab your snacks… And a cozy blanket and pretend you’re by a fireplace,” Slick Rick said in a statement. “VICTORY is sight, story, and sound dancing as one.”
The short film gives fans a look into Slick Rick’s innovative storytelling and age-defying imagination with each scene more powerful than the next, while providing a cinematic visual companion to the album.
“Collaborating with Slick Rick The Ruler on his first album in 26 years was incredible,” added director Meji Alabi. “Being able to create visuals to such a monumental piece and with a storyteller and icon like Slick Rick was an experience I’m going to cherish forever and can’t wait for the world to see what he has in store for them.”
Even at 60 years old, Slick Rick’s ingenuity remains timeless while delivering hard-hitting bars over an array of beats ranging from boom bap to dance.
Recorded in London and France, VICTORY was four years in the making for The Ruler, while the visuals were shot in the United States, U.K. and Africa.
Watch the short film below.