Slick Rick, English-American rapper and producer

Richard Martin Lloyd Walters, widely celebrated by his stage name Slick Rick, often revered as "The Ruler," is an iconic English-American rapper and record producer whose profound influence has left an indelible mark on the landscape of hip-hop music. Born on January 14, 1965, his distinctive British accent, charismatic persona, and unparalleled storytelling abilities set him apart from the very beginning of his career, establishing him as one of the genre's most original and revered voices.

The Rise to Prominence and Early Hip-Hop Classics

Slick Rick first rose to prominence in the mid-1980s as a pivotal member of Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew. This period was instrumental in shaping the nascent hip-hop scene, and their collaborations quickly achieved legendary status. Their seminal tracks, "The Show" and "La Di Da Di," are universally acknowledged as early hip-hop classics, demonstrating groundbreaking innovation and lyrical prowess. "The Show" showcased Doug E. Fresh's revolutionary beatboxing alongside Rick's playful and witty rhymes, while "La Di Da Di" stood out as an entirely a cappella narrative masterpiece. Notably, "La Di Da Di" holds the distinction of being one of the most sampled songs in music history, a testament to its enduring rhythmic and lyrical appeal.

Def Jam Records and a Storied Album Catalog

In 1986, recognizing his extraordinary talent and unique appeal, Def Jam Records made a landmark signing: Slick Rick became only the third artist to join their prestigious roster, following hip-hop titans LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys. This placement on a label synonymous with shaping the genre's golden era further solidified his burgeoning legacy. Over his illustrious career, Slick Rick has released four highly influential studio albums, each contributing to his rich discography:

An Unparalleled Influence: The Most Sampled MC

Slick Rick's musical output has proven to be an unparalleled source of inspiration for countless artists across various genres. His unique vocal tone, distinct flow, and captivating storytelling have made his tracks incredibly "sampleable," leading to his music being sampled and interpolated over 1,000 times. This phenomenal reach has cemented his status as one of the most-sampled hip-hop artists of all time. His sounds and lyrics have underpinned dozens of hit singles by a diverse array of global superstars, including but not limited to:

The ubiquity of his samples underscores his foundational impact on music production and composition, demonstrating how his original creations continued to generate new art and major commercial successes for decades.

Pioneering Covers and Cultural Accolades

Beyond samples, Slick Rick holds a unique distinction as one of the very first hip-hop artists to have his lyrics "covered" almost in their entirety. A prime example is Snoop Dogg (then Snoop Doggy Dogg), who famously rapped Rick's lyrics from "La Di Da Di" on his track "Lodi Dodi" from his iconic 1993 debut album, Doggystyle. At a time when using complete lyrics from another artist was highly uncommon and often considered taboo in hip-hop, Snoop Dogg's homage was a profound testament to the immense respect and influence Slick Rick commanded within the rap community.

His enduring legacy is further underscored by numerous accolades and recognitions. Slick Rick has been honored at the VH-1 Hip Hop Honors, celebrating his significant contributions to the culture. His lyrical prowess has been consistently recognized by esteemed publications; About.com ranked him No. 12 on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time, while The Source magazine placed him at No. 15 on their prestigious list of the Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. Beyond music, he has showcased his versatility through acting and making cameo appearances in over 10 movies and videos. His cultural imprint extends even to the gaming world, where he appears as a playable character in the popular video games Def Jam: Fight for NY and Def Jam Fight for NY: The Takeover, further cementing his iconic status across various entertainment mediums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slick Rick

Who is Slick Rick, and what is his real name?
Slick Rick, affectionately known as "The Ruler," is a highly influential English-American rapper and record producer. His birth name is Richard Martin Lloyd Walters.
What are Slick Rick's most famous songs?
Slick Rick is widely known for his classic tracks "La Di Da Di" and "The Show," recorded with Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew. His solo hits include "Children's Story" and "Mona Lisa" from his debut album, "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick."
How influential is Slick Rick in hip-hop?
Slick Rick is considered one of hip-hop's most influential figures, particularly recognized for his unique storytelling abilities and distinctive flow. His music has been sampled over 1,000 times by a wide range of artists, making him one of the most sampled artists in music history. He is also recognized for pioneering the full-length lyrical "cover" in hip-hop, notably by Snoop Dogg.
Was Slick Rick signed to Def Jam Records?
Yes, Slick Rick was the third artist ever signed to Def Jam Records in 1986, joining the label after LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, which highlighted his significant standing in the burgeoning hip-hop scene.
How many albums has Slick Rick released?
Slick Rick has released four studio albums: "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick" (1988), "The Ruler's Back" (1991), "Behind Bars" (1994), and "The Art of Storytelling" (1999).