The Ruler’s Back: Slick Rick Announces New ‘Victory’ Visual Album

Slick Rick has not released a full-length project in over 26 years, and that will soon change this summer. Partnering with Idris Elba, Slick Rick is slated to release his visual album Victory this summer via Elba’s 7Wallace label and Nas‘ Mass Appeal Records.

Slick Rick, long considered Hip-Hop’s most masterful storyteller, will deliver Victory this June. As we see in the trailer for the project, the artist, real name Ricky Walters, constructed the album over four years and recorded in Europe, Africa, and North America. Rick’s suave voice can be heard explaining the value of songwriting and poetry, reminding viewers that before films, words were how pictures were painted.

Victory serves as Slick Rick’s fifth studio album, last releasing his gold-selling album, The Art of Storytelling, in 1999. Rick and Elba are the executive producers for the album, with special appearances 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!” Rick shared in a statment.

Elba adds, “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!”

Mass Appeal co-founder Nas also shared a statement.

“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,” shared the Queensbridge MC.

Victory clocks in at 30 minutes and is directed by Meji Alabi, who worked with Beyoncé on her Black Is King project. The project carries the bold, creative visions of both Rick and Elba, who, beyond acting, released music previously and is an active DJ, among Elba’s other talents.

The powerhouse affair features longtime studio engineer Young Guru, who mixed the project, and photography was provided by Jonathan Mannion. Victory will see a world premiere at SXS7 London at Shoreditch Town Hall on June 7, followed by a special session with Slick Rick, Idris Elba, and Meji Alabi.

Victory will make its debut in the States on June 13 at the SVA 1 Theater during the Tribeca Festival, which will have a Q&A session with Slick Rick. That same day, Victory will be available on DSPs and for purchase.

To purchase tickets for the SXSW London showing, click here. For the Tribeca Festival showing, click here.

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Photo: Jonathan Mannion