VISUAL ALBUM REVIEW: SLICK RICK - VICTORY

Written by Michael Thervil

SLICK RICK "VICTORY" FILM

[Slick Rick Victory] It’s a pleasure to know that Slick “The Ruler” Rick is back (as he has ever left). With his fifth solo album (Visual Album) entitled: “Victory” it’s safe to say that not only does he still have it at 60 years old, but Ricky Walters better known as Slick Rick is bring a new sound to the ears of many Americans. Now to be fair, it’s going to take a while for the American audience to catch up because they are over saturated with the current drugged out, overly used trap sound within the world of Rap. But for the Connoisseurs of “Hip-Hop” which is considered to be significantly different that “Rap”, the vibe that Slick Rick is putting out on this album is right in step with the essence of Hip-Hop which is centered on artistic originality, a high degree of creativity, and the willingness to step away from the mainstream in order to preserve their individual creative identity.

What does all this mean in terms of Slick Rick’s latest album “Victory”? It means that the infusion of the London/UK House Music is what really makes Victory stand out, especially in today’s music production. London House Music known in London as “UKG” (U.K. Garage) although started in Chicago, has deep cultural roots with in not only London, but in all of Europe. Some of the tracks on Victory that feature London house music are “Stress”, “Cuz I’m Here”, “Foreign”, and our favorite here at VEDA World News “Heirlooms (Come On Let’s Go)” which features a fast-paced beat that only Slick Rick can verbally slow down with his signature, effortlessly bravado tone, and entertaining flow. Taking a point of editorial privilege, we also really enjoyed the track entitled: “Matrix”, which featured legendary American Hip-Hop NAS.

For the newest generation of lovers of Hip-Hop who may not be familiar with Slick Rick, his flow, musical style, persona, and overall feel, we strongly urge you to watch “[name]”, which is a 30-minute short film directed and produced by “The Poet” Slick Rick and “The Visionary Idris Elba. This Visual Album provides an inside look at not only Slick Rick’s newest music, but it provides insight into the thoughts of Slick Rick, how this album was produced, and of course the trend setting ability of Slick Rick in terms of style and fashion. This short film was Filmed in France, Europe and America and the Victory album itself was written and recorded in the U.K. and France.

Slick Rick’s “Victory” is a solid work of art that’s worth both listening to and watching as it not necessarily an “album” in the traditional sense, but it’s a “Visual Album” which is a combination of music videos and film shorts.