Hip-hop legend Slick Rick is back, proving that his creative spark is alive and well with the release of his first new project in nearly three decades, Victory. The visual album, which dropped on June 14, 2025, marks a significant resurgence for the rapper known for his iconic eye patch and masterful storytelling.
This new album is Slick Rick’s first since 1999’s The Art of Storytelling, and it highlights his enduring talent, featuring 95% self-produced tracks alongside collaborations with notable artists such as Nas, Giggs, and Estelle. The album was executive produced in part by Idris Elba, who also makes an appearance on the project. Slick Rick, now 60, shared insights about his evolution as an artist, noting that his lyrical themes have matured alongside him.
“Victory” was a labor of love that took four years to complete, with Slick Rick writing and recording between London and France while filming the accompanying visuals across the U.S., U.K., and Africa. He emphasized the importance of growing as an artist: “You was a young adult, then a middle-aged man, and now you’re an older man, so my mentality has to grow with it.”
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Slick Rick discussed his collaboration with Idris Elba, expressing how their connection blossomed at a party and led to a creative partnership. He felt a slight hesitation stepping back into the spotlight but ultimately approached the project with a sense of fun and no pressure.
Slick Rick’s musical style on Victory blends hip-hop with various genres, including reggae and house music, reflecting a diverse approach to his artistry. He explained, “We’re not just hip-hop. We like reggae. We like house music… We try to entertain ourselves in different areas of existence.”
The decision to create a visual album was also strategic, allowing for simultaneous music and video production to enhance the storytelling experience. He believes that the storytelling aspect of rap remains vital in 2025, encouraging artists to explore a wide range of themes beyond the typical bravado often found in hip-hop.
As Slick Rick returns to the music scene, he reaffirms his position as a significant figure in hip-hop, demonstrating that storytelling and creativity are timeless elements of the genre. His album Victory is a testament to his enduring influence and a celebration of the art of rap storytelling.
