Iconic Hip Hop artist Slick Rick is our latest July 2025 cover star and he spoke to Something About Rocks about his first album in 26 years, Victory.
The rapper also expanded on his love of jewellery, what it felt like to win a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys and what the future holds.
On working with Idris Elba, who is an acclaimed musician in his own right alongside his acting work, Slick Rick said: “He brought me to England and France, and we just started recording at his private studio and a few different places that he works at when he’s not doing movies…We had a ball. We had a blast. Then the next thing you know, what we had was worthy of releasing to the public.”
Speaking of his admiration for Elba, Slick continued: “[Idris Elba is] authentically into the music…He is Hip Hop. He walks like us, talks like us, dresses like us. He pretty much is us.”
He also spoke about returning to making a new album after 26 years away, saying other rappers who have done the same in recent years are “just trying to keep the culture alive.”
He went on ‘[It’s] Hip Hop the way we like it and then see if the public agrees…We do it for the love of the music because that’s what we grew up on. That’s what we did for fun. We just want to see if the public appreciates the new work that we’re putting out.
Elsewhere in the interview, Slick expressed his joy of returning to his London roots for the album, having been born in Mitcham, London, before moving to New York as a child.
Reflecting on his album’s message, he added: “It’s a visual blend of heart and art.”
He continued: “It’s all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution…a sonic journey that reflects where I’ve been and where I’m going.” The album “isn’t just music,” he says proudly. “It’s a bold, in-your-face statement, showcasing British artistry at its finest.”
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