Slick Rick - Great Adventures Of Slick Rick

Released in 1988

I am about to make a very bold claim: Slick Rick (aka MC Ricky D) is the best MC to have ever entered the rap game. Such claims are generally born out of opinion rather than fact, but one listen to Great Adventures of Slick Rick will make believers out of anyone that hasn't already had the delight of experiencing one of rap's greatest.

Slick Rick has been dubbed the great storyteller, and indeed was the first true storyteller in the genre. He has a gift for weaving absorbing tales full of lyrical wordplay and humor, whether he's offering cautionary notes such as Children's Story or just plain goofing off as in the misogynistic Indian Girl. Few, if any, other rappers have displayed the same knack for composing captivating lyrical poetry.

Although his unrivaled stories are partially responsible for the immense success of the platinum Great Adventures of Slick Rick, ultimately it's Slick Rick's unique flow that sets him apart from all others. He possesses a smooth and distinctive cadence that is further enhanced by his light British accent (he was born in London). Slick Rick was the innovator of the silky sing-song style of rap later adopted by artists such as Snoop Dogg, but he was also capable of rapping against himself when playing two distinctive roles simultaneously as in Mona Lisa.

Some of the album highlights are:

• The Ruler's Back – Pure unadulterated fun and a perfect showcase for Slick Rick's vocals and inspired beats. The horns during the choruses really lend this track a rousing feel.
• Children's Story – A perfect example of the storyteller at his best as he weaves a tale about a teenage criminal and the demise his life of crime leads to.
• Mona Lisa – If there were ever any doubts about Slick Rick's supremacy on the microphone then this track will surely suppress them. Rick effectively tag-teams himself as he raps back and forth to himself under different identities.

Call it hype if you will, but the impact and sheer finesse of this album simply cannot be overestimated or missed. Great Adventures of Slick Rick is not only an essential 80's gem; it's a classic rap album that will forever remain timeless in its brilliance.

Rating: 10 stars

Track List Treat Her Like a Prostitute The Ruler's Back Children's Story The Moment I Feared Let's Get Crazy Indian Girl (An Adult Story) Teenage Love Mona Lisa Kit (What's the Scoop) Hey Young World Teacher, Teacher Lick the Balls

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