Great Adventures Of Slick Rick CD

In the history of rap music, there are few artists who can be labeled as pioneers. One such artist is Slick Rick who, along with partner Doug E. Fresh, is the rapper responsible for such long-standing hip-hop classics as "The Show" and "La Di Da Di." With the special rhythmic flow of his accented vocals (he was born and raised in England) and powerful, innovative production, THE GREAT ADVENTURES OF SLICK RICK further led Rick Walters down the road of quick, massive fame and sealed his reputation as a master MC.

At the time of this solo debut, Slick Rick's personalized style was ground-breaking. The first single, "Children's Story," crowned Rick the king of rap's storytellers. He was able to turn the truthful pain and hardships of his community into entertaining tales that opened the eyes of the industry, and gave hip-hop a new thematic avenue. With the exception of LL Cool J's "I Need Love," Rick's "Teenage Love" was rap's most popular slow jam, dealing realistically with troubles of the heart experienced by most inner-city youngsters. Taking on the role of various characters--particularly, The Ruler and MC Ricky D--Slick Rick also began the role-playing, playwright style of rap music that is continuously used by any number of gangsta crews.

Although it was released in 1988, THE GREAT ADVENTURES OF SLICK RICK has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop nation, which still pays hommage by continuously sampling "Hey Young World" and featuring the album's most famous cut, "Mona Lisa," at parties on both coasts.

Personnel: Slick Rick (vocals).

Photographer: Glen E. Friedman.

Personnel includes: Slick Rick (rap vocals); Vance Wright (DJ).

Producers include: Ricky Walters, Jason Mizell, Hank Shocklee, Eric Sadler.

Q (9/00, p.128) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Articulate, street-smart cartoons...[drawn] in technicolor lunacy..."
Vibe (12/99, p.158) - Included in Vibe's 100 Essential Albums of the 20th Century
NME (Magazine) (2/17/96, p.48) - 7 (out of 10) - "...absurdly minimal beats and often amateurish production...but Rick has enough star quality to carry it off....you can hear echoes of Rick's sing-song style every time Snoop pick's up a microphone..."