slick rick ArchivesAmbrosia For Heads

Skillz Raps Up Hip-Hop’s Golden Age With A Tribute To H.E.R.

For over 20 years, MC/DJ/academic Skillz helped Hip-Hop process its yearly legacy through his Rap Up verses, which typically arrive in late December or early January. In a milestone year, Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary, the Richmond, Virginia veteran takes it a step further, with a song produced by The Roots. Skillz... Read more

September 23, 2023 Video

Slick Rick’s First New Album In 24 Years Is Reportedly On The Way

Slick Rick has had a busy 2023. The legendary lyricist received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys back in February, marking his first win from the Recording Academy. Less than a month ago, Rick The Ruler also shared the Yankee Stadium stage with Doug E. Fresh and Snoop Dogg... Read more

September 9, 2023 News

Snoop Performs La Di Da Di With Doug E Fresh & Slick Rick

Last night (August 11), Hip-Hop took over Yankee Stadium. There, a host of legends performed songs in the same Bronx borough that is credited with birthing Hip-Hop as Heads know it, 50 years ago this weekend. Kool Herc and his sister Cynthia Campbell were part of the festivities. It was... Read more

August 12, 2023 Video

Redman Remakes A Slick Rick Classic For A New Adventure

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

August 5, 2023 Audio

Slick Rick To Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Slick Rick has become the latest Hip-Hop legend that will receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. On February 5, the iconic MC will join the ranks of Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., and Salt-n-Pepa to earn this distinction. The artist born Ricky Walters is known for helping... Read more

January 5, 2023 News

Chuck D & KRS-One Have Launched A Hip-Hop Union

At a time when labor unions are making a resurgence among companies like Starbucks and Amazon, Hip-Hop is proving no different. Some of the leaders in the culture have established The Hip Hop Alliance, dubbed "Hip-Hop's first official union." The organization, founded by Chuck D and Kurtis Blow, defines itself... Read more

July 27, 2022 News, Video

Lil Wayne & Slick Rick Show Lyricism Is The Root Of Hip-Hop

Yesterday (July 15), DJ Premier released his five-song Hip Hop 50: Volume 1. The five songs feature Preemo beats with an array of MCs from different generations, regions, and styles. The last song on the Mass Appeal Records release unites Slick Rick and Lil Wayne. “The Root Of It All” bonds... Read more

July 16, 2022 Audio

Many Of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Rappers Name Their Top 5 MCs

Note: Jadakiss recently appeared on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby podcast and was asked who his top 5 Hip-Hop groups of all-time were. This article has been updated below with his response, as well as The Game’s top 5 LA Rap albums. A few days ago, during a podcast appearance, Ice... Read more

July 12, 2022 Video

Method Man & Slick Rick Wreck A DJ Muggs Beat

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So…let Ambrosia For Heads sift through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, it’s better than it’s ever been. Not only can we go back... Read more

May 24, 2022 Audio

Ice Cube Explains Why Storytelling Is The Top Level Of MC’ing (Video)

Ice Cube is no stranger to storytelling with his lyrics. The legendary South Central, Los Angeles MC is responsible for one of Rap's most beloved tales: "It Was A Good Day," as well as penning Eazy-E's breakout anthem, "Boyz-n-the-Hood." Cube's albums, both solo and group, often have songs that follow... Read more

February 3, 2020 Video

Immortal Technique Lists His Top 5 MCs & Says A New Album Is Coming (Video)

Immortal Technique is recognized as an MC whose music is informational and at times, extreme. The Harlem lyricist emerged during the rise of independent Hip-Hop in the early 2000s, and his politically-charged brand of Hip-Hop quickly struck a chord with fans worldwide. Further, he is widely acknowledged for his activism... Read more

October 8, 2019 Video

New Jacks Take Heed…Ice-T Is Still Hustling O.G. Bars (Video)

Before he began his unprecedented 21-year run on Law Order: Special Victims Unit, Ice-T cemented a spot as a Gangsta Rap pioneer more than 30 years ago. Without question, Ice-T is an O.G. in the game. However, with longstanding TV roles, reality shows, and car insurance commercials, it can be... Read more

July 12, 2019 Video

Slick Rick Is Still Shinin’ In His First Video After Nearly 2 Decades

It's been more than 30 years since Slick Rick released his debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick, and 20 since The Ruler dropped his most recent project, The Art of Storytelling. His natural effect on both Hip-Hop and popular culture is palpable, as the British-born, Bronx bred MC's... Read more

June 29, 2019 Video

Slick Rick Releases 2 Brand New Songs. He’s Still Got The Midas Touch (Audio)

Slick Rick maintains a very active 35-plus-year-Rap career. In the last year, he has worked with Black Eyed Peas, appeared in music videos by Nas, French Montana & Drake, and sat down with GQ to show off his truck jewelry collection. In late 2018, Rick Walters also worked with Def... Read more

June 28, 2019 Audio

Slick Rick Speaks About Being The 1st MC To Bring Humor To Rap (Video)

Slick Rick is currently celebrating the 30th-anniversary of his debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. Last year, the Bronx, New York representative worked with his former label, Def Jam Records, on a special deluxe edition reissue of that platinum 1988 release which contains hits such as "Children's Story,"... Read more

April 27, 2019 Video

Slick Rick Tells The Stories Of His Jewelry Collection Piece By Piece (Video)

While Slick Rick is widely recognized as one of Rap's greatest storytellers, he is also well known for his flamboyant jewelry. For more than 30 years, along with the eye-patch and colorful suits, the MC almost exclusively appears in specially-designed jewelry. Precious metals and jewels are on his fingers, around... Read more

January 30, 2019 Lifestyle, Video

The Black Eyed Peas Are On A New Vibration. They’ve Got The Jazz (Video)

The Black Eyed Peas released their Masters Of The Sun Vol. 1 album last October, and they continue to showcase visuals from the LP that features Nas, Phife Dawg, De La Soul's Plug 1, and Slick Rick. The California veterans just dropped their video for "VIBRATIONS, pt.1 pt.2," one of... Read more

January 25, 2019 Video

Nas Throws His Hands Up In Solidarity With Those Unjustly Killed By Cops

Near the midpoint of 2018, Nas released his NASIR album, produced entirely by Kanye West. Apart from having one producer, the legendary MC's 11th album saw a different rollout than his other works. It was not until mid-November that fans got a video from the Mass Appeal/Def Jam Records release.... Read more

January 7, 2019 Video

Nas Demands A Second Look At His Album With A Stunning Short Film (Video)

Released this June 15, Nas' NASIR album is unique within his catalog. It is the legendary MC's shortest project, clocking in at less than 27 minutes. It is also his first solo album made entirely with a single producer at the helm. For 2018, that was Kanye West, who worked... Read more

November 15, 2018 TV/Film, Video

Slick Rick Shares A 30-Year-Old Song That Missed His Great Adventure (Audio)

This week, Slick Rick is celebrating the 30th-anniversary of his landmark debut album, The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick. On Def Jam/Columbia Records, the nimble storyteller offered a collection of shorts about crime, sex, stick-ups, and messages to the youth. The moment was pivotal for Hip-Hop as Rick enhanced Rap... Read more

November 2, 2018 Audio, Throwback

The Black Eyed Peas’ New Album Features Phife Dawg, Nas, Slick Rick & More

Next week, the Black Eyed Peas will release Masters Of The Sun, Volume 1 (October 26). The album arrives almost eight years to the month since the last B.E.P. full-length, The Beginning. Since then, much has changed. Like Dr. Dre, will.i.am, who is credited as a Beats By Dre co-founder,... Read more

October 20, 2018 Fresh

Elzhi & Ace Clark Rap A Story Of Betrayal. This Is Master Storytelling From Two Gifted MCs

Ace Clark is a triple threat from Brooklyn, New York who has got some impressive co-signs within his short time in the game. This MC/singer/producer dropped his debut The Good Fight back in 2015. He has taken his time crafting his follow-up, Black Privilege, but it will finally drop next... Read more

September 5, 2018 Audio

Black Eyed Peas Show They Can Still Get It Started Without Fergie (Video)

Black Eyed Peas are a Hip-Hop group, through and through. Despite having reached chart-topping success with Pop hits in what could now be called the “Fergie era,” BEP began as a trio with deep roots to the culture. Early traces began in late-’80s Los Angeles and, in 1992, the group... Read more

August 31, 2018 Video

DJ Green Lantern Makes A Slick Remix To Nas’ Biggest Song Of 2018 (Audio)

DJ Green Lantern has been Nas' DJ for years. The accomplished mixmaster who has worked with Eminem, The LOX, and dead prez has become a fixture in Nas' stage show. A native of Rochester, New York, Green has also produced Ludacris' Top 20-charting hit "Number One Spot," Busta Rhymes' Rick... Read more

August 28, 2018 Audio

Nas Names 5 Of His Favorite Rap Songs In Celebration Of Hip-Hop’s 45th Birthday (Video)

This past Saturday, Hip-Hop celebrated a significant milestone. August 11, 1973, marks the day that DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) rocked a benchmark party in the rec room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. As a result, many Hip-Hop Heads, scholars, and even tech giants honor that day as the culture's... Read more

August 13, 2018 Video

Slick Rick Revisits His Great Adventures 30 Years Later

This November, Slick Rick will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Its influence is immeasurable and inspired legends like Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, and more. And it's evident. Rick's witty wordplay and effortless flow on the album also made him stand... Read more

May 22, 2018 Fresh, Throwback, Throwback

Slick Rick’s Most Cautionary Tale Was His Own, Told Over Warren G Funk (Video)

Slick Rick is a master storyteller with quite a tale to tell from his own life. The Ruler maintains a unique physical aesthetic which consists of Kangol caps, eye-patch, designer wardrobe, and enough gold jewelry to make Mr. T blush. His signature look was as magnetic as his laconic delivery,... Read more

August 3, 2017 Do Remember

Slick Rick May Still Be Hip-Hop’s Best Storyteller. A New Video Explains Why.

Slick Rick's most recent album was The Art of Storytelling. That was 1999. However, Ricky Walters' place in Hip-Hop may very well be cemented. The British-born, Bronx-raised MC was part of a class that literally captivated the listener through verses. Beyond a series of cool lines, the Def Jam Records... Read more

June 14, 2017 Video

Watch 40 Years Of Hip-Hop History In 4 Minutes In A Mind-Blowing Mashup (Video)

It ain't nothin' like Hip-Hop music...Over the last 40 years, there have been few forces in pop culture with more impact than Hip-Hop. Like Rock & Roll before it, the music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation and has had untold influence around the world. The Rub: The History of... Read more

June 5, 2017 Video

Slick Rick’s Children’s Story To Be Re-Released As Actual Children’s Book

In the ears of many, Slick Rick's biggest solo hit is 1988's "Children's Story." The video single from The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick is a mainstream-welcomed example of Ricky Walters' imagery, wit, and conversational style of rapping stories. The Def Jam Records single (produced by Rick himself) went to... Read more

March 21, 2017 Fresh

Hank Shocklee Reveals Don’t Believe The Hype Wouldn’t Have Been Released Without D.M.C.

Producer Hank Shocklee is attached to some of Hip-Hop (and R&B's) biggest records. As a founding member of The Bomb Squad, the Long Island, New Yorker made history with Public Enemy, as well as produced hits for 3rd Bass, Eric B. & Rakim, and Ice Cube, among many others. In... Read more

March 2, 2017 Video

Mos Def & Slick Rick Had A Lyrical Workout Over A Madlib Track On This 2009 Collabo (Audio)

In recent weeks, Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) announced and seemingly executed his farewell to Hip-Hop, putting on a series of performances that he says are his final. He also released a new album - albeit a collaborative project under the name Dec. 99th - that he presented as being... Read more

January 19, 2017 Do Remember

Yasiin Bey Rocks The Apollo Theater With Some Help From Slick Rick & Pharoahe Monch (Video)

For months, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) has said that 2016 would be his last year making music. Whether or not Bey sticks to his declaration, he is ending the year on an incredibly high note. This month, has brought news that Bey has 3 completed albums he... Read more

December 22, 2016 Video

Atmosphere’s Slug Breaks Down The Real Meaning Of “Lucy Ford.” (Audio)

In year 2000, Minneapolis, Minnesota Hip-Hop duo Atmosphere released two seminal EPs, Ford One and Ford Two. Produced by group member Ant, as well as Anticon's Jel, Moodswing 9, and others, these Rhymesayers Entertainment releases (later released together as Lucy Ford: The Atmosphere EPs) helped pivot a Midwest Underground Hip-Hop... Read more

November 29, 2016 Audio

What’s The Greatest Opening Line In Hip-Hop History? Here Are 50 (Video)

Hip-Hop is built on debates. Who is the greatest MC of all-time? What's the best album? What's the best song? The arguments are endless and often simultaneously the source of great entertainment and great agita. There have been several lists that aim to settle these matters, and The Peak has released... Read more

September 2, 2016 Video

15 Years Since Her Death, We’ve Still Got To Give It Up To Aaliyah – & Slick Rick (Video)

On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah Haughton and eight others were lost in a fatal plane crash. In the years since, the singer's influence on not only music but also fashion continues to be seen and heard. Today, on the 15th anniversary of her death, scores of fans are taking to... Read more

August 25, 2016 Do Remember

Slick Rick Announces Victory Tour With A Host Of US Dates

Less than two weeks after being granted United States citizenship, Slick Rick is celebrating by way of a Victory Tour. The onetime Def Jam Records platinum MC will kick off a slew of dates next month, the run through the duration of summer. The tour with be along the East... Read more

April 28, 2016 Fresh

Slick Rick Is Officially a United States Citizen & Hints That the Ruler May Be Back

It's hard to believe considering the tremendous contributions he's made to Hip-Hop culture, which is a divinely American creation, but Slick Rick has never been a citizen of the United States of America, until now. The English-born Ricky Walters has spent more than two decades embroiled in a highly contested... Read more

April 15, 2016 News

Prodigy Gives Away An Album Bundle Featuring Ghostface, Slick Rick, KRS-One & DJ Premier

Two weeks after Prodigy released the first R.I.P. album bundle, he completes the trilogy with his third and final installment. R.I.P. 3 features major Hip-Hop influences upon Mobb Deep such as KRS-One and Slick Rick, as well as peers ranging from Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, to Alchemist, Cormega,... Read more

March 25, 2016 Fresh

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die vs. Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures Of…Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

February 18, 2016 Finding the GOAT

Here Are Your Top 10 Rap Albums of the 80s. Get Ready For The 90s…

Today (October 25) closes Round 2 of the 1980s bracket of Finding The GOAT Albums. In the closing hour, there were no ties, and not even a race within even 5% of two candidates. You—the voter—definitively decided which 10 albums go forth to the final 32 albums across all eras.... Read more

October 25, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick vs. Biz Markie’s Goin’ Off. Which Is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 13, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Slick Rick’s Great Adventures Of Slick Rick vs. Too Short’s Life Is…Too Short. Which is Better?

One year ago, Ambrosia For Heads launched a debate among its readers seeking to answer one of Hip-Hop’s most hotly-contested questions: who is the greatest MC of all time? “Finding The GOAT MC” lasted between September 2014 and May 2015, engaging millions of readers and ultimately producing its winner, as... Read more

October 5, 2015 Finding the GOAT

Straight Outta Compton Got Ya Craving An Electro-Rap Vibe? One Of Dre’s Partners Delivers (Mix)

Whether you watch Breakin' or you listen to The Chronic, you've heard the work of Chris "The Glove" Taylor. As moviegoers catch Straight Outta Compton to catch glimpses of Dr. Dre and DJ Yella in Los Angeles, California's early 1980s Electro-Rap scene, The Glove was at the forefront. Ice-T's first... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Slick Rick Joins Dynas & Tony Galvin For Some Animated Storytelling (Video Premiere)

In late April, South Florida MC Dynas teamed with timeless lyricist Slick Rick to release "Who U?" In the Tony Galvin-produced collaboration, MC Ricky D found great synergy (and equally "great Miami adventures") with his latest rhyme-partner—who previously worked with storied labels like Rawkus and BBE Records. Now the "Who... Read more

August 6, 2015 Video

Stretch & Bobbito’s Highlight Reel Features Slick Rick, Big L & Mobb Deep (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber created a radio program that may as well have been the farm club to the Rap hall of fame. These two New York City DJs honored Hip-Hop 12" singles of the day, while welcoming would-be stars like Nas, Mobb Deep, Pharoahe... Read more

June 30, 2015 Throwback

The Awesome Two Are Radio Legends. Catch A ’94 Set With Jodeci, Freddie Foxxx & Slick Rick (Mix)

If you listen to KRS-One's "Outta Here," you know how influential The Awesome Two were on the Blastmasta. Since 1982, these radio mixmasters helped establish the Hip-Hop sound, and turn their 12" selections into certified Rap classics. DJ Eclipse shared a springtime 1994 mix from the duo's post at WNWK.... Read more

June 18, 2015 Throwback

Large Professor Names His Top 5 Producers & Details Rakim’s Recording Process (Video)

Large Professor recently released his new album titled Re: Living. He joined the Sway in the Morning show to discuss the album and his career, generally. The conversation between Extra P and Sway begins on the subject of P's new album. He explains that after touring, he returned to Queens... Read more

June 16, 2015 Video

Ever See This Vintage Slick Rick Freestyle With Rahzel On The Beatbox? (Video)

Here's a look back at a vintage freestyle by Slick Rick the Ruler, accompanied by human beatbox extraordinaire and Roots-affiliate, Rahzel. The clip is from a promo campaign for an MTV Hip-Hop week that looks to have taken place in the late 90s. Rick is "fresh dressed like a million... Read more

May 16, 2015 Throwback

Joey Bada$$ & Nyck Caution Kick The Truth to the Youth Over New School Boom Bap (Audio)

Nyck Caution is the latest member of the Pro Era crew to step towards the spotlight. With help from the original break-out Joey Bada$$ and a nostalgic beat from Chuck Strangers, the rising Rap talent delivers “World in Your Pocket." This cut encourages today's youth to choose their friendships and... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio, The Bridge