“THE most sampled hip-hop artist in history” and “Hip-hop’s greatest storyteller,” Slick Rick (born Ricky Martin Walters) has set the pace for rap’s past, present, and future. Proudly donning his signature eyepatch, he has remained a true hip-hop superhero for the art since his emergence. The GRAMMY® Award-winning artist has gone from humble beginnings in Mitcham (South London) and The Bronx to performing at Carnegie Hall and earning a place in the country’s most hallowed hall—the Library of Congress.
Countless moments speak to his enduring infuence, including a lyrical shoutout by Eminem, a mention by JAY-Z on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, a nod from Mark Ronson during a TED Talk, and duets with Mariah Carey at Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden and countless references by Nicki Minaj and J. Cole. The Ruler's catalogue, which includes the anthems “La-Di-Da-Di” and “The Show,” boasts over 900 samples, ranging from Snoop Dogg’s “Lodi Dodi” from 1993’s seminal Doggy Style through Jay Rock’s GRAMMY® Award-winning “King’s Dead” [feat. Future & Kendrick Lamar].
Always ahead of the curve, he recently made waves with a residency at Bakkt Theatre at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas. Noted as “the third artist signed to Def Jam Recordings” and “the most successful British-American rapper,” his multi-platinum discography encompasses The Great Adventures of Slick Rick [1988], The Ruler’s Back [1991], Behind Bars [1994], and The Art of Storytelling [1999]. Slick Rick’s influence extends across generations and platforms, with his likeness immortalized in gaming and digital culture— solidifying his place among the Mount Rushmore of hip-hop.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture paid homage to him with a popular exhibition, and the Bronx Walk of Fame bears his name on a star as does a street in the borough, and his jewelry displayed at the Hall of Gems at the Museum of Natural History. His legacy represents the confuence of elevated rap storytelling, fashion, jewellery, and philanthropy as well as the three cultures he proudly embodies—Jamaican, British, and American.
The Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress designated “La-Di-Da-Di” for long-term preservation in the National Recording Registry. Entering rarifed air, it joins the ranks of only 650 recordings, dating back to the mid-19th century. Throughout his storied career, Slick Rick has received over 35 honors recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to music and culture, his commitment to community uplift, and his forward-thinking investments as both an artist and entrepreneur. His infuence extends far beyond the stage — into philanthropy, real estate, and the broader cultural landscape.
He casts just as wide of a shadow over the world of fashion, headlining campaigns for MCM, Nike and NORDSTROM and collaborating with Supreme, Puma, Ballys, PACSUN, Urban Outftters, Odd Sox, and ill-iOptics for collaborations. Moreover, he supports underserved and overlooked communities via his non-profit 501(c)3 organization, The Victory Patch Foundation.
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