Picture this: It’s the 1980s, and you’re grooving to some fresh beats on your boombox. Suddenly, a voice comes through the speakers that commands your attention. It’s smooth, it’s confident, it’s Slick Rick. With his signature eye patch and a flow that effortlessly weaves stories and rhymes together, Slick Rick became a legend of hip hop’s golden era. From “La Di Da Di” to “Children’s Story,” his influence can still be heard in the music of today. In this article, we will talk about Slick Rick Net Worth. Let’s dive into the world of Slick Rick, and see what made him a ruler of rap.
Table of Contents
Who is Slick Rick?
Slick Rick, whose real name is Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters, is a British-American rapper and songwriter known for his storytelling abilities and unique flow. Born in London, England in 1965, Slick Rick moved to the United States with his family when he was 11 years old. His right eye was damaged in an unfortunate accident. He graduated from ‘ H. Laguardia High School of Music and Art’.
Growing up in the Bronx, New York, Slick Rick began his music career as part of the hip-hop group The Kangol Crew. he made this band with Dana Dane. They performed in several local events and school events. In 1985, he and fellow rapper Doug E. Fresh released the hit single “The Show” which became a classic in hip-hop history.
Key Points to Know About Rick Slick
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Full Name | Richard Martin Lloyd Walters |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1965 |
| Birthplace | Mitcham, London, England |
| Ethnicity | African |
| Occupation | Rapper, songwriter, record producer |
| Spouse | Mandy Aragones |
What Is Rick Slick Net Worth?
Slick Rick net worth is around $1 million. He has produced numerous songs and many of them made it to top charts. He also had lucrative deals with brands that contributed to his net worth.
Hip Hop Career : Primary Source of Slick Rick Net Worth
Slick Rick launched his professional music career in 1985 as part of Doug E. Fresh’s “Get Fresh Crew,” where he went by the name MC Ricky D. This affiliation brought him early fame, especially after he featured on the classic 1985 singles “The Show” and “La Di Da Di.” These songs were popular on influential shows . They were played on Top of the Pops and Soul Train regularly.
In 1986, Slick Rick signed with Def Jam Records, becoming the label’s third artist. The same year, he also joined Russell Simmons’ label, which was the most prominent hip-hop record production company at the time. The result was his debut album, “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,” which was produced by DJ Vance Wright and released in 1988. The album quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Slick Rick followed up his successful debut with his second album, “The Ruler’s Back,” in 1991. “Behind Bars” was his third album that came out in 1994. He then released his fourth album, “The Art of Storytelling,” in 1999, which reached the number one position on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart. Slick Rick’s music has been sampled by numerous high-profile artists, including Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, The Notorious B.I.G., and the Beastie Boys.
Rick also released “Snakes of the World Today”, a single in 2018. Besides, he also worked on Westside Gunn’s album “Who Made the Sunshine” in 2020.
Films
Apart from his music career, Slick Rick has acted in ten films and videos, both as an actor and in cameo roles. He has also made money from performing in numerous live concerts, including Will.i.am’s “Trans4M” concert in 2014, which generated over $2.4 million in revenue. Although music is his primary focus, he has also appeared in movies like “Whiteboyz” , “Brooklyn Babylon”, and “True Vinyl”. Additionally, he voiced a character in an episode of “Yo Gabba Gabba!” in 2015.
Achievements
Slick Rick has been recognized for his contributions to hip hop, including receiving an award at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors show and being rated number 12 on About.com’s list of the Top 50 MCs of all time. The Source magazine also ranked him number 15 on their list of Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. Moreover, his debut album, “The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,” released in 1988 on Def Jam, was a commercial success, reaching the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop chart. It featured four singles that charted: “Children’s Story,” “Mona Lisa,” “Hey Young World,” and “Teenage Love.”
Controversies Surrounding Him
Slick Rick has faced several controversies throughout his career. In 1991, he was arrested for attempted murder after a shooting incident involving his cousin and another man. He eventually pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted murder and spent five years in prison. His time in prison inspired some of the material on his third album, “Behind Bars,” which he recorded while still incarcerated.
In 2016, he was faced with potential deportation back to the UK due to his status as a non-US citizen and a past criminal conviction. He was eventually granted a full and unconditional pardon by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2020, which prevented his deportation.
Additionally, Slick Rick’s use of homophobic lyrics in his earlier songs has been criticized. In particular, the lyrics in the song “Treat Her Like a Prostitute” have been seen as derogatory towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Personal Life
Slick Rick got married to Mandy Aragones in April 1997 after meeting her at a Manhattan nightclub in 1993. He has two children.
FAQ
Who is Slick Rick’s wife ?
Slick Rick married Mandy Aragones in April 1997.
What is Slick Rick’s real name?
Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters
How old is Rick Slick?
He is 58 years old.
Final Thoughts
Rick has had a profound impact on the music industry with his unique style and storytelling abilities. From his early days with the Get Fresh Crew to his successful solo career, Slick Rick has consistently pushed the boundaries of what hip-hop can be. His music has influenced countless artists who have followed in his footsteps. Thus Slick Rick net worth proves his popularity even though he has stepped back from industry. He is a true master of his craft and a trailblazer in the world of hip-hop. His contributions to hip hop will echo and to be cherished for decades to come.