D-Stroy tagged me in a post on IG, wishing a Happy Born Day to the legendary Slick Rick, and I thought I'd share it here: "Happy Birthday Slick Rick. Younger cats may be wondering, who’s this man and why does he wear a eye patch? Is his accent real? Why are people always in the club saying “La Di Da Di, we likes to party?” To answer those questions and more, he adds: 1) Slick Rick was born in a place called South Wimbledon, in South West London, England. He moved to the Bronx, NY, when he was 11. 2) Slick Rick’s eye patch was never a fashion statement, but masked a medical injury. At only 1 years old, he was left blinded in the right eye after a window broke and his eye was struck by glass. 3) Funny enough, at the High School of Music and Arts, this Brit met Dana Dane who was known to impersonate British accents. They formed the Kangol Crew, though, MC Ricky D ended up truly shining with Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew. 4) After being set up and extorted by his own cousin, Slick Rick ended up in an altercation leaving two people shot; a bystander (in the foot!) and his cousin. Second degree attempted murder charges, followed by issues stemming with the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), he spent 5 years and 12 days in jail. 5) The only label Slick Rick was ever signed to was Def Jam Records which explains why Russell Simmons was the one who bailed him out of jail 8 months after initial charges were laid on him. He was also released in 1993, for three months and sent back when the INS got involved. 6) Ricky D released an album while incarcerated, entitled Behind Bars. 7) Slick Rick is Grammy-nominated, when Montell Jordan sampled Ricky D for his hit track ‘This is How We Do It.” Considering the sampling, Slick Rick was listed as a writer on the track, therefore, getting credit as Grammy-nominated. 8) In his whole discography, “A Children’s Story” is his favorite song. Perhaps it’s because he produced it entirely separate from anyone at Def Jam having their hands in it. (Along with “Hey Young World” and “Mona Lisa.”). 9) Department of Homeland Security tried to deport Slick Rick, yet again, in 2003. He spent 17 months in an ‘illegal aliens’ jail, Finally, in 2008, he was granted a full and unconditional pardon., which means, this Hip-Hop hero is here to stay. Follow HERE to catch D-Stroy's online show, Showoff Your Gems. HBD, Slick Rick! Art above is by Ed Piskor.
