Hip-hop’s most revered master storyteller and cultural pillar, Ricky Walters pka Slick Rick, joins creative forces with acclaimed multi-hyphenate Idris Elba for Victory — a visionary visual album set to be released through Elba’s record label, 7Wallace, in collaboration with Mass Appeal. Victory drops June 13.

Celebrating 26 years since The Ruler’s last album, Victory is a triumphant new chapter — a sonic and cinematic tour de force that redefines the boundaries of storytelling, legacy and the power of imagination. Executive produced by The Poet (Slick Rick) and The Visionary (Idris Elba), the project features powerful collaborations with Nas and Giggs, along with a special contribution from Estelle.

 

 

Slick Rick says “Victory is all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution. A visual blend of art and heart — a sonic journey that reflects where I’ve been and where I’m going. Victory isn’t just music — it’s a bold in your face statement, showcasing British artistry at its finest!”

Idris Elba says “Working with Slick Rick… back home in the UK, and then offering the world of hip hop something amazing has been a blessing. It’s literally a gift!”

Nas says “Slick Rick and I have a long history of working together so it was great to get back in the studio with him to create this new record. He has been such an influential figure in Hip Hop culture and I look forward to him sharing this project with the next generation of fans.”

At its heart lies a 30-minute immersive film, directed by Meji Alabi — the creative mind behind Beyoncé’s Black Is King, which brings Victory to life through bold imagery and narrative depth. For the aesthetic vision, Slick Rick collaborated with legendary photographer Jonathan Mannion and brand storytellers Equator Studios. The music was mixed by Young Guru, with the album artwork and rollout developed in partnership with British agency PAQ and Rick’s own Team Eye Patch.

Victory will premiere on 7 June at the inaugural SXSW London @ Shoreditch Town Hall followed by an In Conversation with Slick Rick, Idris Elba and film director, Meji Alabi. In New York, the film will premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Festival on 13 June @ SVA 1 Theater, followed by a Q&A with Slick Rick.

Four years in the making, Victory was written and recorded between Rick’s birth place, London and in France, with its striking visuals filmed across three continents — the U.S., the UK, and Africa. The result is a cross-continental homage to Rick’s roots, enriched by lyrical depth, cinematic brilliance, and genre-defying artistry More than an album, Victory is a moment. A movement. A masterpiece. A celebration of culture, resilience, and the transformative power of imagination.

Victory the film will be available to watch worldwide on 13th June.

Victory the album will be available to stream on all DSPs and to purchase on 13th June.

About Slick Rick: “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. 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 confluence of elevated rap storytelling, fashion, jewelry, and philanthropy as well as the three cultures he proudly embodies—Jamaican, British, and American. Countless moments speak to his enduring influence, 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]. The Recording Preservation Board of the Library of Congress designated “La-Di-Da-Di” for long-term preservation in the National Recording Registry. Entering rarified 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 influence extends far beyond the stage — into philanthropy, real estate, and the broader cultural landscape.

Always ahead of the curve, he recently made waves with a residency at Bakkt Theater 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. 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 Outfitters, 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.