Slick Rick and Idris Elba partnered with Mass Appeal to embark on a new chapter for the two men.
The Ruler has released his visual album, VICTORY, through Elba’s record label, 7Wallace— 26 years after his last LP. Executive produced by The Poet (Slick Rick) and The Visionary (Elba), the project features collaborations from Nas, Giggs, and Estelle.
“VICTORY is a tale of fiction for the mind. Part myth. Part Magic. Grab your snacks… and a cozy blanket and pretend you’re by a fireplace. Victory is sight, story, and sound dancing as one,” said Slick Rick about the visual album in a statement.
The 30-minute film, directed by Meji Alabi, “brings Victory to life through bold imagery and narrative depth.”
When speaking on working with Slick Rick, Alabi expressed, “Collaborating with Slick Rick The Ruler on his first album in 26 years was incredible. Being able to create visuals to such a monumental piece and with a storyteller and icon like Slick Rick was an experience I’m going to cherish forever and can’t wait for the world to see what he has in store for them.”
The film opens with the text: “Before we begin, let’s set the vibe,” along with the aforementioned quote from The Ruler himself.
Elba reflected on their journey as opening credits played. “The journey begin between my brother and I just linking back in New York. We had a good time. We had a vibe and here we are, collaborating together. It’s beautiful. For us, working with Slick, working back home in the UK, and then offering the world of Hip-Hop something amazing, has been a real blessing. Literally a gift when you can keep creating and keep offering,” he shared.
Slick Rick made VICTORY over the course of four years between his birth place in London and France while filming visuals across the U.S., the UK, and Africa.
Watch above.
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