Slick Rick Ends 25-Year Hiatus, Drops Victory Visual Album with Nas and Idris Elba

After more than twenty years away from the album format, Slick Rick surfaced on Friday (June 13) with Victory, a visual album and his first full-length release since The Art of Storytelling in 1999. Executive produced by Idris Elba and featuring Nas, this 10-track collection merges cinematic visuals with Hip-Hop narratives that stretch across the U.S., U.K. and Africa.

Distributed through Elba’s 7Wallace imprint, Victory arrives with a 30-minute film by director Meji Alabi, shot on location in the U.S., U.K. and Africa. The visual component premiered at SXSW London on June 7 before screening at New York’s Tribeca Festival on June 12.

“Victory is all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution,” Rick said in a statement. “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!”

The record features appearances by Estelle, Giggs and longtime collaborator Nas, who hailed Rick’s influence and welcomed the opportunity to record together again.

“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,” Nas said. “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.”

Elba, who guided the project behind the scenes, described teaming up with Rick as a personal milestone:

“Working with Slick Rick … back home in the U.K.,” he said. “Offering the world of Hip-Hop something amazing has been a blessing. It’s literally a gift!”

Victory is now available on all major streaming platforms.