Victory 2025 Album

Slick Rick

Hip hop fans rejoice - Slick Rick is finally back! Being 2025, I expected something a little more modern, but much of this project sounds like the Slick Rick of old — which isn’t a criticism, just an observation. It’s genuinely great to hear new music from one of the most original voices in rap. At just 27 minutes, the album moves quickly, though it never quite delivers a truly standout moment. It kicks off strong with 'Stress', a catchy boom bap opener. Giggs closes it out, but doesn’t hit it out of the park, and the track ends a little too soon. 'Angelic' could've been better too if the sounds changed up more for the hook. 'I Did That' switches things up with a spoken word-style piece where Rick reflects on everything he’s contributed to hip hop that is more a self-mythologising interlude than a song. On 'Come on Let’s Go' and 'Cuz I’m Here', Rick revisits the house-influenced vibes of 'The Ruler’s Back'. These are decent nods to his past, though they don’t leave a lasting impression. 'Landlord' is a highlight that is classic storytelling about a landlord dealing with dodgy tenants. It could easily have slotted into his debut. 'Documents' with Nas plays like 'Black Bond Part II', picking up from the song on Nas' Life Is Good. 'We’re Not Losing' brings some of the album’s most energetic production, before closing with 'Another Great Adventure' that showcases Rick’s iconic narrative style. Overall, it’s good to have The Ruler back. While the album doesn’t break new ground, it’s a solid return from a legend, full of charm, character, and glimpses of what made him great in the first place. I do wish some tracks were longer. I’m not a fan of the recent trend of short songs. They don’t give the listener enough time to get immersed or build the kind of connection and memorability that more traditionally structured, full-length tracks offer. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★☆ Best Tracks: Stress, Documents, We’re Not Losing