An old-school hero born in London but raised in the Bronx, Slick Rick got his start as MC Ricky D, performing alongside champion beatboxer Doug E Fresh. They scored a classic hit in 1985 with "The Show" b/w "La Di Da Di," and three years later he dropped his legendary debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. A perfect mix of lyrical storytelling, humor, bravado, and the risqué, it was a tremendous success with huge and timeless singles like "Children's Story," "Teenage Love," and "Hey Young World." Then, at the height of his fame, he was convicted of attempted murder and spent five years in prison. Two subsequent albums came and went with little fanfare, though he'd return triumphantly with the exceptional LP The Art of Storytelling in 1999. This compilation appropriately focuses on his first and last efforts, with crucial cuts like "Mona Lisa" and "Street Talkin'" (featuring OutKast). Whether you remember The Ruler from back in the day or are a new jack just getting into Slick Rick now, this is a rock-solid collection from a one-of-a-kind talent.