Slick Rick has always been regarded as one of the most elite storytellers to ever bless a mic, and his sophomore release The Ruler’s Back only solidified that legacy. Following the success of his classic debut The Adventures of Slick Rick, the British-born MC wasted no time feeding the streets with another dose of his sharp wit, vivid imagination, and signature vocal flair.
Released while facing a five-year prison sentence, The Ruler’s Back was recorded and completed in a rush, but you’d never know it from the quality of the content. The lead single, “I Shouldn’t Have Done It,” hit hard out the gate and climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart—proving Rick still had the juice, despite his legal troubles.
Other standout tracks like “Mistakes of a Woman in Love With Other Men” and “It’s A Boy” showed off Rick’s unmatched ability to weave complex, relatable tales with humor, pain, and insight. The album featured production from both Mr. Lee and Slick Rick himself, with Russell Simmons serving as executive producer, giving the project that undeniable Def Jam polish.
The Ruler’s Back is a raw, unfiltered snapshot of a legend navigating the highs of success and the lows of consequence, all while still rocking the crown. Revisit the album now on Spotify and experience another chapter from hip-hop royalty.