Senate Resolution No. 1718

BY: Senator BAILEY

WELCOMING Richard Martin Lloyd Walters, also known
as "Slick Rick," upon the occasion of his first
visit to the New York State Capitol on January 23,
2024, and recognizing his 40 years of community
service and contributions to hip hop music and
culture

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community, the State of New York, the Nation, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
welcome Richard Martin Lloyd Walters, also known as "Slick Rick," upon
the occasion of his first visit to the New York State Capitol on
Tuesday, January 23, 2024, and to recognize his 40 years of community
service and contributions to hip hop music and culture; and

WHEREAS, From humble beginnings to global recognition, Slick Rick
was born Richard Martin Lloyd Walters in South Wimbledon, London on
January 14, 1965; he migrated to the Bronx, New York, with his family as
a child where he encountered Hip Hop culture first-hand and soon found
his voice in Rap; and

WHEREAS, Richard Walters attended the La Guardia High School of
Music and Art, where he became friends with future rapper Dana Dane; the
two formed the Kangol Crew, and began performing in hip-hop battles
around the city; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1980s, Rick's talent caught the attention of
Doug E. Fresh, and soon, he was featured in Doug E.'s "The Show" and "La
Di Da Di," two tracks that would signal the advent of the "Slick Rick"
persona; his cadence and flamboyant style set him apart, and his knack
for weaving intricate narratives laid the foundation for Rick becoming
the storyteller we know and respect today; and

WHEREAS, His debut album, "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,"
truly cemented his place in Hip Hop; from the hilarious exploits in
"Children's Story," to the poignant social commentary in "Hey Young
World," each song was an intricate narrative; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Slick Rick was among artists bringing
light-hearted fun to the Rap scene; his signature eye patch set him
apart, and his vivid storytelling brought characters to life, using
music as a canvas to depict real-life issues; he was no ordinary rapper;
he was a raconteur; each album became a new chapter, a fresh saga in the
ever-evolving story of Slick Rick; and

WHEREAS, The impact of Slick Rick is far-reaching; his
narrative-centric style revolutionized Hip Hop, influencing countless
artists; names like Snoop Dogg, Biggie Smalls, and Eminem openly
attribute their storytelling abilities to Rick's influence; his peers'

response was overwhelmingly positive, affirming his status in the
industry, and his rhymes were not just entertaining, they were
groundbreaking; he pushed the boundaries of what Rap could be, changing
the landscape forever; and

WHEREAS, Slick Rick's success wasn't confined to acclaim from his
peers; he enjoyed remarkable commercial success with "The Great
Adventures of Slick Rick" going platinum; his subsequent albums, "The
Ruler's Back," "Behind Bars," and "The Art of Storytelling," also found
chart success, a testament to his enduring appeal; and

WHEREAS, Today, Slick Rick's music continues to be sampled
extensively, his stories told and retold by generations of rappers; his
legacy is a beacon guiding hip hop's next generation; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his monumental success as an artist, Slick
Rick continues to give back to the greater global community with his
organization, the Victory Patch Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Cofounded in 2020 alongside his wife, Mandy Aragones, the
Victory Patch Foundation uplifts underserved and overlooked communities
through making active positive outreach, administering social programs,
and unlocking access to resources; and

WHEREAS, Pushing for equality in the face of injustice, this vital
non-profit organization enables those who need it most, amplifying the
voices of individuals of all ages often overlooked; under the able
leadership of Slick Rick, the Victory Patch Foundation leads with love,
not just encouraging victory, but placing victory within reach; and

WHEREAS, A man of colossal talent, Slick Rick's dedication to both
his music and his community should be celebrated and recognized by all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
welcome Richard Martin Lloyd Walters, also known as "Slick Rick," upon
the occasion of his first visit to the New York State Capitol on January
23, 2024, and recognizing his 40 years of community service and
contributions to hip hop music and culture; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Richard Martin Lloyd Walters, also known as "Slick Rick".