The Week of October 22nd, 2006: IN BLACK HISTORY
SLICK RICK "THE RULER"
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Richard Walters (born January 14, 1965), better known by stage names Slick Rick, Ricky D and The Ruler, is an African-European rapper. Originally from South Wimbledon, London, England, he moved with his family to The Bronx in 1975. Rick's characteristic eyepatch was acquired at an early age after being blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant. He is best known however, for a series of hip hop recordings during the 1980s, including "Children's Story" and "La Di Da Di".

Charlie Rock of Harlem World crew was instrumental in bringing Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh together when Doug requested an introduction after he had seen him win local MC battle contests. It was at an MC contest at the 369 Armory on 142nd street in Harlem, given by promotion partners Ray Chandler & Charlie Rock, The Rick & Doug were formally introduced by Rock.

As a 20-year-old in the summer of 1985 he scored his first big hits, "La Di Da Di" and "The Show. Slick Rick released The Great Adventures of Slick Rick in 1988 while living in New York City. "Children's Story", which appears on The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, is one of the most famous songs in rap and has been covered by Black Star, Black Rob, Everlast, Tricky's side project Nearly God, UK rapper Ramson Badbones, Björk, and Japanese rapper Zeebra. The album attained platinum status, but Rick was unable to exploit this due to an arrest for attempted murder. He shot his cousin and a bystander, accusing his cousin of extorting money. Russell Simmons, head of Def Jam records, bailed him out and Rick quickly recorded The Ruler's Back before spending five years in prison.

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REST IN PEACE: (R.I.P.)