If there's one thing Slick Rick has mastered, it is The Art of Storytelling. Ever since his debut, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, he has been known for his literate, winding narratives, but his career was marred by legal troubles that kept him in prison for much of the '90s. Consequently, The Art of Storytelling is only his fourth album, but it's the first to rank as a worthy sequel to his classic debut. The Ruler's Back came close to capturing the feel of The Great Adventures, but The Art has a continually stunning set of stories and tales, and the presence of guest artists -- even rappers as talented as OutKast, Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg -- only emphasizes what a singular talent Rick is. The smooth production may be a little bit mired in contemporary rap clichés, but it's all enjoyable. Besides, Rick is about the lyrics, not the music, and he has written a stellar set of songs here, songs that are continually surprising and thought-provoking. It's a masterful set from one of the true lyrical masters of hip-hop.
CONDITION: Used like New! Promotional imprint on vinyl not sealed. Storage wear and crease on front and back cover. Edited Version.
TRACK LISTING
1
Jail Skit
1:20
2
Kill N****z
2:49
3
Street Talkin'
3:41
4
Me and Nas Bring It to Your Hardest
2:36
5
I Own America, Pt. 1
3:09
6
Bugsy Radio Skit
0:19
7
Who Rotten 'Em
3:28
8
2 Way Street
3:32
9
King Piece In the Chess Game
3:19
10
Trapped In Me
3:41
11
Impress the Kid
3:34
12
Q-Tip and Peter Gunz Skit
0:35
13
I Run This
4:08
14
Frozen
3:11
15
Why, Why, Why
3:22
16
Adults Only
4:16
17
Memories
4:05
18
Unify
Slick Rick & Snoop Dogg
3:58
19
Bugsy Radio Skit
0:18
20
I Own America, Pt. 2
3:30
21
CEO Outro
0:04
22
We Turn It On (Bonus Track)
3:35
23
La Di Da Di (Live) [Bonus Track]
4:36
24
The Show (Live) [Bonus Track]
6:09
|