Forgotten Treasure: Slick Rick “Mistakes Of A Woman” (1991)

Slick Rick is often recognized as the greatest hip-hop storyteller, with his instantly recognizable laid-back flow and British accent.

Much like Q-Tip, Bahamadia, Butterfly from Digable Planets, I could listen to Slick rap the phone book. Originally from South Wimbledon, England, Slick Rick moved with his family to The Bronx in 1975 where he met Dana Dane, later forming a hip hop duo as Kangol Crew.

For those wondering, Rick’s trademark eyepatch was acquired after being blinded in the right eye by broken glass as an infant. Of course he’s mostly known for classics like “Children’s Story” and “La Di Da Di” but i’ve always found this to be a very underrated joint.

Featuring one of my favourite samples, James Brown’s “I’m Broken Hearted” (check it below), the song was produced by Slick Rick on his trusted Oberheim DX Drum Machine with his long-time DJ, Vance Wright on the cuts.

One of my favourite jams from an often overlooked master.

Main Sample