Not including who it's by because it just goes without saying. MC Ricky D of Doug E. Fresh fame released his debut album in 1988 and reached #1 on the Hip Hop/R&B charts. The album even went platinum and launched Rick into Hip hop legend. Is the supposed greatest story teller in the genre's history as good as he was built up to be? Does the album stand the test of time? Well,
Treat Her Like a Prostitute
Treat 'em like a prostitute (Do What?) Don't treat no girlie well until you're sure of the scoop. Cause all they do is they hurt and trample Listen up close, here comes my first example
In three separate chapters Rick details a man having his heart broken by either hearing his pregnant wife cheated, she blew a mail man, or she called out the wrong name in bed. You may find it a bit misogynistic but hey! Ricky's looking out for your best interest. Don't refuse the Ruler's help. Biz Markie wouldn't have had his lady troubles if he heard this album. Bangs in the whip too.
The Ruler's Back
Gather 'round party goers as if your still living, and get on down to the old Slick rhythm
Maybe it's because of his London roots, but Slick's got something different to him. He always sounds like he's inviting you into his world instead of rubbing it in your face and bragging. There's a lot of quotables in here too.
Now in these times, at least to me, There's a lot of people out here tryin' to sound like Ricky D
He's also a prophet, given Jay-Z bit this line for himself.
Children's Story
Once upon a time, not long ago. When people wore pajamas and lived life slow
Pajamas was a fashion thing in 1985 by the way. What Can i truly say about this? It's a cautionary tale of the crime life that Rick advised against. Given his violent history, you still can't say he's ever told anyone to commit any crime or promoted it. It's a classic tale. The Video's also hilarious.
The Moment I Feared
Yet another cautionary tale in the light of Children's Story but in a first person point of view. We're seeing it through Rick's eyes (or well hearing it) and it's gripping but I wouldn't say it's better than the former track.
Let's Get Crazy
I expected this to be about sex when I first heard, nope. Just warming up for a party. It's passable. Maybe it sounds better on the way to an actual house party. I wouldn't know, i'm a loser.
But it's all good, Party by myself, Right Ricky?
Indian Girl (An Adult Story)
Well this is disturbing. If you haven't heard this i'm going to have to spoil the ending to discuss it. Here Davy Crockett meets a young Indian Girl and they have dinner together and well...he rapes her. Rick does the voice of the girl(...and i'll burn in hell for laughing at it) with a rather disgusting end result. You're likely thinking this is just some nasty song but there's a hidden theme of this representing the Native American downfall in the US. A very rarely discussed topic in Hip hop, it's an idea to think about.
Teenage Love
Don't hurt me again...
Fun fact, a young Lil' Kim appears in the video for this. As does Big Daddy Kane drinking a 40 in a plastic bag. It's an overall sweet song, drags a bit to be honest.
Mona Lisa
Ricky D meets a young girl named, you guessed it! Mona fuckin' Lisa downtown and he takes her out and they have a grand ol' time well not exactly. It's a greatly told story, similar to Teenage Love but more upbeat.
Kit (What's the Scoop?)
This story actually involves the car from Knight Rider. Except owned by the Ruler himself. Do I need to tell you anything else?
Hey Young World
Young world, young world. The world is yours
Even before Pete Rock and Nas said it, Ricky D told the kids the world is theirs and to take advantage of it.
Teacher, Teacher
In this story, some vandals attack Rick with machetes and threaten to kill him...if he doesn't teach them to rap...? Then a police officer saves Slick and calls him by his rap name. Likely scenario, i believe this happened completely.
Lick the Balls
Uh. Well. That's a title. I'm surprised Monica Lewinsky didn't write a new book under that title when she resurfaced earlier this year. It's actually about partying not meeting a woman and receiving the licking of the balls. This is the end, can't even argue.
The Highlights:
Treat Her like a Prostitute
Children's Story
The Ruler's Back
The Lowlight:
Let's Get Crazy
The Gem:
Teacher, Teacher
Is it Worth a Purchase?
There's a song called Lick the Balls, what else do you need? But in seriousness (that wasn't serious?), this whole album is chock full of great story telling, the beats are also great for the most part. Done by Slick, Jam Master Jay, Hank Shocklee, and Eric Sadler. Some of the production is a tad aged but it isn't overwhelming out dated.
Overall Grade: A
The cover is also inspiration for the art on Nas's Stillmatic, fun fact and shit. Until next time, One Love.
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