Partying like it's 1988: Slick Rick to play Springfield
Slick Rick's first big solo album came out when the oldest Millennials were still in grade school.
Next month he's coming to Springfield's Outland Ballroom in a celebration of the hip-hop of the '80s and '90s.
The British-born, Bronx-raised rapper is considered "one of the most influential hip-hop artists in history," according to Contemporary Black Biography. Of his four albums, the best-known is 1988's "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick," which charted at 31 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified platinum.
Scores of artists from succeeding eras — from Aaliyah to Jay-Z — have collaborated with, sampled or referenced Slick Rick in their music.
"He's the legend," said Johan Collins, the concert promoter. "He's, like, the creator of it all. You think hip-hop, you think Tupac, Biggie, Slick Rick, a few others. Wu-tang. He paved the way for people who are doing it now."
Collins said the most important aspect of Slick Rick's artistry is storytelling. "He's the first one to start rapping about telling a story, back in the '80s."
It's this approach that defines classic Slick Rick tracks like "Teenage Love," "Children's Story" and "Behind Bars."
Collins, who has booked artists in Springfield for 13 years, said he leveraged longtime connections with agents to bring Slick Rick to downtown's Outland Ballroom May 11.
"We built relationships and friendships," he said, "and when these guys come through, instead of just sleeping in Springfield on their way from Chicago to Texas, they'll play."
Supporting artists include Springfield-based D.J.P, who won the cable reality competition show "Master of the Mix" in 2012, and another DJ, Platinum. The two will perform a rare four-turntable set, Collins said.
Rocky Young and Son of Howie round out the lineup. "They're younger kids with an old-school hip-hop flavor," Collins said. "They're not talking about doing drugs, (they're) more like positive rap like Slick Rick was."
When asked who an '80s-era rapper is likely to attract to the performance, Collins said he expects all ages. "Anybody who truly likes hip-hop will be at that show."
The show is 18 and up. Tickets are $25; doors open at 8 p.m. May 11; Collins expects Slick Rick to go on stage at about 11:30 p.m.
Details are available on the Johan Presents Facebook page or at outlandcomplex.com.
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