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Slick Rick, born Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters on January 14, 1965, in South Wimbledon, London, has been an iconic figure in hip-hop history, often seen as ahead of his time. Raised by Jamaican parents, Rick catapulted to fame in the 1980s, with his debut album "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick" hitting No. 1 on the Billboard charts and achieving platinum status—a landmark achievement for early hip-hop.
However, his journey hasn't been all smooth sailing. While recording his second album, "The Ruler's Back," legal troubles led to a five-year prison sentence. Upon his release, the album didn't perform as expected, marking the beginning of a challenging period for Slick Rick. Over the years, he found himself embroiled in numerous incidents, including being shot and having to use a firearm for self-defense, which led to further imprisonment.
Despite these setbacks, Rick continued to contribute to the hip-hop genre. He released "Behind Bars" during one of his stints in prison, and in 1999, he came out with "The Art of Storytelling," considered a seminal work in hip-hop.
But Rick's influence extends beyond music; he's also a pioneer in the world of hip-hop fashion and jewelry. Known for his ostentatious and unique bling, Slick Rick has truly earned his title as a magnate of hip-hop style. So, without further ado, let's explore the grandeur and extravagance of Slick Rick's jaw-dropping jewelry collection.
Slick Rick Eye Patches
White Gold Diamond Eyepatch
One of the most unforgettable pieces in his collection is his eye patch, a staple in his iconic look.
This eye patch is made out of 14K white gold. The exterior is meticulously covered with colorless diamonds, giving it a shine that captures attention instantly. To complete the look, the eye patch features a thick Cuban strap that's also covered in white gold.
Camo Diamond Eye Patch
For his 40th birthday, his wife gifted him an eye patch that takes the term 'custom-made' to an entirely new level. This eye patch features a unique military pattern.
This camo eye patch is studded with diamonds, but not just any diamonds. This piece uniquely showcases a range of colored diamonds including green, yellow, and white, which seamlessly blend with the military pattern.
Slick Rick Watches
Watches are not just timekeepers for Slick Rick; they're a way to show off and some are "conversational pieces" as he calls it. Each watch in his collection speaks volumes about his persona, whether he's mingling with the upper elite or lighting up a stage. Let's take a closer look at two standout pieces in his collection.
“Bronxier” Watch
When it comes to rubbing shoulders with the creme de la creme, Slick Rick opts for his “Bronxier” watch. Made entirely out of white gold, the watch is embellished with colorless diamonds, which give it an expensive look. The watch face is left untouched, free from diamonds, striking a balance that makes it not too "flashy."
Custom Rolex Watch
Coming from the peak bling era of the 80s and early 90s, this custom Rolex watch is an iconic piece of hip-hop history. It's not just any Rolex; it's a Rolex transformed by the legendary Jacob the Jeweler. The watch’s face is encircled by four rows of sparkling rings, all covered with diamonds, creating a bowl shape that leaves the watch face at the center stage. Rick fondly refers to it as the "Conversational Piece," and for a good reason—it's impossible to ignore. It practically invites people to strike up a conversation.
Slick Rick Bracelets
For a man like Slick Rick, who has always pushed the boundaries in music and fashion, bracelets are more than just wrist adornments—they are an expression of his style. And when it comes to craftsmanship, who better to design these pieces than Jacob the Jeweler, a name synonymous with hip-hop bling.
These aren't your run-of-the-mill bracelets. They are wide and robust, covering a significant part of the wrist. Made from the finest white gold, they exude a sense of luxury that can only be matched by the diamonds that cover them.
The diamonds aren't just randomly placed; they are tightly packed together, almost like a mosaic of brilliance, each gem contributing to the overall shine.
Whether he’s performing on stage or making a red carpet appearance, these bracelets add another level to his already iconic look.
Slick Rick Chains
Libra Chain
In the eclectic world of hip-hop jewelry, Slick Rick's Libra Chain stands out as a testament to the rapper's daring style and eye for unique pieces. This chain has a backstory as captivating as the man who wears it. Located in a somewhat inconspicuous jewelry store in Chinatown, the piece had been behind the glass of a jewelry store, catching the eyes of bypassers but never finding a buyer.
Slick Rick speculated that the chain probably belonged to a drug dealer who had been arrested and never returned to claim it. While Slick Rick is not a Libra himself, the design struck him so profoundly that he felt compelled to purchase it.
Crafted from gold, this massive chain showcases a libra zodiac sign as its centerpiece. To make it even more striking, the libra symbol is coated with white gold and studded with diamonds, adding another layer of expensivness. Measuring approximately 10x10 inches, it's a piece that can't be ignored and perfectly aligns with Slick Rick's personality.
The word "Balance" etched below the Libra sign adds a philosophical touch to the bling, making this not just a piece of jewelry but a conversation starter. It’s as if the chain mirrors Slick Rick's own life—a blend of highs and lows, yet always striving for balance.
Yin Yang Chain
The Yin Yang Chain is another eye-catching piece that beautifully showcases Slick Rick's appreciation for symbolism and intricate design. At over 40 inches in length, this chain is impossible to overlook. Made of white gold, it's made out of symbols including the Yin Yang, pyramids, and hearts.
The chain is covered with flawless diamonds in black and white, adhering to the Yin Yang theme.
Mother Mary Cuban Chain
Slick Rick's Mother Mary Cuban Chain offers a touch of the old school hip hop days. Made entirely of yellow gold, the chain features a 40-inch Cuban link and hangs a beautifully crafted medallion of Mother Mary. Much like the Libra Chain, this piece also originates from the same little-known store in Chinatown.
Eagle Gold Chain
Never one to shy away from making a grand statement, Slick Rick purchased the Eagle Gold Chain, which was one of the largest pieces available at the time. The chain features a custom link design, crafted from gold and featuring an imposing eagle pendant hanging from it. The eagle, often a symbol of freedom and strength, mirrors Slick Rick's personality and the highs and lows of his life.
Gucci Link Scorpion Chain
Another piece that amplifies Slick Rick's love for bold and large jewelry is the Gucci Link Scorpion Chain. Bought from an unknown jewelry store, this chain is a throwback to old-school hip-hop bling. Made of yellow gold, it features an old-school Gucci link design, which supports a detailed scorpion pendant.
The scorpion, a symbol often associated with transformation and survival, fits well with Slick Rick's life narrative. Once again, he manages to find a piece of jewelry that doesn't just flash—it tells a story, capturing both his essence and the complexities that come with it.
Slick Rick Pendants
The Ace of the Square Pendant
When it comes to jewelry that uniquely captures his personality, the Ace of the Square Pendant is no exception for Slick Rick. Acquired from the diamond district in New York, this pendant stands out with its blue diamond composition. Designed to resemble the ace of the square playing card, it's a playful nod to both luck and skill, elements that have played a role in Slick Rick's colorful life.
if you're looking for a custom pendant like this or if you have any other ideas in mind for the custom pendant, message our team at Icecartel and let's get to work!
The Cross Pendant
Slick Rick's Cross Pendant is another memorable item that marries traditional religious symbolism with unique design elements. While cross pendants were a popular accessory back in the day, Slick Rick wanted to elevate the traditional design. So, he added a rectangular backplate behind the cross, giving it a distinctive layered appearance.
This piece is crafted from white gold and meticulously covered with natural diamonds that are set closely together.
Slick Rick's Crown
The concept of royalty has long been an intrinsic part of Slick Rick's persona. Known as "Rick the Ruler" or even likening himself to Richard of Nottingham, Slick Rick embraced the grandiosity often associated with British culture and history. This influence manifests in various aspects of his style, from his Kangol hats to the most regal piece in his collection: his king's crown.
Slick Rick Rings
The Heart Ring
Slick Rick's Heart Ring dates back to the early '80s, a significant period that solidified his position in the hip-hop landscape. Initially crafted from yellow gold, the ring was later plated with white gold.
The Triangle Ring
Another acquisition from the early '80s, the Triangle Ring followed a similar journey as the Heart Ring, transitioning from its original yellow gold to a white gold plating.
Browse Icecartel's hip hop rings collection here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Slick Rick's eye?
At only 18 months old, Slick Rick was left blinded in his right eye after a window shattered and shards of glass struck him. Although partial vision could have potentially been restored if the incident was addressed promptly, the injury had a profound impact on his development and personal life. It also influenced his public persona, making the eye patch a signature part of his look and, in some ways, contributing to the history of hip-hop.
How does Slick Rick look without an eye patch?
Without the eye patch, Slick Rick has a gray, sightless eye. The eye patch isn't just a fashion statement but also serves a practical purpose. [Insert Picture Here]
Is Slick Rick’s jewelry real?
Yes, Slick Rick's jewelry is authentic and made from high-quality materials such as gold and diamonds. Many of his pieces are custom-made by renowned jewelers and are unique to him, contributing to their significant value and iconic status.
How much is Slick Rick’s Jewelry Worth?
Slick Rick's jewelry collection is estimated to be worth up to a few hundred thousand dollars.
Last Words
From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the pioneers in the hip-hop industry, Slick Rick has continually defied norms and set trends. His jewelry is more than just extravagant; it serves as an embodiment of his unique personality and a rich journey through life's ups and downs. He's a walking tale of transformation, symbolized through each carefully selected piece of bling.
Slick Rick's impact isn't confined to just music; he's a cultural icon whose contributions extend to fashion and beyond. The tale of Slick Rick and his exquisite jewelry collection is a story of resilience, audacity, and artistry. It is a treasure trove that speaks volumes about the man himself, each piece narrating a chapter in the life of one of hip-hop's most enduring and influential figures.
In a world where fashion and identity are increasingly intertwined, Slick Rick reminds us that personal style can be a profound form of self-expression. And when it comes to self-expression, Rick the Ruler has, quite literally, set the gold standard.
