The 1988 observe was licensed platinum by the RIAA on Tuesday (October 21).
Slick Rick obtained a significant profession milestone when the Recording Trade Affiliation of America (RIAA) licensed his legendary observe “Youngsters’s Story” as platinum on Tuesday (October 21).
The certification acknowledges greater than 1,000,000 models offered for the long-lasting single from his 1988 debut album, The Nice Adventures of Slick Rick. The Def Jam launch grew to become certainly one of Hip-Hop’s most influential storytelling tracks and helped set up Rick as a grasp narrator within the style.
The Nice Adventures of Slick Rick reached the No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and have become one of many first Hip-Hop albums to attain Platinum standing. The album showcased Rick’s distinctive British accent and vivid storytelling skills that might affect numerous rappers for many years.
The platinum recognition comes throughout a banner 12 months for the 60-year-old rapper, who launched his first album in 26 years with “Victory” in June 2025. The visible album featured collaborations with Nas and was govt produced by actor Idris Elba by means of his 7Wallace label in partnership with Mass Attraction Information.
Slick Rick has obtained a number of honors not too long ago, together with recognition on the Hip Hop Museum Gala in September 2025 alongside Fats Joe and the late Andre Harrell. He additionally celebrated the fortieth anniversary of his collaboration with Doug E. Contemporary on “La Di Da Di” and “The Present” with a particular vinyl launch in August.
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The Library of Congress added “La Di Da Di” to its Nationwide Recording Registry in 2024, cementing Rick’s place in American cultural historical past. His affect on Hip-Hop storytelling continues to resonate with new generations of artists who research his narrative strategies and distinctive supply fashion.
“Youngsters’s Story” stays a cornerstone of Hip-Hop schooling and is ceaselessly cited as one of many biggest rap songs ever recorded. The observe’s cinematic strategy to storytelling helped set up the template for narrative rap that artists nonetheless observe right now.
Extra not too long ago, Slick Rick launched his first album in 26 years, Victory, a part of Mass Attraction’s album collection, Legend Has It.
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