Slick Rick Becomes American Citizen

Slick Rick is an American citizen. The legendary English-born rapper has earned his U.S. citizenship following a lengthy legal process that spanned more than two decades.

Ricky “Slick Rick” Martin Lloyd Walters was officially sworn in at a ceremony in New York on Friday (Apr. 15) alongside dozens of other new citizens.

“I am so proud of this moment—and so honored to finally become an American citizen,” said the 51-year-old rapper. “This has been a long time coming for me, and I am relieved to finally put this long chapter behind me. I want to thank everyone—my family, friends and fans—who have supported me and stuck by me over these 23 years. I am truly blessed – and stay tuned, I will have more to announce soon.”

Rap Legend Slick Rick — La Di Da Di, It's Time to Party … I'm a U.S. Citizen! (PHOTOS) https://t.co/k7WzaVLgEH pic.twitter.com/n8UPuQdkTE

— Los Angeles News Now (@lanewsnow) April 15, 2016

Rick the Ruler’s family moved to the Bronx when he was 11. As a legal resident, he became a rap superstar. In 1990, however, things took a turn for the MC when he was sent to prison for shooting his cousin in self-defense. He was pardoned in 2008, but was threatened with deportation and sent to deportation lock-up. His U.S. citizenship may help him avoid legal trouble like that in the future. With dual citizenship, Rick will remain a U.K. citizen.

In a statement, Slick Rick said he has “more to announce.” If that includes another album, it would be his first since 1999’s The Art of Storytelling.