The Ruler's Back is the second studio album by British-American rapper Slick Rick, released in 1991 on Def Jam Recordings.[9][10]
The Ruler's Back | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | July 2, 1991 | |||
Recorded | 1990–91 | |||
Genre | Hip hop | |||
Length | 45:55 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
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Slick Rick chronology | ||||
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Singles from The Ruler's Back | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [2] |
Robert Christgau | A−[3] |
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [4] |
Entertainment Weekly | B[5] |
Los Angeles Times | [6] |
The New Rolling Stone Album Guide | [7] |
Spin Alternative Record Guide | 5/10[8] |
Upon its release, The Ruler's Back achieved notable chart success, peaking at number 29 on the Billboard 200, and number 18 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album features the hit single "I Shouldn't Have Done It", which peaked at number 2 on the Hot Rap Singles.[11]
The album contains production from Vance Wright, Slick Rick and Mr. Lee. The Ruler's Back was recorded in three weeks, while Rick was on bail before starting a jail sentence that would end in 1996.[4]
The Los Angeles Times wrote that "there’s the eerie feeling that you’ve experienced something but you’re not sure what, as you might after reading a Denis Johnson novel or seeing an old Cocteau film late at night on public TV. The Ruler’s Back moves along at the speed of thought."[6] Trouser Press called the album Rick's "most entertaining and least offensive longplayer."[1] The Washington Post called the album "disappointing," writing that "for some reason, Rick has adopted a high-speed rapping style that undercuts his two great strengths -- humor and storytelling grace."[12]
No. | Title | Producer | Length |
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1. | "King" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 3:42 |
2. | "I Shouldn't Have Done It" | Vance Wright | 4:05 |
3. | "Bond" | Vance Wright | 2:53 |
4. | "Moses" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 4:04 |
5. | "Tonto" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 3:17 |
6. | "Mistakes of a Woman in Love With Other Men" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 4:08 |
7. | "Venus" | Vance Wright | 3:45 |
8. | "Ship" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 3:05 |
9. | "It's a Boy" | Vance Wright | 3:29 |
10. | "Top Cat" | Vance Wright, Slick Rick | 3:23 |
11. | "Runaway" | Slick Rick, Vance Wright | 3:49 |
12. | "Slick Rick - The Ruler" | Mr. Lee | 6:06 |
Chart (1991) | Peak position |
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US Billboard 200[13] | 29 |
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[14] | 18 |