Behind Bars
Slick Rick · 1994
40 min · 11 tracks · hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · old-school hip-hop
A narrative-driven exploration of life and hardship, woven through Slick Rick's signature storytelling style.
Why this album works
The album is notable for its exploration of themes like isolation and resilience, contributing to the narrative style in hip-hop. Although it did not achieve commercial success comparable to his earlier works, it remains influential for its lyrical depth and storytelling approach, impacting artists who followed in the genre.
- Best for
- steady mid-tempo storytelling flow narrative-driven reflections on hardship suitable for focused listening
- Context
- Released in 1994, 'Behind Bars' was Slick Rick's first album after his release from prison, marking a significant return to the music scene. At this point, he was aiming to regain his footing in hip-hop following a period of incarceration that interrupted his promising career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joss Stone· The KLF· Ms. Dynamite· Jamelia· Lady Sovereign· Soul II Soul· Foreign Beggars· Young MC
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Behind Bars Standout 3:24
- 2 All Alone (No One to Be With) Standout 4:04
- 3 Sittin’ in My Car Standout 3:46
- 4 A Love That’s True, Part I 3:55
- 5 Cuz It’s Wrong 3:23
- 6 Let’s All Get Down 3:41
- 7 I’m Captive 4:10
- 8 Get a Job 4:02
- 9 A Love That’s True, Part II 2:20
- 10 It’s a Boy (remix) 4:01
- 11 Behind Bars (Dum Ditty Dum mix) 3:21
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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