| FCN
09/03/2002 The Queen's Scene |
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Free Slick Rick
by Michelle Muhammad
Hip hop lovers around the world are rallying to the side of
legendary rapper Slick Rick. Ricky D as he is affectionately called has been
sitting in the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) detention center in
Brandenton, Fla., for well over six weeks, at Final Call press time. Slick
Rick was arrested after attempting to return to the United States following a
performance aboard a cruise ship hosted by Tom Joyner on June 1.
The rapper, born Ricky Walters, in London, was convicted of attempted murder 11-years-ago for shooting and wounding two people in an ill-advised attempt to protect himself against a violent predator (for which he served five years and 12 days in prison).
U.S. federal law states that any non-citizen who serves more than five years in prison must be deported. During the last six years since his release, Rick married, resumed his recording career and met all the obligations of his parole. He is a property owner and the supportive father of two children.
Slick Rick won an initial bout with the INS in 1995, which allowed him to stay in the country upon his release from prison. However, the INS overturned that decision in 1997 and, according to the rapper�s lawyer, he was never notified of the new ruling. Rick now sits in jail awaiting a second deportation hearing, even though he has been a legal resident of the United States since the mid-�70s.
Actor/rapper Will Smith also went to bat for the embattled rapper. In a letter, he states, "I have known Rick for over 15 years, not just as an artist, but as a friend. He has always been professional, reliable and trustworthy. While I am aware of his past problems, I�ve also had the pleasure to watch him develop into a good person. His many ties to this country, and his family in particular, assure that he will not flee. I respectfully ask that he be allowed to stay in this country and released to his family as soon as possible."
Other letters of support for Slick Rick have poured in from entertainers, activists, and politicians alike, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, New York State Senator David Paterson, comedian/actor Chris Rock and hip hop impresario Russell Simmons.
Ricky D�s last release, The Art of Storytelling (1999) was certified gold. His best-selling album to date was 1988�s platinum-certified, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. His record label Def Jam is also campaigning on the imprisoned rapper�s behalf. They have set up an on-line petition where fans can help in getting the rapper released.
"Fans and sympathizers alike can go to http://www.defjam.com and click on the Free Slick Rick banner. Any help that we can get will be greatly appreciated," said a Def Jam representative.
In published reports, Rick�s wife Mandy Aragones said, "Ricky is a man of good character, he is hard working, honest and humble and he would never jeopardize his life again. All his loved ones are here in America. His home is here and his family needs him, especially his daughter and son. He should be allowed to return to his family in New York while sorting out this matter with INS."
�Michelle Muhammad