This happened at the end of last week, but it got a little lost in the long-weekend shuffle, and it’s worth taking note of: New York Governor David Paterson just gave rap trailblazer Slick Rick a full, unconditional pardon. It’s the right move on all counts. The emcee (né Ricky Walters), who’s based in the Bronx but was born in London, has been repeatedly threatened with deportation based on a bunch of technicalities related to a 1990 crime for which he already served his jail time over a decade ago. Yes, it was a serious crime — attempted murder and a bunch of weapons charges — but he’s long since repaid his debt to society. And songs like 1988’s "Children’s Story" (below) are a key part of our pop-cultural heritage; it would have been a real shame for federal authorities to exile the guy.
Still, this isn’t exactly a new issue — Ricky D’s case has been kicking around for years and years without any conclusive progress. So I was really pleasantly shocked that Gov. Paterson chose to take action on it now, so soon into his first term. How refreshing! I dunno whether the governor was trying to strengthen his support in the old-school hip-hop head community, or just the community of people who like to see justice served. But he’s sure got me in the bag right now. Anyone else feeling this decision?
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Yeah, I agree. He did a really dumb thing, but he did his time and learned his lesson. Also, when you think of Doug E. Fresh’es “The Show” automatically Rick comes to mind. La di doddi, anyone?
I think it’s a travesty. Thousands of other felons face deportation for less serious crimes, yet don’t get pardoned. Since when is one’s contribution to hip hop a legitimate reason to evade immigration laws? I find it reprehensible that of all the people facing deportation, the governor chose to wipe his record clean. Fame shouldn’t get you a free pass.
I agree with K. He did the crime, he should take the punishment–even if that includes “a bunch of technicalities.” I will never get why hip-hop fans hold their idols to such a low standard of human conduct.
I’m torn on this one. On the one hand, the charges thrown at Slick Rick could’ve got him thrown in jail for a long time. T.I.’s recent pardon for his gun charges come to mind (a possible 30 years ends up being a mere year under house arrest). On the other hand, the circumstances surrounding the crime seem more towards self-defense-gone-sour than anything else. Also, Slick Rick hasn’t gotten in trouble ever since the incident, his music’s far more positive compared to today’s rap hip-hop artists and even lent a hand to numerous youth support/rehab groups over the years. One thing prisons often get criticized for is the inabiltiy to rehabilitate its incarcerated. Slick Rick’s a prime example of the opposite effect. For that alone, he deserves a reprieve.
P.S. GingerCat, I find it hypocritical of you to lambast rap fans for holding their stars under ‘low standards of human conduct’ when numerous other stars outside the genre are just as prone from celebrity favoritism.
I have to agree with Stephanie T. Slick Rick did the crime, did the time, and has stayed out of trouble since. Time to move on.