The rapper gave a shout-out to London as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at Co-op Live
Slick Rick has accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s MOBO Awards at Co-op Live.
MOBO founder Kanya King CBE took to the stage to present the award to the British-American rapper and producer, saying Slick Rick redefined what it means to tell stories through music. Past winners of the converted award include Nile Rodgers, Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.
The MOBOs founder said: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this milestone MOBO. I feel so blessed to be standing here introducing the new honour. Ricky Walters, better known as Slick Rick.
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“He redefined what it meant to tell stories through music. But what makes his story more powerful is not only what he created but what he overcame.”
She added: “True greatness finds a way. From the very beginning he brought a star swagger unlike anything we’ve heard before.”
Slick Rick himself took to the stage to accept the award. He said: “I don’t say much, but I’ve said enough to be here. I’ve never needed a lot of words, only the right ones. There were moments people didn’t understand, but I just kept going. Every step brought me to this moment.”
He continued: “I’ve always believed if you stay honest and true, the world will meet you there. And tonight it has. This is victory. Quiet, steady, undeniably timeless. Thank you.”
The 61-year-old rapper went on to shout out his mum and dad, Jamaicans, and his wife among other names. He also gave a shout-out to his hometown London.
The MOBOs event is taking place in Manchester for the very first time this evening as it celebrates its 30th year.
Hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and rapper Eve, the awards ceremony is playing host to a huge array of stars. These include Manchester’s own Aitch, alongside others such as Flo, Myles Smith, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, and Slick Rick and Estelle.
The event began at 8pm, with stars including Olivia Dean, Tallia Storm, Zeze Mills and Ella Thomas pictured on the red carpet as it opened in the hours beforehand.
And before this evening’s show, a host of stars made the journey to Manchester on the ‘MOBO VIP’ train – arriving at Piccadilly in the morning.
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