The English-born 'La-Di-Da-Di' performer was glad to put his dark past behind him as he was awarded the citizenship.
- April 16, 2016
AceShowbiz -
Slick Rick, a rap legend hailing from London, England, was awarded the American citizen on Friday, April 15 in New York. The "I Shouldn't Have Done It" hitmaker has been living in the American soil since the age of 11 and has only gotten recognition after more than 40 years.
The rapper, real name Ricky Martin Lloyd Walters, took an oath during a ceremony on Friday morning alongside dozens of other new citizens in New York. "I am so proud of this moment and so honored to finally become an American citizen. This has been a long time coming for me, and I am relieved to finally put this long chapter behind me," he said in a statement after the ceremony.
He continued, "I want to thank everyone -- my family, friends and fans -- who have supported me and stuck by me over these 23 years. I am truly blessed, and stay tuned. I will have more to announce soon."
He had previously faced deportation several times after he pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder in 1991 and spent five years in prison. In his defense, Slick said he was shooting in self-defense and was eventually pardoned for his role in the shooting in 2008.
The rapper, who wears a signature eye-patch, posted a photo of silver chain with American flag as a pendant to celebrate his victory.
