Slick Is Saved

So, hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick has received a pardon from New York's legally blind playboy governor David Paterson. Coming on the heels of his "I love you Hilary, but you're looking rather ridiculous please please drop out of the race already" pronouncement, it's making me very fond of him.

Why did Paterson decide that it was necessary to overturn Ricky Walters' 1991 attempted murder conviction? Because Rick was in danger of being deported to Great Britain, where he had lived until the age of 11. Now I shouldn't make light of the dislocation that comes from immigration troubles. I've had 'em meself.

But still, one can imagine the petitions that went forth about the perils of a hip-hop legend getting by in England.

Pluses:

• Knives, not guns


• Music press more easily gulled


• Less competition

Minuses:

• Credit to the Nation


• Grime


• Food, culture, climate, dentistry, etc ad nauseam.

With the tie-breaker, being Burial's Untrue. Threat or competition? Either way, will it give him crabs?

Have a good weekend, especially if you are laying down on the banks of the Gowanus, where there will be party music. Oh yes.