Hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick makes an impressive debut with his first record in six years, "The Art of Storytelling." The album will enter Monday's "Billboard" charts at number eight and features guest spots by Nas, Raekwon, and Outkast.

The rapper, who recently shot the video for the album's first single "Street Talkin'" with Outkast, hails from hip-hop's old school party era, and he says he's keeping that vibe on his new record because he's not a big fan of hardcore rap's violent imagery.

"My style, it appeals to a wider audience to a certain degree," Slick Rick told MTV News. "I was always on some dance tip, 'cause I like to dance, you know what I mean. I like to get my little fashion on and all that. And today's -- not all, but a majority, at least sixty percent, I can't get with it. I can't dance to it.... It almost puts you in a bad mood, puts you in a negative mood." [RealVideo]

"The Art of Storytelling" also features the reunion of Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh performing live versions of their classic tracks "La Di Da Di" and "The Show."