Inside Pretty Ricky's Fractured Lineup: How Slick'em Departed the Group
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: Why wasn't Slick'em Hound at Pretty Ricky's Verzuz battle against B2K?
A1: Slick'em was absent because he was taking time away from the group to focus on his personal health and recovery from substance abuse, an explanation confirmed by Pleasure P shortly after the broadcast.
Q2: Did Pretty Ricky officially kick Slick'em out of the group?
A2: No. The group has not permanently fired Mathis. His absences from major tours and live specials have been treated as health leaves to prevent relapse and allow him to stabilize outside the pressures of the road.
Q3: What did Omarion say about Slick'em Hound during the Verzuz?
A3: Omarion questioned where Slick'em was during the battle, prompting backlash from fans. He later clarified that he had no idea Mathis was struggling with serious addiction and apologized for the misunderstanding.
Q4: What legal issues did other Pretty Ricky members face around the same time?
A4: Baby Blue Whoaaaa (Diamond Blue Smith) was sentenced to federal prison in 2022 for his role in a multi-million-dollar Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud scheme, adding to the group's operational complications before his release.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
