For more than two decades, Pretty Ricky has remained one of the most recognizable R&B groups to emerge from Miami. Known for hit records such as “Grind With Me,” “Your Body,” and “On the Hotline,” the group built its legacy around the chemistry between members Corey “Slick’em” Mathis, “Spectacular” Blue Smith, Marcus “Pleasure P” Cooper, Diamond “Baby Blue” Smith of The Group Pretty Ricky. But where is Slick’Em now???
For longtime fans, this isn’t the first time that a member of the group has disappeared or left. Although Slick’Em has been a core part of Pretty Ricky’s identity since the group’s earliest days. His distinctive presence, alongside Baby Blue and Spectacular, helped define the group’s sound and image during the height of their success in the mid-2000s.
Pretty Ricky’s connection is more than just a professional bond; they are more like brothers…
Although there has long been speculation that the members of Pretty Ricky are brothers, presently we know that to not be true. However, when the group first emerged, that was the story that fans and reporters were told. In fact, we went back and found a story we wrote on the group back in 2007, right before their sophomore album, Late Night Special was released. Based on everything we were told at the time, and the interview we had with the group back then, we printed a story claiming that they were blood brothers with different mothers. We were even told that they lived on the same street and went to the same high school, dressing alike all with support from their father, Joseph “Bluestar” Smith.
What we now know, and what’s been the confirmed story for a few years is that at two of the members, Spectacular and Baby Blue are biologically brothers, while Slick’Em is their cousin. Pleasure P is a longtime family friend, they grew up around, but he is not related to the other members.
The story is reminiscent to what the industry used to do with artists like Marques Houston and Omarion, or Lil Fizz and Jhene Aiko. We believed these artists were family because that’s what they told us, and it was easier to explain the connections as relatives then anything else.
The early 2000s were a wild time! You had to be there…
Pretty Ricky has always been able to figure out how to navigate without a member…
Right around 2008, Pleasure P was the first member to leave the group to explore music solo. During that time, he was replaced by Christopher “4Play” Myers, who was then replaced by Emanuel “Lingerie” DeAnda. Lingerie was the fourth voice on their third self-titled album, Pretty Ricky. We previously reported on some other allegations surrounding the Pleasure P hiatus from the group, but that seemingly has all been swept under a rug in more recent years.
Christopher “4Play” Myers, also known as Ambition the Kid, is a multi-talented artist who joined Pretty Ricky in 2008 to replace Pleasure P. At first, 4Play was not too fond of the stage name given to him by Pretty Ricky’s management. In an interview, Christopher Myers stated that he had creative struggles with Pretty Ricky and explained his frustrations with the group and management on the Barbells and Bourbon Podcast. It wasn’t long after that Christopher Myers left Pretty Ricky in 2009 to pursue his solo career under the name Ambition Kid. Emanuel “Lingerie” DeAnda then replaced him in 2009.
Lingerie wasn’t with the group long before he decided to leave about a year later. We did interview the group before he left in 2010, as they prepared to release what was supposed to be Bluestars 2, though that album never saw the light of day.
After their album’s release, the group decided to pursue their own ventures before reconnecting with Pleasure P in 2015/2016.
We also discussed the release of Baby Blue after he was imprisoned for fraud in 2022. He served a year of his 20-month sentence in prison for the PPP loan 2020 scandal. He was then reunited with Spectacular and Pleasure P after being released early under Trump’s First Step Act, which he introduced in 2018.
Pretty Ricky has been through it all, but not once has it stopped them from protecting and supporting one another. They continue to strive for the better and allow room for each of them to grow and change.
Back to Slick’Em and his whereabouts… Why Slick’em was not at the Verzuz?
In recent months, the group has been navigating difficult personal and professional challenges related to original group member Slick’Em. The situation came to public attention after Pleasure P spoke during a livestream in late 2024, claiming that Slick’Em was struggling with heroin addiction. While the comments generated widespread discussion online, the allegations have not been publicly confirmed by Slick ‘Em himself. Although there have been attempts to get him help, the other members of the group have been extremely supportive of Slick’Em’s alleged addiction.
@soseriuzradio Pleasure P alleges his music partner Slick Em is battling substance issues 🫢 #pleasurep #prettyricky #fypp ♬ original sound – SSZRADIO
In 2025, Spectacular revealed that Pretty Ricky would continue operating as a trio for the time being. According to Vibe Magazine, Spectacular said he attempted to help Slick’Em enter a rehabilitation program, but those efforts were unsuccessful. He emphasized that the door remains open for Slick’Em to return if he chooses to seek help and recommit to the group.
So what is next for Pretty Ricky?
Despite the challenges that they have faced over the years, Pretty Ricky appears determined to move forward. Now, they move as a trio. The group has recently just ended The Millennium Tour Presents: The Boys 4 Life Tour and will be attending the Tacos and Tequila Festival soon as well. You can still find them on stage as the trio continues to sing the songs that fans have continued to love over the years.
As Pretty Ricky enters its next chapter as a trio, supporters continue to hope for both the group’s success and Slick’Em’s recovery. Whether a full reunion will happen remains uncertain, but the members have made it clear that they would welcome him back when the time is right.
How do you feel about the group being a trio? What are your thoughts on the Slick’Em absence? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.Â
