DJ Rick Buchanan, known as Slick Rick, was tragically discovered deceased in his Memphis residence on January 24, 2024, by his brother, John Buchanan. The unsettling circumstances surrounding Slick Rick’s demise were brought to light as John Buchanan arrived at his brother’s home after receiving a call from concerned neighbors.
Upon reaching the residence around 2:30 pm, John found the backdoor ajar, while the front door remained locked. Inside the house, he made the distressing discovery of Slick Rick’s lifeless body. Strangely, Slick Rick’s pants were found around his ankles, and his keys were clutched in his hand. Adding to the eerie scene, Slick Rick’s dog was found loose in the backyard, an unusual occurrence according to John.
Recounting the grim moment, John Buchanan expressed the shocking details, stating, “The front door was locked, but the back door was wide open. The iron door was open also, and I walked in, and I found him and called 911. It was terrible. At first, I thought his coat was up over his head because it was like he was cold or something. So, I ran out and ran back in and realized it wasn’t that. It was something worse.”
The situation took a darker turn as John Buchanan revealed that his brother, Slick Rick, had been decapitated. The motive behind this gruesome act remained unclear, although John mentioned an incident where a man had smashed Slick Rick’s car taillight over a minor debt. John claimed to have settled the debt by giving the man $30, but it was uncertain if this incident was connected to the tragic outcome.
Slick Rick, a well-known figure in the Memphis music scene, had previously survived a shooting during a robbery at The Stage Stop venue in 2014. According to his brother, Slick Rick never fully recovered emotionally from this traumatic event.
Announcing the tragic news on Facebook, Slick Rick’s sister, Nina Makris, thanked those offering prayers and mentioned that the cause of death would be determined after the autopsy. John Buchanan expressed his intention to adopt Slick Rick’s dog, Lucky, while the family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses. Slick Rick’s significant contributions to Memphis music were highlighted, emphasizing his role as a “champion of Memphis music” at The Stage Stop. Investigations into the circumstances of Slick Rick’s death were ongoing at the time of the report.
