Name: Kenneth Johnson Active Date(s): 1986-1993 Wrestlers Managed: Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik, Hercules, Butch Reed, Akeem, Big Boss Man, Kamala This guy had a pimp gimmick, and it wasnt even an entertaining pimp gimmick, like the Godfather's. Slick was a slimy dude with an irritating voice, who liked to drag out his syllables whenever he cut a promo. He managed Akeem, the African Dream, which proved a sad ass truth no matter how offensive a racist portrayal is, you can always find some self-loathing member of that race to promote and legitimize it. Akeem was billed as hailing from deepest darkest Africa, even though the performer, George Gray, was a white guy who talked in a mock black' voice. By making Slick the manager for Akeem, the WWE rationalized their bigotry (ie. "We found one black guy whos okay with this! Everyone else needs to lighten up!"). Slicks role was deeply out of touch, and deeply aggravating. 'Annoying' seems too light of an insult.
Kevin is an AP English Language teacher and freelance writer from Queens, NY. His focus is on American pop culture and American issues. He wrote a weekly column for Complex called "Throwback Thursdays," which spotlighted video games and trends from previous console generations. Kevin has also been published in VIBE, Salon, PopMatters, Joystiq, and Racialicious. Follow him on Twitter to learn more.
