WATCH: Slick Rick and Idris Elba film video on Brixton’s Electric Avenue
and live on Freeview channel 276
Rapper Slick Rick and actor Idris Elba were spotted filming a mystery project on Brixton’s Electric Avenue.
The American hip hop star teamed up with the MOBO award-winning Elba, who starred in Luther, The Wire and Marvel’s Thor and Avengers films to shoot the atmospheric footage in the Lambeth location.
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Hide AdSurrounded by dry ice and camera crews, the pair were shot by drones and vehicle-mounted cameras as they rode down the iconic south London street in a white horse and carriage.
It’s not clear what the footage relates to but protest-style banners reading ‘Babylon Will Fall’ were spotted on set.
The term is a reference to a Jamaican or Rastafarian saying, meaning a corrupt police force or government.
A group of extras were later seen being photographed with signs reading ‘Black Power’, ‘Panther Power’, ‘South London Workers’ and ‘An Attack on One is an Attack on All’.
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Hide AdFilming began shortly after dark on the famous road - home to Brixton’s vibrant street market - on Thursday, September 29.
Carriage drivers were kitted out in black suits with matching eye patches - a nod to Slick Rick’s famous facial covering.
The Mitcham-born singer lost the sight in his right eye after an accident as a baby.
He then moved with his family to the Bronx, New York, where he later rose to fame as part of the Get Fresh Crew.
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Hide AdHis hits include La-Di-Da-Di and Children’s Story - and he is one of the most sampled hip hop artists in history and was a major presence in the New York scene in the 1980s and 90s.
One runner, who didn’t give his name, said the production was for a new video - but didn’t give any more details.
Filming is expected to take several days in and around the Brixton area.
A passerby said: “I live in Brixton and I’ve seen UK rappers filming here before.
“But nothing like this though - I’m desperate to be involved.”