Pretty Ricky’s Slick ’Em appears to have stepped away from the group because of reported substance-abuse issues, and multiple outlets say the remaining members have been moving forward as a trio. Reports in May 2025 said Spectacular Smith tried to get him into rehab, but Slick ’Em refused, so the group continued without him.

What’s been reported

  • Slick ’Em, whose real name is Corey Mathis, has been described in recent coverage as struggling with heroin addiction.
  • Pretty Ricky’s other members said they were still willing to support him, but not enable the addiction.
  • As of the latest coverage, there has not been a public statement from Slick ’Em directly addressing the reports.

Where the group stands

Pretty Ricky has still been active, with reports in 2025 saying they had tour offers, a completed album, and plans to continue as a trio. A June 2026 article also noted Slick ’Em did not join the group’s VERZUZ appearance and repeated the same addiction-related explanation.

Public chatter

The online discussion has mostly framed this as a sad comeback story rather than a scandal: fans want the full lineup back, but the current narrative is that the group is pushing ahead while hoping Slick ’Em gets help.