After 40 years of living in America, the legendary rapper finally receives dual citizenship.

Slick Rick received US citizenship today after a 23-year battle. The Mitcham-born rapper relocated to The Bronx in 1976 with his family, but has had trouble getting citizenship due to a stint in prison for a self-defense shooting in 1990.

“I am so proud of this moment and so honored to finally become an American citizen,” he said outside of an NYC courthouse earlier today. According to TMZ, he will retain his British passport.