Wiley
The Ascent Warner
GODFATHER of grime Wiley is best known for his collaborations, which have included Mark Ronson and Emeli Sande, and his ninth album does not disappoint.
The English rapper, whose real name is Richard Cowie, has teamed up with the likes of Tulisa (Contostavlos), Far East Movement, Tinchy Stryder and Chip among grime mates such as Lethal Bizzle, Kano and Skepta. While the bumper load of names could be distracting, it just heightens the musical level, with every song impressing in some way.
The Ascent opens with an intro made up of a montage of disjointed clips and soundbites, which launches into a Wiley rap, leading into First Class with Kano and Lethal Bizzle. Ms D (formerly Ms Dynamite) has a hat-trick of songs here – the sunny No 1 hit Heatwave, Reload and Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya). He’s a game-changer of his genre, but with The Ascent, Wiley has raised his game once again.
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