Album: Wiley, Evolve or Be Extinct (Big Dada)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.You get no prizes for being ahead of your time, and Wiley knows it. "I've been an inspiration to the UK grime scene...", he points out on EOBE's most telling moment, "I've got a temper but my name ain't Tinie."
If it feels as if Wiley has always been around, then in Brit-rap terms he has: he emerged at the start of the millennium, and at 32, he's too old for the Chipmunk/Tinie/Wretch/Tinchy chart-crossover bandwagon. Which probably works in his favour. Rather than chase the mainstream dollar, the insanely prolific Richard Kylea Cowie (this is his third album in seven months) is free to pursue his own path.
Over rudimentary backing beats, in that "ya feel me?" accent, his humour often hits the spot. However, the going-through-Customs skit, followed by a track about having his urine tested at the airport, is as tedious as it is righteous.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments