Wiley, English rapper and producer

Richard Kylea Cowie Jr., globally recognized by his seminal stage name Wiley (and formerly known as Wiley Kat), born on 19 January 1979, stands as an indisputable titan in British music. Hailing from Bow, East London – an area deeply intertwined with the genesis of UK urban music – Wiley is a multifaceted artist whose extensive repertoire includes roles as an MC (Master of Ceremonies), rapper, songwriter, DJ, and record producer. His pioneering efforts have cemented his legacy as a central architect in the development of grime music, earning him the universally acknowledged moniker, the "Godfather of Grime."

The Foundations of Grime: Eskibeat and Roll Deep

In the nascent years of the 2000s, Wiley's profound influence on the emerging grime scene became unmistakably clear. He independently unleashed a series of groundbreaking eskibeat instrumentals on white label vinyl. These releases, characterized by their stark, often icy synthesizer melodies and raw, minimalist drum patterns, provided a distinctive sonic blueprint for what would become grime. The first in this pivotal series, "Eskimo," released in 2002, is often cited as a foundational track that encapsulated the genre's embryonic sound and ethos. His reputation as a formidable grime MC was built not only on his compelling solo compositions but also through his significant contributions as a leading member of the influential collective, Roll Deep. This pioneering crew played a crucial role in shaping the sound and cultural identity of early grime, serving as a hotbed for talent and a platform for experimental sonic exploration.

From Underground Prowess to Mainstream Acclaim

Wiley's journey into wider recognition began even before grime's full emergence, as he first gained commercial traction as a vital member of the UK garage collective, Pay As U Go. With this crew, he secured a UK Top 40 hit in 2001 with the infectious track "Champagne Dance," showcasing his early versatility and ability to craft impactful club anthems. As grime matured, Wiley consistently remained at its forefront, simultaneously crafting core grime tracks and delivering a succession of mainstream crossover singles. His pop sensibilities were evident in UK Singles Chart Top 10 hits such as "Wearing My Rolex" (2008), widely considered one of the first grime tracks to achieve significant commercial success, and "Never Be Your Woman." A crowning achievement in his mainstream career was his UK number-one hit, "Heatwave," released in 2012, which solidified his status as an artist capable of commanding widespread commercial appeal without compromising his artistic integrity.

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

Wiley's prolific output and stylistic versatility have firmly established him as a trailblazer within the British underground music landscape. His eleventh studio album, "Godfather," released in 2017, served as a powerful testament to his enduring relevance and creative prowess. The album not only resonated critically but also achieved commercial success, peaking at number nine on the UK Albums Chart – his highest-charting album to date. This landmark release further reinforced his "Godfather" status, earning him an "Outstanding Contribution to Music" award from the prestigious NME. In significant recognition of his extensive services to music and his profound cultural impact, Richard Kylea Cowie Jr. was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2018 New Year Honours, an honour that underscored the legitimacy and widespread influence of grime music within the British cultural fabric.

Challenges and Controversies

Wiley's path has also been marked by considerable challenges and public scrutiny. He has tragically been a victim of stabbings on multiple occasions, with a particularly severe incident in 2008 leaving him with a visible scar on the left side of his face. More recently, on 24 July 2020, Wiley attracted widespread condemnation following a series of posts and videos he disseminated across various social media platforms, which were broadly criticized and denounced as anti-semitic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wiley

Who is Wiley?
Wiley, born Richard Kylea Cowie Jr., is a British MC, rapper, songwriter, DJ, and record producer from East London, widely acknowledged as the "Godfather of Grime" due to his pioneering contributions to the genre.
Why is Wiley considered the "Godfather of Grime"?
He earned this title for his foundational role in creating grime music, particularly through his highly influential "eskibeat" instrumentals like "Eskimo," and his leadership in the groundbreaking collective Roll Deep, which collectively defined the genre's early sound and culture.
What are some of Wiley's most famous songs?
Among his most popular and impactful tracks are the foundational "Eskimo" (instrumental), the UK garage hit "Champagne Dance" (with Pay As U Go), and mainstream grime successes like "Wearing My Rolex," "Never Be Your Woman," and his UK number-one single "Heatwave."
What is eskibeat music?
Eskibeat is a subgenre or foundational sound of grime music characterized by its stark, minimalist, and often "icy" synthesizer melodies combined with raw, percussive drum patterns. These instrumental tracks were typically released independently on white label vinyl in the early 2000s.
Has Wiley received any major awards or honours?
Yes, Wiley received an "Outstanding Contribution to Music" award from NME in 2017, and in 2018, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to music.
What controversies has Wiley been involved in?
Wiley has faced personal challenges, including being a victim of stabbings on several occasions. More significantly, he was widely condemned in July 2020 for a series of anti-semitic posts and videos shared on social media.