While grime fans were fairly heartbroken that Wiley had to cancel his Australian tour (which was supposed to take place this week), they can get excited with the news that a new Wiley album is on its way! The album is set to be titled Godfather, no doubt a play on his nickname “the Godfather of Grime,” often being credited as the founder of the genre.
The album, due for release on September 2, is set to contain sixteen tracks. For those who think the wait until September will be agonising, rest assured that at least three singles will precede the full release, which is Wiley’s first full-length since Snakes & Ladders, released back in 2014. Last year saw Wiley release eight tracks in eight weeks, officially compiled as #8.
The rapper, real name Richard Cowie, shared the news via Twitter:
Mc Wiley-Godfather Album Out September 2nd 2016 . 16 Track Bonanza . 3 Singles then album.
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) March 17, 2016
He went on to thank Stormzy for his contribution, revealing that there’s some exciting producers and guest features to look forward to:
@Stormzy1 Because of you bro.You have made it possible . Thank you for putting in the work . Bless up .
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) March 17, 2016
I got good features and producers on this album too . Ones that make total sense . #GodfatherAlbum .
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) March 17, 2016
It couldn’t be a more perfect time for the legendary artist to drop a killer album. Considering the euphoric rise of grime as a whole, and more specifically his label Boy Better Know, this could well catapult him to even greater international recognition. It’s highly likely there might even be a Drake collab on the album, considering his well-documented love for the genre, and having recently signed to the label himself.
Read our feature on Getting to Know Grime: The Rise of Boy Better Know
Image: Per Crepin