Wiley – Evolve or Be Extinct…

Label: Big Dada

Released: January 19th

Throughout his career, Wiley has covered just about every angle of the music industry – signing to various labels, walking out of deals, releasing material 100% independently and sharing disputes with anyone who’s anyone in the grime scene. All the while, crossing in and out of mainstream glory and then fading away just as we all think he’s about to explode to new heights. Despite these ups and downs, on his eighth studio-album, Evolve or Be Extinct he demonstrates his continued passion for the music he helped birth and the dedication which has made him a master of his craft.

The album opens up with Welcome To Zion, this track sets the pace of the album with Wiley’s trademark skippy flow and ambient synths, a fitting opening track. Moving along to the album’s title-track, Evolve or Be Extinct is a high-tempo, melodic banger with no hook, just three minutes of unadulterated grime.

If you’re one for a heavy head nod, or possibly a little jig at the bus stop – Link Up, I’m Skanking and lead single, Boom Blast are the tracks for you. As he’s most commonly known for his club singles, it was only right Wiley catered for that element on Evolve or Be Extinct with the latest installment (see below).

click to play video

Not content with simply grime tracks and club bangers, Wiley adds some humour in skits, Can I Have A Taxi Please? and Immigration, where he impersonates a string of hilarious characters ordering a taxi, and has dealings with pushy, suspicious immigration officers at customs (an all too familiar occurrence for some, am I right?)

The album maintains its momentum throughout, occasionally offering an insight into Wiley’s more reflective side on tracks such as, Only Human, featuring up and coming emcee, Cashtastic. The track sees east London songstress, Tereza Delzz sing an emotive hook over the piano-driven beat, whilst Cashtastic spits “Happy, I just wanna be that. Me sad, haters wanna see that..” before Wiley drops a few inspirational bars and the track is led out with a moving guitar solo.

The album draws to a close with, Just An Album. This track allows the listener’s ear to readjust before they ponder over bonus tracks; Confused, Fire, No Love Lost, Cheer Up, It’s Christmas, Ya Win Some, Ya Lose Some, Daiquiris, Life At Sea and Highs and Lows.

All in all, Evolve Or Be Extinct is another strong piece of work from one of the most prolific, multi-talented artists the UK has to offer. Wiley consistently provides a body of work which encompasses his input on all levels, from production to vocals; his name is strewn throughout the album’s credits which, in turn, ensures nothing but the purest sound grime has to offer.

Grab your copy of the album in-store at HMV or online via iTunes | Amazon.

Reviewed by Ash Houghton