On “Snakes & Ladders,” Wiley’s fourth album with Big Dada, Wiley
reminds us exactly what the Bow-born Godfather of Grime is all about.
Innovative, banging beats and fast, scattershot, brilliant rhyming, all held
together by a personality that is as compelling, contradictory and charismatic
as any in modern music. It’s no exaggeration to say that if Wiley had been
born on the other side of the pond, he would be one of the biggest stars in the
world, and could achieve it without compromise. Here, though, we are sometimes
left
wondering what the ladders are in his career and what are the snakes.
One thing is beyond doubt, as JME puts it on “From The Outside”: “Wiley
is a national treasure.” The sheer off-the-cuff brilliance of his vocal poise
is something we should cherish. Skepta provides production for stand-out “On
A Level,” a lithe take on classic grime tropes, but
it’s Wiley’s lyrical exuberance that would make this a hit if it got the
half the radio play of “Heatwave.” “Step 21” provides enough dubstep
feel for Wiley to show he can make anything bounce. “What’s On Ya Mind?”
demonstrates a more thoughtful Wiley
offering a little advice. Other guests include Cam’ron, Ice Kid, Teddy and
Wrigz, but it’s Wiley’s voice and Wiley’s rhythms that catch the
listener’s attention again and again.