Artist: Wiki
Album: Half God
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Background
Wiki, birth name Patrick Morales, is a 28 year old rapper from New York City. In some ways, it's surprising he's still that young. Nowadays, he's seen as an elder statesman of the New York underground scene. Wiki has been a staple in the underground rap scene for close to a decade now. Wiki came to prominence as a member of Ratking. The group was made up of New York artists Hak, Sporting Life, and Wiki. They released their debut album "So it Goes" in 2014. You can hear the influence of the album today, specifically in the abstract rap scene that includes artists like MIKE, Standing on the Corner, Navy Blue, and Earl Sweatshirt to name a few. The album was, and still is, a breath of fresh air. The album harnesses the energy of youthfulness and rebellion. The energy from Wiki, in particular, is palpable. It's evident how hungry he is to tell his story. Furthermore, it's extremely easy to be sucked into his delivery accented by his unique lisp due to some missing teeth. Wiki's passion exudes from every word and it's a special thing to hear. On a side note, I highly recommend checking out their legendary Boiler Set. Wiki puts on an insane performance. The production of the record is lively and futuristic. It ranges from noisy, strange, to abrasive. The influences range from grime, Southern Hip Hop, and of course New York Hip Hop. The album includes sound recordings taken straight from NY like subway doors closing or a stop and search by NY police. The album has such a unique sound to it, and I am glad that you can still find elements of this album in the current underground scene. Unfortunately, the bright career of Ratking was abruptly cut short as Hak left the group to pursue a solo career. It's hard to not wonder what could have been. The unique sound and synergy of the group for that moment in time was something special. Luckily, Wiki has always been a constant presence in the rap scene and has only gotten better as a rapper with time.
After the dissolution of Ratking, Wiki did not waste any time and became a very prolific solo artist. He released his debut album, "Lil Me" in 2015. The album is stylistically diverse on the production side. In many ways, it is a lot less adventurous than "So it Goes," but Wiki proves he can flow on just about any style of production. The album is absolutely stacked with great producers, and shows how well respected Wiki is within hip hop circles. The album boasts production credits from Madlib, Kaytranada, Sporting Life, Black Noi$e, and Black Milk. Lyrically, the album reinforces the down to earthness of Wiki. Hell, he has a song solely commenting on what it's like to still be living with his Mom. Elsewhere, he ruminates on touring, growing pains, his newfound fame, and growing up in NY. His clever and thoughtful lyricism is still present and is showcased more prominently with a more tame sound.
In 2017, he released his major label debut on XL Records, "No Mountains in Manhattan." The album's title refers to a quote from the film Mean Streets. In Wiki's own words, "I took that and put my own perspective on it. It's kind of like the obstacles and getting through shit. Everybody can relate to that." The album, like a lot of Wiki's work, is a display of confidence from someone who was always called to rap. In an interview with Nations of Billions, he commented about pursuing his rap career as a young kid. "Prolly knew that shit when I was like 8th grade. I was going out and trying to make the moves to make that happen. Figuring out who to work with as producer, just rapping trying to do shows and shit. Getting myself prepared, you know what I'm saying." Wiki comes across as extremely polished as an emcee on this album. The bars are slick and braggadocious, but he balances that with honest introspection. Additionally, he examines the state of New York and his place in it. As with his past albums, he is adept at adapting his flows to different styles of adventurous beats. As always, his energy and charisma is still one of his most defining features. After the release of this album, it's hard to think of another rapper from the 2010's who consistently released great material at such a young age.
In 2019, Wiki went independent and released the album, "Oofie." He left the label amicably, but admittedly did not receive the amount of attention he anticipated with "No Mountains in Manhattan." In an interview with NME, Wiki remarked on the label situation. "They understood my perspective, and they were mad supportive and very cool about it….you go to these labels, and it's not like people don't like you but maybe the person who originally signed you — who had that vision behind you — if they're not there anymore and two, three years pass… it's just that stagnant thing where you're like: 'Alright, I know you fuck with me, but I need to be the person who makes this happen." In the time between the release of "No Mountains in Manhattan" and "Oofie," Wiki ran into a lot of adversity. His relationship with drinking became more concerning. He wasn't receiving the amount of attention or financial compensation he thought he deserved. Furthermore, he was overthinking following up "No Mountains in Manhattan." However, he decided the antidote to that overthinking was to just create and say what felt right. As you listen to "Oofie," that can be evidently heard. The album is in your face with some of his heaviest and gritty production yet. "Grim" remains one of the best and hardest songs of 2019 with stellar verses from Wiki, Lil Ugly Mane, and Denzel Curry. Wiki still sounds as hungry as ever, and still has that same trademark fiery passion. At the same time, this is one of his most introspective albums. The writing is poignant and nakedly honest at points, especially on the emotional "Promises." A raw introspective look on substance abuse and the cycle it perpetuates. If "No Mountains in Manhattan" was an outward conceptual examination of New York then this project is an inward examination of Patrick Morales. Up to this point in his career, you could argue that this is his best album yet. So where does Wiki go from here?
Review:
"Half God" is a reinvention of sorts for Wiki. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he commented on how this felt like a new chapter for him as an artist. "I feel like this is like my first album. I know that sounds mad corny to say, but just in terms of being a new chapter, you know what I mean? It's like, I don't feel any of the weight of the past holding me back or making me feel like, oh, I could've done that better." That newfound sense of weightlessness and comfort comes through in spades. A big reason why is the synergy between Wiki and Navy Blue. Wiki completely forgoes the aggressive and grimy production found in most of his work. The soulful, medatative sample chops from Navy Blue allow Wiki to slow down and let his lyrics breathe. As a result, Wiki's reflections of himself and New York City have never sounded better.
The mission statement of the album can be found in Wiki's verse on the track "All I Need" featuring Earl Sweatshirt. The two sound right at home over a beautifully airy beat by Navy Blue. Earl absolutely kills his verse with intricate rhyme schemes that tackle relationship issues. One of his best verses in years. Initially, Wiki's verse starts in frustration. He, rightfully so, is upset about the lack of recognition that he has received commercially and critically. However, Wiki looks inward and concludes that he needs to take care of himself and not worry about outside forces or things out of his control. After this realization, his confidence ratchets up and there is an unmistakable conviction in his voice. The last couple lines of the verse are a mantra for the rest of the album, "Dry your eye, whole lot of demons stuck in//Only way to leave them's to confront 'em//Ain't no reason for 'em, that's just life and what it come with." This was the first song recorded for the album and in an interview with Rolling Stone he comments on how the song influenced the trajectory of the album. "I was still drinking a lot back then, I slowed down on that when I was writing this record. But at the same time, it was the beginning of that positive trajectory…And I feel like that was the start of that energy on the album, and the place I'm coming from now." It's beautiful to hear an album where an artist is forthcoming about their shortcomings, but you can tell is actively making strides to be better. No song is this more clear than on "Can't Do This Alone." On one of the most upbeat and triumphant beats on the album, Wiki and Navy Blue have electric chemistry. One of my favorite things about this song is how interrelated their verses are, especially the lines talking about each of their respective births. Navy kicks it off with one of his most energetic verses, and as always is as insightful as ever. Wiki comes in extremely focused with wonderful storytelling. The verse starts with Wiki's birth which was far different from the ease in which Navy Blue came into the world. The details of his mom needing an epidural, but being too late as Wiki was already ready to burst into the world is one of my favorite moments on the album. It's those little details that are so special about Wiki's writing on this album. After listening, you have a better understanding of him as a person. While he opens the verse on a strong note, I'd argue the verse somehow gets better as it goes. Wiki reflects on the time he was unable to accept love in a previous relationship. However, he understands he's still learning and voicing his mistakes through music can help others avoid similar mistakes. He directly acknowledges his cycle of drinking to help with pain and vows to put a stop to it. Wiki's frankness about his struggles and commitment to betterment is inspiring.
In the same interview with Rolling Stone, Wiki commented on the overwhelming inspiration he was receiving while making this album. "For a long time, my process was more about really pushing it out and having to sit there and be like let me get this 24 off or whatever, let me get this 16 off. But with this, it was almost the opposite. It was like, now I need to cut things down because I got so much coming in waves. And I wasn't trying to take that for granted, you know? I know how special that is as an artist, inspiration, and all that. So it was a great feeling." This overwhelming feeling of inspiration is especially evident in the song "Wik da God." Over a bouncy beat with a jaunty piano line, Wiki raps his ass off for about four minutes straight. The lyrics seem to just be pouring out of him. I love how he cleverly describes an actual stream of consciousness at the beginning of the verse as the rest of the verse follows that structure. His delivery is particularly arresting on this track and it's practically impossible to not have the stank face while listening to this one.
Not only is Wiki looking within on this record, he is processing his interpersonal relationships and New York changing in front of his eyes. On one of the most tender songs of the album, "Never Fall Off," Wiki details the early stages of a relationship. The backing production by Navy Blue is gorgeous. The twang of the guitar and silliness of the strings work in perfect harmony for you to melt into. Wiki's tender writing shines as details the excitement and hesitancy of entering a new relationship. It's refreshing to hear such a sweet love song centered around intimate moments like cheeky flirting rather than sex.
On album highlight "The Business" Wiki shares his feelings on gentrification in New York. According to a study by Berkley called the Urban Displacement Map, which examined gentrification in New York, "12 percent of low-income neighborhoods are experiencing ongoing or advanced gentrification and an additional 9 percent are experiencing displacement – households being forced to leave — without any gentrification at all. " Wiki is a lifelong New Yorker and is having to watch the stores and people he grew up with being displaced. On "The Business" Wiki seethes at those who move to New York and do exactly this. Many people who move to New York don't even consider or actively ignore the harm they are causing the local residents. On the last lines of the second verse, Wiki rightfully questions why people move without thinking of the consequences. These lines are some of the most impactful from the record. "Don't know a soul from the city, why'd they even move?//To your home that they stole from right up under you//What I can't understand or get through to me is//After all the schooling you did, don't know what community is?" I can't imagine how disheartening it feels to see the neighborhood he loves change in front of his eyes. As a result, Wiki throughout the record cherises the community in New York City. On the introspective "Promised" featuring Mike, the song focuses on what matters most to Wiki. He understands that the money or recognition is not what made him. Instead, it's the impact of his music and the community he can rely on in New York. The song has beautiful lyrics about persevering through adversity and refocusing on what's important when we hit a roadblock. My favorite lyric comes from Wiki's commentary on those who help him up when he falters. "But what's the loss cost me, nothing too costly//As long as I end up back on Mott Street//Know I got me a spicy chicken sandwich from my akhi// that's all I need." These lyrics reflect on how those small joys in life and our relationships with people are what keep us going.
Wiki has been in the game for a decade now. On another track highlight, "Still Here," he reflects over a nostalgic beat from Navy on how he got here. When hooping didn't work out, he never looked back once he began rapping. Making music helped him be confident in himself when the words would never come out right in other social situations. Later in the second verse, he commits to seeing this through and not steering his listeners down the wrong path. Another thing that is evident about this album is the integrity of Wiki. He cares about the person listening to his music. To close the album, Wiki imparts wisdom to his listeners on "Grape Soda." Navy blue provides a drumless psychedelic beat that sounds like a warped barbershop quartet. Wiki sounds at peace as he raps. He beautifully paints pictures of summer in New York. The fire hydrants spraying in the street as kids gather round to cool off. How deceptively refreshing grape soda can be on a scorching day. But as you get older, you realize the impact it can have on your health. In many ways, this album feels like those little lessons and changes you have to get accustomed to when you're grown. And growing in the face of change can be difficult. However, Wiki, especially on this song, makes it feel effortless. The second verse beautifully closes the album centering on community, New York City, and heritage. It's a reminder that if we keep stretching and pushing for growth while strengthening the relationships with those closest to us that things are going to be alright. All praise to Wiki and Navy Blue for this beautiful album.
Favorite Lyrics:
Never Fall Off
Tryna wife her
White Nike her
Not the white knight type
More the prince turned a frog
I like shorty 'cause what turns her on, other girls, it turns 'em off
She gets me, my disposition
She likes to listen
Slightly pretentious, but she gets it when she heard my songs
She bop along
Points out a line I said, we talking on
I took a joint to the head 'cause she don't spark a lot
She took vodka on the rocks, I took a littlе tea
She pushing into me
I said, "You want a littlе bit of me?"
She took it literally
Then she gripped my knee
Eyes locked for what seemed like weeks, someone took the key
Can't Do This Alone
Sage gave me what I need to continue to tell
Bad or good, everything I've been through
So you don't make the same mistakes that Wik do
What I gotta do to get through without copping a brew
Twist off the top for a brief moment, put a stop to the blues
But then it turn into a cycle, ain't no stopping the blues
So I had to put a stop to the booze, popped me some shrooms
Locked in, dropped some heat on top of the beat
And I don't need a stage, do it on the block, on the street
Wik Da God
Hit 'em with the scripture
Riddle it to 'em simple so they get the picture
Still a little abstract, I think it's a river
I think I can see the water, see the ripples
Uh, see the stream of consciousness that come within you
Based on your consequences
They base your competence on how you live and what you into
I intend to defend you
Need to be a pillar
Of society, nah, I need to keep it realer
Home
I don't need a home, I'm in my element
My parents, they love me, I feel the sentiment
But I'm a nomad, no pad, I ain't resting shit
I will never sit, keep peddling
The earth is mine
The earth is yours, my herd behind
Me, I walk the line till the earth is purged
My purpose served
On God, that's what I had to do
Longitude, latitude
All the foul fools with the attitudes
Had to move on from 'em, get along with 'em 'til they turn irrational
But I told you
I ain't posted, I'm just passing through, but still
Promised
Open up the curtains, see
Everything the world conceived, left to me
Not no unnecessaries, only necessities
The bare ones, have you cherishing your sense of Qi
Set you free, just don't take a turn down the wrong street
But what's the loss cost me, nothing too costly
As long as I end up back on Mott Street
Know I got me a spicy chicken sandwich from my akhi, that's all I need
But after all I've seen, I had to stop it
After all the years of being toxic
In every unity, I got it
Every opportunity, he lost him
But either way, community still got him
Everything you did for profit
I've hardly counted what I got yet
This just was the only way I could be honest
Uh, the only place I could keep my promise
The Business
Yuppy see, yuppy do, they gullible
But then they multiply and that's when they start to fuck with you
Get under your skin like a fucking tick, put up rent
If this keep up, be in the park putting up some tents
For every one that left, four more come, now they reproducing
Really, what's so confusing 'bout some Boris bumping music?
Complain, saying, "Must you move at this time of night?"
I'm like, "What is it to you? Y'all got me tight"
They getting too comfortable
Turned our blocks to amusement parks when they drunk and don't know what to do
Don't know a soul from the city, why'd they even move?
To your home that they stole from right up under you
What I can't understand or get through to me is
After all the schooling you did, don't know what community is?
Grape Soda
Let go of all the pressure
All together
That once stressed ya
With just one gesture
Wipe your hands clean
Then take a fresh sip out the canteen
All that grape soda gon' clog your arteries
Give you diabetes, shit, make it hard to breath
Leave you panting, drink more water
Let that can be, before you can't breathe
I wanna see you be
Everything you can be
Discussion Questions:
- Where does this stand amongst Wiki's albums?
- What kind of production would you want him to hop on next album?
- What was your favorite song on the album and why?
- What about his album resonated with you?
- How did this album sit and grow with you after more listens?
