The front man of Grime music is a busy man indeed. Not only does he have his own solo career to contend with, but his heavy involvement with super group Roll Deep and the number of Record Labels Wiley currently runs would make people think he is super human the way he does it 100% on his own. New record ‘100% Publishing’ is basically that, all Wiley.

All songs featured on this record are written, produced and recorded by Wiley, hence the name. All despite a guest vocalist (at the moment unnamed) during the chorus of ‘Talk About Life’ and the sweet sound of his 4 year old daughters voice Leah on the track ‘Music Is Not Money’ is the work of the rapper. In this day and age, that is pretty credible as Wiley doesn’t use names or influences to create a record, it’s all from his own back.

Bearing this in mind, the songs included are so varied that it doesn’t seem one man could have put together such a diverse array of beats, rhymes and tunes. But Wiley hasn’t made a total of seven albums by himself and become a mentor for the younger generation of UK rappers without dishing out the extraordinary.

Bringing back the Grime beats from yester year and branching out to other avenues in R&B and club smashes give the album its edge. The single ‘Numbers In Action’ was the only release from this record which doesn’t make sense because the album is full of tracks which are technically better. The soulful sound of ‘Up There’ puts the contention of best song come under debate but it’s not the only option available. ‘Pink Lady’ is a slow and seductive R&B song that certainly gets pulses going. With other tracks hitting the mark, Wiley has a good selection of songs at his disposal.

The concept for this album however is definitely how there is no featuring artists or guest producers or writers including in the production here. The majority of artists use names to sell records and get recognition; Wiley just uses his controversial personality at times, his talent and work ethic to make himself a cut above the rest. With this album doing what it says on the tin, you have a welcomed, all round record with no stone un-turned in terms of the UK music scene.

A good album that receives 4 Ms out of 5.

Wiley’s ‘100% Publishing’ is out now!

Words by: Dean Woodhouse

Catch Wiley’s entertaining Twitter page @WileyArtist

Wiley’s next album ‘Chill Out Zone’ comes out on the 17th of July