Lest we believe Wiley settled with Big Dada as a last resort, after leaving XL and finding some dissatisfaction with the self-released route, the producer/MC opens Playtime Is Over with "50/50," in which he declares, over and over, that he has the best record deal, punctuating the track with "50...bumbaclot 50!" He also big ups Big Dada by name several times -- probably several times more than any other MC who has been on the label. Across the album, there is not much advancement production-wise, yet there is just enough contrast that it does not make like Treddin' on More Thin Ice. The sounds are steelier and sharper, also lacking the cartoonish qualities of borderline-novelty tracks like "Pies," "Wot Do U Call It?," and "Goin' Mad." Beats that bob and dart hit just a little harder than before, heard most effectively on "Flyboy," where percussive jolts sound like rubber balls ricocheting off walls of an oversized racquetball court. The extra force helps bear a set of verses that is packed with self-assertive bluster, and though you can tell the self-proclaimed "Godfather of Grime" still doesn't take himself too seriously, it's good to hear him bulldoze through these tracks -- especially since he declared well before the album's release that it would be his last as an MC, citing age, fatherhood, and apathy, as well as the fractious relationships and physical threats he has had to endure throughout the years. The small clutch of relatively sensitive tracks, all of which are structurally solid, indicate that he has no problem branching out, and maybe he's even capable of doing an entire album of straight R&B (provided he avoids the vocal booth); "Come Lay with Me" is 21st century Loose Ends, glistening and swelling with romantic bliss, sounding nothing like a track made in a studio dubbed the Igloo. If he should fade into the background and never record his voice again, so be it -- he has never been technically adept and relies on character and the sound of his singular voice. Ceasing to make beats, however, would be some bad news.
Part 3 is the last in the series. Feel free to add more examples in the comments.Shiny productions in front of a green screen:Lethal B: (record deal)Wiley: (indie record deal - Big Dada)The only high production work of the series:Lady Sovereign: (record deal)
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Brrrup! Another sizzling Wiley video! Feel the beat drop in "Mistakes." This tune is more heartfelt and dare I say with conscious lyrics... Reminds me just a likkle bit of Dizzee's "Brand New Day" from Boy In Da Corner, when he was still under Eski-boy's wing.High quality mov format for "Mistakes" videoor watch it from youTube:Wiley also released Tshirts today with his name sprayed in white...
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Lots of Eski-boy goodies today! First of all, check the video for "50/50" off the upcoming Playtime Is Over album:Or check out a Quicktime version here:50/50 VidOh its is just so UK dance! I love it!The album gets dropped worldwide on June 4th, but you have to wait for the album release party with Boy Better Know crew (JME, Skepta), Loefah and Illa Man supporting the Grandfather of Grime! Th...
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Lady C - this one's for you!!! I know you love experimental electronica. And while I can't remember how you feel about grime, I get the feeling that a floating venue with free entrance is something you are already tuned into! Well, To All Electronica Enthusiasts in the Paris Vicinity, listen up - Wiley, the godfather of grime, the originator of Eski-beat, will play at the Batofar on 1st Sept...
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The pied piper of grime is dropping a new album. I can only listen to grime for so long, but eskiboy can keep me interested for the whole record. Album street date was June 4, but it hasn't hit iTunes or eMusic yet (at least in the US). When it does, grab it._Playtime Is Over_This song is good enough to leave on repeat all afternoon.wiki linkmyspace link
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 50/50 |
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| 2 Bow E3 |
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| 3 Slippin' |
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| 4 Flyboy |
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| 5 Baby Girl |
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| 6 Gangsters |
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| 7 Stars |
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| 8 Letter 2 Dizzee |
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| 9 My Mistakes |
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| 10 No Qualms |
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| 11 Johnny Was a Bad Boy |
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| 12 Nothing About Me |
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| 13 Come Lay with Me |
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| 14 Getalong Gang |
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| 15 Eski-Boy |
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| 16 Playtime's Over/Where's Wiley? |
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Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Playtime Is Over")
