This is the sixth studio record from New York City emcee, songwriter and producer Wiki. A former member of the Ratking trio, he released his debut album “No Mountains in Manhattan” on XL Recordings in 2017, shortly after the label disbanded, followed by his second album “OOOOFIE” and “Telephonebooth” on his own label Wikset Enterprises the next fall. However, after finishing Half God in navy and the 14K Figaro by Tony Seltzer, he wanted to dig into some ancient history.
“GTFOH (Get The Fuck Outta Here)” opens with this drumless and soulful intro, admitting that he doesn’t feel like he’s missing out on 2026, while “Right Away” feels more optimistic about capturing his day over sample-based trap instrumentals. “1 Time” the chef goes in a boom direction and talks about how people don’t know how much power he really has, while “Park” spends the early morning of the day sitting on the grass in a psychedelic state.
Navy Blue provided the backing for one of my personal favorite songs, “IHNY (I Hate New York),” from the gorgeous boom beat to the lyrics detailing Wiki’s love/hate relationship with the city that made him who he is, but found steam on Duendita’s “Blldoom,” produced by Lil Ugly Mane and the instrumental work that people know every day (and songs they meet).
The second half of the album opens with “Bourbon,” about being the corner shop’s biggest customer, while “All in the Lining,” featuring Your Old Droog, finds the two teaming up for another abstract boom-bap standout, “Navy Blue.” “Marm Era” fondly describes memories he can recall like they happened yesterday, while “Had Your Fun” continues the sample, letting everyone who thought he was over it know he’s still here.
Salimata teamed up with Wiki to create the romantic “Something New,” about giving up bullshit for each other over a MIKE beat that capped off the final moments of ancient history, while the song “7 Deadly Sins” gives us a moody depiction of Christianity’s cardinal vice. The title track, which is accompanied by a symphony for the last 5 minutes of the full length, comes from one of my top ten producers, The Alchemist, who talks about his shortness getting tired of him.
While I still think “Half God” is the most important statement in Wiki’s solo catalog, and 14K Figaro is probably a close second at this point, and puts the fantastic “Faith is a Rock” album he made with MIKE a few years ago on the same pedestal, I still like a good portion of “Ancient History” as it strays away from 2023’s main 23p pre-production and conscious themes, going for a more drumless sound and becoming more mysterious. and his songwriting.
Rating: 7/10
