On a day that saw many big names drop new albums, it might be easy for some to overlook Wiki. Yet the Ratking member's No Mountains In Manhattan may very well be one of the day's strongest releases, featuring sixteen tracks of strong production and excellent lyricism. While Wiki may not have the mainstream shine of say, Lil Uzi Vert, his rugged New York style gives him a unique hip-hop aesthetic unique to the city that never sleeps.
With production from randomblackdude AKA Earl Sweatshirt, Montreal's Kaytranada, Wiki himself, & more, No Mountains In Manhattan manages to blend a classic New York sound with a more experimental vibe. If you don't follow, catch the twelvth track Jalo, which finds Wiki unleashing a lyrical barrage over an atmospheric synth, with short "boom-bap" intermissions. If you're craving some raw raps, tracks like "Mayor" should scratch that itch, bringing in some soulful vocal samples for good measure.
The fourth track "Made For This" features none other than Ghostface Killah, and it's a match made in heaven. Both rappers excel over this type of beats, and they manage to wax poetic on triumph while retaining their signature slang. "Old heads miscellaneous," raps Wiki, "muthafuckas ain't gon drift, they stay put, they ain't gon' miss."
While some of the new releases from Lil Uzi Vert, XXXTENTACION, and A$AP Mob may be a little too "2017" for some hip-hop heads, between Wiki and Action Bronson's new projects, there's no excuses for you to sleep on some real lyricists. Expand your horizon and make room for the Ratking veteran, as this might very well be one of the sleeper hits of the year.
There may be "no mountains in Manhattan," but Wiki still manages to find a new way to elevate his game to Everest heights. Stream it right here!