Wiki, the prolific New York City emcee, songwriter, and producer, has returned with his sixth studio LP, Ancient History. Rising to prominence as a member of the trio Ratking, Wiki established his solo career with the 2017 debut No Mountains in Manhattan, followed by OOFIE and Telephonebooth. After the success of his recent collaborative projects, including Half God with Navy Blue and 14K Figaro with Tony Seltzer, this latest effort finds the artist digging into a more abstract, introspective soundscape.
A Shift in Sonic Direction
The album opens with “G.T.F.O.H. (Get The Fuck Outta Here),” a drumless, soulful introduction that sets the tone for a project defined by its atmospheric production. Throughout the tracklist, Wiki balances his signature New York grit with experimental textures. Tracks like “Right Away” lean into sample-based trap, while “1 Time” channels a classic boom-bap energy, showcasing his lyrical dexterity and confidence.
A standout moment arrives with “I.H.N.Y. (I Hate New York),” produced by Navy Blue. The track captures the complex, often contradictory relationship Wiki maintains with the city that shaped his identity. The production remains opulent yet grounded, providing a perfect backdrop for his candid storytelling. Following the melodic “Bloom,” which features duendita and production from Lil Ugly Mane, the album reaches its midpoint with “Old Gods,” a high-energy display of technical rapping over a Tony Seltzer beat.
Refining the Abstract
The second half of Ancient History continues to push boundaries. “Bourbon” highlights his observational skills, while “All in the Lining,” featuring Your Old Droog, serves as another abstract boom-bap highlight. The project also features a romantic turn on “Something New,” where Wiki collaborates with Salimata over a beat by MIKE, before diving into the moody, conceptual “7 Deadly Sins.”
The album concludes with the title track, a five-minute symphonic piece produced by The Alchemist. It serves as a fittingly grand finale, grounding the project’s experimental nature in a cinematic soundscape. While Half God remains a cornerstone of his discography, Ancient History succeeds by embracing a departure from the trap-heavy production of his previous work, opting instead for a more cryptic and drumless aesthetic that rewards repeated listens.
Score: 7/10