Wiki - Ancient History (2026)

Following his cameo in 'Marty Supreme' ex-Ratking rapper Wiki returns in earnest with his first proper solo jaunt since 2019. A set of reflective, self-deprecating East Coast bumps, flanked by MIKE, Mount Kimbie's Dom Maker, the Alchemist, Navy Blue and Nick Hackim, among others.

You can't argue with Wiki's output. Since Ratking splintered a decade ago and Wiki launched his solo run with 2015's two-hour 'Lil Me', he's taken up residence as one of the East Coast underground's most reliable pillars, perennially offering up sturdy records like 2019's 'Oofie' and 2023's collaboration with MIKE and the Alchemist, 'Faith is a Rock'. Last we heard of him, he was breaking bread with producer Tony Seltzer on the excellent '14k Figaro' and now he's back with a long-awaited "proper" solo set, roping in his old spar Your Old Droog, 10k's duendita and Brooklyn-born rapper Salimata alongside a ragtag band of producers to muck in.

And although the singles - like the cloud rap/drill hybrid 'Right Away' and 'Park', a subtly nostalgic, psychedelic highlight - were strong, they work far better when they're absorbed in sequence. Because Wiki's got a defined vision for his sound; he might be using a spread of different producers to shape the sound of 'Ancient History', but he's been doing this long enough to know full well how to pick the best and bin the rest. So although the first half of the record plays to the East Coast crowd, showing Wiki's roots with sample-heavy beats that contextualize his anecdotes, the album jumps the wall with 'Old Gods', a misty-eyed BOC-cum-'Endtroducing' dreamer that resets the mood.

When Your Old Droog shows up on 'All in the Lining', Wiki sounds as if he's inhaled a brown bag full of marching powder, while 'Marm Era' splits a neo-funk groove with Neptunes-style percussive snaps. Better still is the washed-out 'Something New', when Wiki steps out of the spotlight to allow Salimata to shine, and '7 Deadly Sins', a heartbreakingly cinematic cut that contains some of the most piercing lyrics Wiki's ever committed to tape.