Alex Wiley has built a strong following in his hometown of Chicago, the city that has become a production line for talented young rappers in recent years. Unlike many of his city counterparts Wiley's music is laid back, chilled and at times simply stunning. His trippy, multi-layered compositions play off of lyrics that make you stop and think "This happened to me the other day" or "I do that too".
'Spark Something' is a prime sample of what this guy can do, pairing beautiful choral melodies in the background with his masterful story telling. Weaving a tale of having no direction or purpose in life you can't help but identify with a guy who simply makes brilliant music but maybe doesn't have his whole life planned out. In an era of hyped up rappers and gross pride Wiley makes blissed out tunes that let him show case his obvious talent, without massaging your stereotypical hip hop artist ego.
RIFFED's Rating: 9/10