Wiley is a British grime and hip hop artist and producer from Bow, East London. He is also known as Eskiboy and Wiley Kat, and his real name is Richard Kylea Cowie. Born in 1979, he emerges from the East London underground garage and grime scenes and is widely associated with the development of grime.

Music and style

Wiley first begins producing in 1996, working across jungle and garage before becoming known in grime. He creates a style he calls “Eski”, which is closely linked to grime. “Eskimo” is one of the best-known tracks associated with that style and becomes an important underground release.

He first performs under the name Wiley Kat, taken from the Thundercats cartoon, and later shortens this to Wiley. He is often described as a pioneering figure in grime and is sometimes referred to as the “godfather of grime”.

Early scene and radio

He becomes well known in East London’s underground garage scene in the late 1990s. During this period he appears on East London pirate radio stations playing grime tracks, which helps raise his profile. He also makes numerous vinyl releases and sometimes sells records directly to shops himself while driving around London.

Groups and collaborations

Wiley is a member of Pay as You Go Cartel, Roll Deep, The A List and Phaze One. He first comes to prominence as a member of Pay As You Go Cartel, which has limited UK chart success. He later leaves that group to form Roll Deep.

As Phaze One, he co-produces “Nicole’s Groove” and appears on tracks by other artists.

Record label work and releases

He founds Eskibeat Recordings in 2007. The label is not a crew, but a record label associated with MCs including Chipmunk, Little Dee and Ice Kid.

Wiley releases three albums and is signed to XL Recordings and Big Dada. His third album, Playtime Is Over, appears on Big Dada. He also reaches mainstream success with the single “Wearing My Rolex” in 2008.

Associated labels and genre identity

Wiley’s work sits within grime and hip hop, and his own “Eski” style is a defining part of his output. He is also known under the alias Eskiboy.