Snakes & Ladders
Wiley · 2014
63 min · 17 tracks · drum and bass
A vivid blend of grime and UK garage showcasing sharp flows over minimalist, bass-heavy production.
Top tracks — play these first
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On a Level Start here — This track stands out for its infectious beat and lyrical confidence, encapsulating Wiley's mastery of flow and wordplay while addressing authenticity within the scene.
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Grew Up In — In this reflective song, Wiley delves into his upbringing and influences, providing listeners with personal insight that deepens the emotional resonance of the album.
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Lonely — With its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, this track showcases Wiley's vulnerability and offers a stark contrast to the bravado seen in other songs on the album.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of energy
- reflective moments in solitude
- catchy hooks for sing-alongs
- narrative arcs across tracks
- varied pacing throughout album
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, uninterrupted tracks
- seek instant gratification only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Wiley's artistic expression within the grime genre.
- Themes
- grime authenticity· East London upbringing· bass-heavy introspection
- Career context
- By the time Wiley released Snakes & Ladders in 2014, he was already a central figure in the UK grime scene, having previously achieved commercial success with albums like 2008's Race Against Time. This album marked a return to his roots after experimenting with mainstream sounds in earlier projects. It reflects his ongoing evolution as an artist and his desire to maintain authenticity within the genre.
Tracklist
- 1 Snakes & Ladders, Part One 1:25
- 2 On a Level Start here 3:03
- 3 From the Outside 3:01
- 4 No Skylarking 2:48
- 5 Busy 3:28
- 6 Drive By 2:46
- 7 Badman 2:48
- 8 Step 21 3:16
- 9 Grew Up In 3:27
- 10 Lonely 5:06
- 11 BMO Field 3:45
- 12 Reel Off 3:39
- 13 Bloodtype 3:26
- 14 Flying (Zdot remix) 4:23
- 15 What’s on Ya Mind? 4:19
- 16 Bars 1:21
- 17 Snakes & Ladders, Part Two 11:26
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Made in the Manor
Kano
Shares themes of East London life and introspective storytelling over gritty, bass-driven production.
Gang Signs & Prayer
Stormzy
Combines personal narratives with a blend of grime and gospel influences, echoing Wiley's introspective style.
Grime MC
Jme
Maintains the raw energy and authenticity of grime, focusing on personal and social themes with minimalist beats.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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