Wiley, born Richard Kylea Cowie Jr. on January 19, 1979, in London, England, is widely recognized as the “Godfather of Grime.” Emerging from the UK garage scene in the early 2000s, he spearheaded a new musical movement by fusing garage, jungle, and dancehall, resulting in the creation of grime, a raw and energetic genre featuring rapid-fire MCing and electronic beats.

Wiley founded the pioneering crew Roll Deep, alongside influential artists like Dizzee Rascal and Skepta, helping to launch the careers of some of the biggest names in UK music. His early singles, such as “Eskimo” and “Wot Do U Call It?”, became underground anthems and defined the burgeoning grime sound.

Over an illustrious career, he released influential albums including *Treddin’ on Thin Ice* (2004), *Playtime Is Over* (2007), and the chart-topping *Godfather* (2017), earning both critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout his career, Wiley has maintained a reputation for relentless creativity, releasing an extensive catalog of mixtapes and collaborations. His 2008 single “Wearing My Rolex” marked a mainstream breakthrough, blending grime with electronic dance music and expanding his audience.

Known for his outspoken personality, Wiley has remained a central figure in the evolution of British urban music, inspiring generations of artists and producers. Wiley’s impact on the music industry has been recognized with numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to music in 2018. Despite his sometimes controversial public persona, Wiley’s influence on grime and UK music is undeniable, with his innovations continuing to shape the sound of contemporary British music worldwide.