It’s been two years since New York rapper Wiki released his last album OOFIE, the follow-up to 2017’s No Mountains in Manhattan. Right on schedule, he’s returned with another full-length, this time in collaboration with Antwerp-by-way-of-Philadelphia producer Nah, who worked with Charlotte Adigéry, Cities Aviv, and Iggor Cavalera for 2020’s Mortal Glitch. Today, the two announced the new album titled Telephonebooth with the first glimpse, “Hip Hop,” and a video directed by Ryosuke Tanzawa.
The press release for “Hip Hop” states that Nah specifically made the beats on Telephonebooth for Wiki’s unmistakable voice. Over emails and chats between the two cities, Wiki and Nah are teasing a project that might be unforgettable. On the track, a relentless punching beat clashes with low, vibrating synths. Over staggered mumbled hums, Wiki’s flow is untouchable as his brazen accent winds through Nah’s blustering production.
In the video, Wik raps into a phone, then with a mic as the New York subway speeds by in the background, racing with the velocity of his words. “The trouble though / As the world turns my stubble grows / It seems that the world burns and the puddles grow.” Words perfect for these unacceptable times. Oh yeah, all this happens in less than a minute and a half. Really.
Check out “Hip Hop” below, ahead of the album’s May 7 release. Pre-order Telephonebooth here.
