The Ascent is the ninth studio album by English rapper and producer Wiley. The album was released on 1 April 2013, by Warner Music Group and Boy Better Know, after being delayed twice.[2][3]The Ascent succeeds Evolve or Be Extinct which was released in January 2012. The album features a variety of experimental genres, varying from dance pop to grime.
The album received positive to mixed reviews from music critics and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 26 which became his highest-charting solo studio album until Godfather (2017) reached the top 10, yet is his first top 40 album entry. The album has spawned four top ten hits in the UK Singles Chart including the number one single "Heatwave" which also charted in Australia.
Background
The name of the album was first confirmed by Wiley on 27 September 2012, via his official Twitter account. Wiley also confirmed that his friend Meryl Fernandes, who portrayed Afia Masood in British soap opera EastEnders named his album.[16] The album's track list was later revealed on 11 October 2012, detailing sixteen tracks. However, in January 2013, the track list was revised. "Walking Through Fire", "Stay Here", "Common Ground" (featuring Ryan Keen), and "Drink My Pain Away" (featuring Stacy Barthe) were removed from the album;[17] while "Ninja" was demoted to the deluxe edition, and "So Alive", "Tomorrow" and "Humble Pie" were added to the standard edition, while "Rubicon" and "Broken Thoughts" were added to the deluxe edition.[18] The album was originally due to be released on 4 February 2013, but was later delayed until 11 March 2013, in order for a third single to be released prior to the album. The album was once again delayed until 1 April 2013, to allow for final edits to be made on the album.[19] "Ninja" was previously released as an official free download. Wiley collaborated with an extensive number of artists for the album, with featured guest appearances including Far East Movement, Kano, Skepta, JME, Ghetts, Griminal, Manga, Frisco, Big Shizz, Double S, Chip, Wrigz, J2K, Ice Kid and Megaman, Tulisa, Angel and Emeli Sandé.[20]
Singles
"Heatwave", featuring Ms D, was released as the album's lead single, debuting at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart on 5 August 2012, selling over 114,000 copies in its first week, becoming Wiley's first ever solo number one. "Can You Hear Me? (Ayayaya)", featuring Skepta, JME & Ms D, was released as the album's second single on 28 October 2012. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart, selling 75,000 copies.[21][22] "Reload", featuring Chip & Ms D, was released as the album's third single on 24 February 2013. It entered the top ten of the UK Singles Chart on the week ending 3 March 2013 at number 9. "Lights On", featuring Angel and Tinchy Stryder, was released as the album's fourth single on 7 June 2013. It also entered the UK Singles Chart at number 9.
