Grime pioneer Wiley has claimed that he will retire "around the end of 2014 or 2015".
If there's one constant in Wiley's career, it's that something unexpected is around the corner. Earning his first number one single, the Grime innovator responded with another flurry of 'Steps' downloads – free tracks, using the very latest rhythms available.
Set to release new album 'The Ascent' through Warner Brothers this Spring, Wiley should be cresting a wave of success. Instead, the MC has claimed in a new interview that he is already planning his retirement.
Speaking to MTV, Wiley said: "Even though getting to the top of the charts is a big deal, people forget that I’ve been doing music for 15 years now and yeah, I could keep releasing music and chasing another hit, but I want my next project after 'The Ascent album to be my last' – I’m planning on retiring around the end of 2014 or 2015."
"I just want to Alex Ferguson it and just leave things there! (laughs). By then things might have changed in the industry; I really can’t predict the future, but I know that me and Warner (Records) have got our last album to do and it’s in writing. I’ll be around 38-years old so that’s cool – I’ll just be stretched out chilling by the time I get to 39 (laughs)."
Set to be released on April 1st, 'The Ascent' could well become Wiley's most successful album to date. Packed with hit singles, the record also features guest appearances from the likes of Emili Sande, French Montana and more.
So could Wiley really retire? As FACT point out, he's done this plenty of times before… plus, it wouldn't be the first time the MC has attempted to pull the wool over our eyes…
