Wiley From Atlanta - “This Ain’t Love”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Post Malone, Mac Miller, Young Thug

Wiley From Atlanta finds a unique lane on his debut record Blue Don’t Make Me Cry, combining blues and hip hop in a gravelly, explorative manner. His growl either acts as a rootsy instrument or modern rap flows depending on the mood of each track, a chameleon that maintains cohesion through his distinct vocal tone. Opener “Cashmere” is a spacious rap track, rhyming over light psychedelic beats, countered with the swampy urgency of highlight “Shells on the Rug”, a song that finds a cool R&B groove within Wiley From Atlanta’s full-bodied sound. “This Ain’t Love” drops into lonely psychedelic rock space, “Blood Orange” tapping into some mumble rap modes - Blue Don’t Make Me Cry is a record that shows all that Wiley From Atlanta can do and builds anticipation for whatever is coming next. One thing that stands out from the album as a whole is Wiley From Atlanta’s laid-back, but wholly soulful delivery (check “Backseat” for a full dip into this vibe), an affecting artist of high potential given such an interesting voice. (Kevin McStravick)