Wiki & Subjxct5 Announce ‘Cold Cuts’ Collab Mixtape / Share “My Life” Single

It’s only been a few months since I’ve started going out to concerts again, but I entered into lockdown on a high note coming off a pair of shows that have remained fresh in my mind throughout the pandemic. In early February 2020, I celebrated my birthday with what later proved to be my last possible opportunity to catch one of my all-time favorite comedians, Norm Macdonald. Exactly one week later, we went to see New York rapper, Wiki perform at a small all-ages venue in town..Although markedly different in obvious ways, there are actually some very specific aspects that connect the late Canadian standup and the Manhattan emcee; namely their mastery of delivery and unwavering dedication to their respective crafts.

It was remarkable to witness Norm at work; a highly revered master at the top of his game. MacDonald forged his legendary status organically by genuinely never giving a fuck about anything other than doing what he felt and sticking to his guns. He was fearless and known for it. In the same way that Norm was everyone’s favorite comedian’s favorite comedian, Wiki is a rapper’s rapper in every sense of the word. The stage we saw him on was substantially smaller, but his ability to command that space was awe-inspiring. The man born Patrick Morales has a presence that is undeniable and one could imagine that, despite the modest venue, the Puerto Rican/Irish rapper was likely rocking Madison Square Garden in his mind that entire night. More importantly, he could have just as easily been spitting in a cipher in a grimy stairwell, while delivering with just as much energy and conviction. His focus is far beyond his physical surroundings and his prowess electrifying. It’s refreshing to see a pure NYC emcee that isn’t distracted by flash over substance and it’s that level of integrity that will continue to build his notoriety as his career progresses forward. Just like with Macdonald, Wiki‘s brand of art may never garner him recognition from the general public on a massive scale, but that isn’t really the goal. The way that he moves continues to earn him much more valuable respect from his peers and from fans looking for something more honest and affecting. We want to hear something real. We want lyrics.

While the pandemic has slowed a lot of us down, it feels as though Morales simply never bothered to take a break. Last year saw him release two separate albums through his own label, Wikset Enterprise. For Telephone, he worked alongside Philly producer NAH, who had previously contributed heavily to his 2019 album, OOFIE. He followed that up later in the year with the critically acclaimed, Half God, a collaboration produced entirely by Navy Blue. This classic one-rapper/one-producer formula seems to appeal to Wiki at this stage of his career, allowing him to experiment in collaborations, before moving on to test himself and see what other possibilities are out there. Today, he announces yet another upcoming release through Wikset, which sees him continuing that pattern. The brand new mixtape titled Cold Cuts finds him teaming up with New Jersey producer, Subjxct5. While I’m unfamiliar with Subjxct5‘s work, I’m definitely aware of Wiki‘s connections and that, with all the options available to him, the Garden State producer must be bringing something of real value to the table.

Cold Cuts isn’t slated for release until October 21st, but we get our first sample of what’s to come with the brand new single, “My Life.” Check it out below, followed by the full tracklist.

Wiki & Subjxct5

Cold Cuts

1. Jersey Sub

2. My Life

3. Train to Mecca

4. Mista

5. Come Home (feat. Afrikillz)

6. Butta Leather

7. The Fonz

8. Evergreen (feat. Papo2oo4)

9. Bossed Up Sense

10. Phone Calls (feat. Big Ouee)

11. Wikispeaks 2K22

12. Silent Meeting (feat. DJ Lucas)

13. Until We On (feat. Reed & Hunnaloe)

14. Ricky (feat. YL)

15. Bones (feat. Papo2oo4)

16. One More Chance (feat. Navy Blue)

17. Peace 2 MC Shan (feat. Slicky)

18. Always Will