The 2004 single "Wot Do U Call It?" serves as a definitive moment in grime, with Wiley questioning the genre's identity and his own place within it. This track remains a touchstone for discussions about grime's origins and evolution.
- The single's A-side, "Wot Do U Call It?", directly addresses the naming conventions of the nascent grime genre. It features a sample from the 1982 track "The Model" by Kraftwerk. The single was released on XL Recordings, a label also known for signing artists like The Prodigy and Dizzee Rascal.
- The B-side, "Pies", showcases Wiley's faster-paced MCing style, a contrast to the more contemplative A-side. Wiley's 2004 output, including this single, cemented his reputation as a prolific and influential artist in UK urban music.
- Despite the genre-bending nature of the track, it failed to chart on the official UK singles chart. The single is widely regarded as a key release in establishing the sonic and thematic landscape of early grime.
Wiley is a grime MC and producer from Bow, East London, often called the "Godfather of Grime". At this point in his career, Wiley was a central figure in the burgeoning grime scene, having recently released his debut album Treddin' on Thin Ice.
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