News: Wiley, Godfather Of Grime, To Get Biopic




Wiley, “Godfather of Grime” is set to get a biopic from Pulse Films and BMG titled Wiley. Grime is genre of music that emerged in London in the early '00s and draws influence from dancehall, reggae and hip hop that often features rapid breakbeats and an aggressive electronic sound. Wiley is a key figure in the genre and is considered a pioneer in the British underground music scene. He has also had several crossover hits, including “Wearing My Rolex" and "Heatwave."

Adam Smith (Trespass Against Us) will direct, which will cover his early days as a struggling producer and performer on pirate radio in London up until when he started to become a worldwide name. It will also trace the growth of grime from its underground U.K. roots to a genre that is popular around the world.

"This is my life, my highs and lows, but it’s not really all about me,” Wiley said. “When I make music, help the scene or even do something like this, it’s like I’m not alone any more. It’s for people who grew up like me. I’m doing it to help people who are lost like me.”

His latest album, “Godfather II,” was released on April 27. BMG has published all of Wiley’s songs since it started working with him in April 2015 with co-publishing partner Black Butter.

Trespass Against Us with Michael Fassbender was Smith's first narrative feature. He also directed the Chemical Brothers documentary Don’t Think and directed the video for Wiley’s single “Wot Do U Call It?” Smith said that: 


:Meeting Wiley and seeing what he and his friends were creating was a huge inspiration to me. Making a film about this incredible talent and his story 15 years later is very exciting.”

The script is being written by Sabrina Mahfouz. Pulse Films’ Marisa Clifford is producing, alongside Josephine Davies, and Jacob Swan Hyam. Pulse’s Thomas Benski and Lucas Ochoa, A-List Management’s John Woolf, and BMG’s William Kennedy and Kathy Daum, 
Janaya Cowie (Wiley’s sister), Jamal Edwards (founder of the influential SBTV urban music channel), are all serving as executive producers. 

Pulse Films CEO Clifford said:


 “We’re honored to be working with [Wiley] on such an ambitious project and thrilled to be collaborating with Adam Smith, who is an incredible and innovative filmmaker. We’re also very excited to be working with Sabrina Mahfouz, who we think is one of the most exciting young writers around.”