Fresh off his comical collaboration with Michael Christmas, Alex Wiley returns with his new solo single, and it’s easily one of the best releases from Chicago in 2014 so far.

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“Own Man” is a classic back-then-heauxs-didn’t-want-me-now-I’m-hot-they-all-on-me-type record (word to Mike Jones) with Alex and fellow Chi Town native Mick Jenkins both lamenting on their circumstances (“Please don’t never think it’s sweet just ’cause a n***a got a fucking cosign,” Mick spits with vigor). Both verses are pretty bleak, but what’s great about the song is how it oscillates between melancholy and euphoria; the combination of Alex’s triumphant hook (“Got a head full of mischief and a car full of heauxs!”) and Odd Couple’s production feels like your soul ascending to Heaven’s pearly gates.

Melody, flow and rhymes that carry an emotional connection; this Alex kid has got a pretty complete package. Stay tuned for his new mixtape, Village Party, coming soon via Closed Sessions.

Alex Wiley Tour Dates:

Feb 28 — What’s Up Lounge (Minneapolis, MN)
Mar 2 — Vaudeville (Des Moines, IA)
Mar 7 — Rock Island Bar (Wichita, KS)
Mar 13 — Nice Kicks Showcase (Austin, Texas)
Mar 13 — AAEMP Records Showcase (Austin, Texas)
Mar 14 — HipHop Supreme Sound Stage SXSW Esther’s Follies (ATX)
Mar 15 — Venue:- 512 Bar- Official SXSW Showcase
Mar 22 — Nester Lounge (Fargo, ND)
Mar 27 — Club Red (Phoenix, AZ)
Mar 28 — Los Globos 19+ (Los Angeles, CA)
Apr 11 — Domino Room (Bend, OR)
Apr 13 — El Corazon (Seattle, WA)

Related: New Music: Michael Christmas Feat. Alex Wiley “Step Brothers”