I don’t like leaving negative criticism on people’s work, especially when they have put alot of work into a project. So I am not going to go into what’s wrong with this release, and what I don’t like about it.

What I do however support is independent artists, and independent moves. What Wiley has gone and done is release his album in 192 kbps quality for free, 16 days before it was due to be available on iTunes.

Why has he done this? Well he’s been on twitter talking about how he’s unhappy with iTunes not wanting to making changes to his upcoming release, and tensions between him and his manager and label (again).

Released 1st April 2013

Free Download: zippyshare (thepurplebay)

Tracklist:

1. “Ascent Intro” Richard Cowie 3:32

2. “Walking Through Fire” Richard Cowie 4:01

3. “First Class” (featuring Kano) Richard Cowie 2:51

4. “Skillzone” (featuring Griminal, Ghetts, Manga, Frisco, Scruizzer, Double S) Richard Cowie 3:16

5. “Hands in the Air” (featuring Chip, Ice Kid & Tulisa) Richard Cowie, Chip, Ice Kid, Tulisa 3:54

6. “Reload” (featuring Chip & Ms D) Richard Cowie Chip Mike ‘Scribz’ Riley 3:41

7. “Chainsaw” (featuring Wrigz, J2K) Richard Cowie 4:10

8. “Heatwave” (featuring Ms D) Richard Cowie, Dayo Olatunji Rymez 2:28

9. “So Alive” (featuring Far East Movement) Richard Cowie 3:24

10. “Lights On” (featuring Angel) Richard Cowie, Sirach Charles 2:35

11. “Can You Hear Me?” (featuring Skepta, JME & Ms D) Richard Cowie, Joseph Adenuga, Jamie Adenuga, Dayo Olatunji Rymez 3:39

12. “Tomorrow” (featuring Megaman) Richard Cowie 3:22

13. “My Heart” (featuring Emelie Sande) Richard Cowie, Emeli Sandé 2:58

14. “Humble Pie” Richard Cowie 3:39

15. “Broken Thoughts” Richard Cowie 4:03

16. “Ninja” Richard Cowie 3:15