“Via a bold fusion of sounds, collaborations, and stories—Wichyskills proves his versatility on “Drill Detour” EP.”
Wichyskills’ consistency and occasional flashes of brilliance on his records have earned him notable respect on his come-up, securing features with heavyweight acts like Blaqbonez, Erigga, Eeskay, and others. Beyond his well-rounded presence on the mic, what truly stands out is his knack for crafting earworms and optimising production to bring out the best in his artistry.
On “Drill Detour“—his first professional body of work since 2021, which began rolling out in late 2024 with three lead singles teasing its arrival—he steps out into a new territory, showcasing his versatility and seamlessly blending with various artists while still shining in his own right.
The intro, “Grab Your Copy”, bursts with life as Wichyskills shows off his melodic range and takes immediate command. Erigga joins in, delivering raw, fiery energy with his verse, perfectly nestled between Wichyskills’ melodic hook that ties the record together and makes it memorable. “Vixa” follows, a Dancehall-infused track laced with electronic chords and bounce. Its theme—escapism through drugs and drinks—comes alive with Mannie Tseayo’s whispery, slick delivery, which floats effortlessly over the production.
“Drill Love 2” with Eeskay, one of the lead singles, takes a surprisingly calm, mid-tempo approach—different from what listeners might expect from their pairing. Here, both artists are in search of companionship, highlighting the solace of being with a significant other. “You Should Know” continues the love-themed narrative with a calm, reassuring tone. Its hook is repeated throughout the track, but the vocal manipulations in each rendition keep it from becoming tiresome, instead amplifying the song’s message of reassurance.
On “Sojah”, Wichyskills takes a defiant stance against societal pressure and oppression. Partnering with OG Mage, who brings explosive energy to his verse, Wichyskills balances it with piercing, heartfelt delivery that communicates pain and resilience. “Perfect Timing” shifts into prayer, as he and collaborators KrissKillz and Timzy Mani express their desire for a breakthrough into stardom, pushing beyond limits to chase their dreams.
“Get Money” is the first track where Wichyskills stands alone, proving he can hold his own without collaborations. The song highlights the importance of financial stability, a relatable theme for much of his audience. On “Economiss”, he pays homage to his eastern roots, with Raggy Drumz enriching the production through traditional percussion that evokes both nostalgia and cultural pride. At the same time, Wichyskills addresses harsh economic realities, lending his voice to the struggles of his people.
Across the 8-track project, Wichyskills finds strong pockets to showcase his musical dexterity, sounding comfortable across varied productions. With Concept Man handling much of the production, his sound is sharpened and tailored to highlight his strengths. Collaborations feel intentional, with Wichyskills often taking alternate routes to add unique balance and depth to each track.
As the title suggests, Drill Detour marks a deliberate deviation from his familiar drill formula, yet he never loses his essence. Instead, he expands into new territories of commercial sounds broad enough to appeal to the mainstream, while still retaining the qualities that make him stand out.
