Be Realistic

"Be Realistic" operates as a poignant manifesto on artistic independence, personal maturation, and the stark realities of navigating the modern music industry. At its core, the song is about shedding illusions—both those projected by the self and those forced upon artists by corporate entities. The collaboration between MIKE, Wiki, and The Alchemist brings together different generational and stylistic perspectives to address the challenges of remaining authentic in a highly transactional world.

The central theme is the rejection of exploitation. Wiki's verses deal explicitly with the business side of artistry—celebrating his departure from a record label and securing his own publishing. He underscores the importance of staying loyal to a true inner circle rather than the "leeches" who only attach themselves when there is something to gain. MIKE shifts the meaning toward a broader philosophical outlook, contrasting the organic, truthful existence of his art with the artificial, mass-produced reality of Silicon Valley and modern technology. Together, they suggest that to "be realistic" does not mean to give up on dreams, but rather to see the world exactly as it is, discard the superficial, and build success on a foundation of uncompromised truth.

The narrative of the song begins with a confident and unapologetic reflection on personal and artistic growth, delivered first through Wiki's gritty perspective. He directly addresses his doubters, pointing out that while they may have refuted his ideas and seemed confused by his execution, the tangible success of his hard work is undeniable. The narrative shifts into a contemplation of aging and the harsh realities of life, urging a sense of pragmatism with the phrase 'be realistic.' Wiki acknowledges the daunting statistics that work against artists as they grow older, but he uses this as fuel rather than a reason to surrender. He recounts a pivotal moment of artistic liberation: breaking away from the restrictive grip of a record label, reclaiming his publishing rights, and choosing to stay fiercely loyal to his original squad. This act of defiance is framed as a necessary step for survival and creative control.

As the story progresses, the focus turns toward the deceptive nature of the people surrounding successful individuals. The lyrics vividly describe 'leeches'—opportunistic individuals who disguise themselves as friends but disappear when times get tough, only returning to feed off an artist's energy and resources when they are vulnerable or bleeding. Wiki's narrative champions the ability to see through this facade, relying on inner strength and the genuine affection of true companions who act as a mirror, reflecting his true self.

When MIKE's narrative voice enters, the thematic focus broadens to touch upon ambition and the contrast between authenticity and modern artificiality. He expresses a steadfast refusal to settle for mediocrity or the 'middle tier,' continuously leveling up his craft. Using the metaphor of corrective lenses, he describes overcoming impaired vision to finally see the world and the industry with absolute clarity. This newfound lucidity allows him to recognize the superficiality around him. He critiques the modern 'Silicon Valley' mindset and the rise of artificial intelligence, likening them to selling fake, 'silicon' products. In contrast to this artificiality, he seeks out genuine, natural experiences—symbolized by 'natural wine'—and focuses on maintaining balance and saying hello to the youth. Ultimately, the story is one of achieving independence, recognizing one's own worth, and navigating a plastic world with unwavering, grounded authenticity.

The song "Be Realistic" was born out of a unique transatlantic collaboration orchestrated in 2022. Legendary hip-hop producer The Alchemist was approached by the Amsterdam-based streetwear brand Patta and the iconic fashion label Tommy Hilfiger to create original music for their collaborative capsule collection. The brands gave The Alchemist full creative control and asked if he knew any prominent New York artists to bring into the project. He immediately thought of Wiki, a gritty East Coast MC he had long wanted to work with, and after showing the brand representatives a video of the underground abstract rapper MIKE, they were instantly sold on creating a trio.

The three artists flew to Amsterdam, where they bonded over local Surinamese food, listened to beats, and recorded extensively. What was initially intended to be a simple promotional endeavor blossomed into a highly fruitful creative session. "Be Realistic" was first released on November 25, 2022, as part of a three-track EP titled One More. The chemistry among the three was so undeniable that they continued working together, eventually expanding their sessions into a critically acclaimed full-length 10-track collaborative album titled Faith Is A Rock, which was officially released in September 2023.

The song operates on a free-flowing, conversational rhythmic structure heavily rooted in traditional East Coast hip-hop, yet it leans heavily into the drumless subgenre popularized in the modern underground scene. Wiki’s verses are characterized by tight, rapid-fire internal rhymes and a rigid, almost percussive approach hidden within complex syllable matching (such as matching "statistics" with "realistic"). He rides the pocket of the beat with traditional, technically proficient precision.

In stark contrast, MIKE employs a much looser rhythmic approach, akin to free verse poetry or spoken word. He intentionally raps slightly off the standard grid, letting his words spill over the bar lines in a heavily syncopated manner. His rhymes are often slant or imperfect (e.g., rhyming "regular" with "level tier"), prioritizing emotional resonance and stream-of-consciousness thought over strict technical perfection. The tempo of his delivery is slow and deliberate, enhancing the reflective and slightly detached atmosphere of the track.

Musically, The Alchemist provides a masterclass in minimalist, soulful boom-bap production. The beat for "Be Realistic" is driven by a luxurious, melancholic loop, featuring mournful string samples and subtle, atmospheric vocal hums. The relatively drumless or softly percussive nature of the instrumental forces the listener to focus entirely on the lyricism, creating an intimate, late-night atmosphere.

Literarily, Wiki employs a dense, multisyllabic rhyme scheme combined with his signature raspy, aggressive vocal delivery. He utilizes enjambment and tight internal rhymes (e.g., "refuted it / executed it") to create a relentless, conversational momentum. MIKE, on the other hand, utilizes his trademark low-register, almost muttered, spoken-word cadence. His flow is highly abstract and staggered, often pausing mid-thought to create a sense of deep contemplation. This stylistic contrast between Wiki's kinetic urgency and MIKE's lethargic, thoughtful pacing creates a dynamic auditory experience, perfectly held together by The Alchemist's cohesive sonic landscape.

"Be Realistic" holds an interesting place in underground hip-hop due to its unique origin as a corporate-sponsored track (commissioned by Patta and Tommy Hilfiger) that completely subverted commercial expectations by delivering uncompromisingly gritty, anti-industry art. It cemented the creative chemistry between MIKE, Wiki, and The Alchemist, ultimately serving as the catalyst for their critically acclaimed 2023 collaborative album, Faith Is A Rock.

The song represents a significant moment in the modern New York underground scene, seamlessly bridging the gap between Wiki's raw, traditional East Coast boom-bap origins and MIKE's pioneering, lo-fi abstract hip-hop style. While not a mainstream radio hit, it received widespread praise from independent music publications like Stereogum and BrooklynVegan, celebrated as a triumph of underground rap that blends nostalgic production with forward-thinking lyricism.

The lyrics of "Be Realistic" are layered with potent symbolism and metaphors that critique the music industry and highlight personal evolution:

• The Label and Publishing: When Wiki raps about dropping off the label and getting new publishing, it transcends a mere business update; it symbolizes his transition from a constrained commodity to an empowered, sovereign creator.
• Leeches: Wiki uses the metaphor of "leeches" to describe opportunistic individuals in the industry. He notes that "they eat when you bleed," vividly painting a picture of parasitic relationships where fake friends drain an artist's physical, creative, and emotional resources during moments of vulnerability.
• Crizal Lenses: MIKE employs a brilliant metaphor regarding his vision. He mentions his vision being impaired and getting "Crizal" (a popular brand of anti-glare eyeglass lenses) to "see clear." This represents his intellectual and spiritual awakening, allowing him to see through the industry's deception and fake personas.
• Silicon vs. Natural Wine: MIKE contrasts "Artificial Intelligence" and "Silicon Valley" with "natural wine." This juxtaposition highlights the friction between the synthetic, mass-produced reality of modern society and the organic, unadulterated truth he strives to embody in his art.

A central motif in the song is the concept of vision and perception. From Wiki stating, "you can't see my view," to MIKE's extended metaphor about having impaired vision and finally seeing clearly with new lenses, the track constantly circles back to the idea of uncovering the truth. This recurring theme emphasizes the song's core message: surviving the music industry requires the ability to see through deception and recognize reality for what it is.

Another subtle motif is the reference to aging and time. Phrases like "we gettin' older" and references to the harsh statistics of survival in the industry ground the song in a sense of mortality and urgency, pushing both artists to secure their legacy, financial independence, and mental peace before their time runs out.