We wanna see masons in action.  

Rinse FM jock (and sister of JME) Julie Adenuga has started a petition over at Change.org calling on Tower Hamlets council to erect a statue in honour of Bow’s finest.

The full pitch, available to read below, stresses that Wiley “undoubtedly inspired an entire generation”, and, should the bid be successful, promises a “joyous experience for all”.

“We the people feel very passionate about the public figures in our community who have helped shape our culture and environment as we’ve grown up from teenagers to young adults to mothers and fathers. As we journey through our day-to-day lives as commuters, as cyclists, as pedestrians and road users it’s refreshing to be reminded of uplifting and entertaining role models, especially ones who were born and nurtured on the same streets as us.

Richard Cowie (aka Wiley) has undoubtedly inspired an entire generation. A man who has put his heart and soul into what he believes in and consistently shows passion and perseverance.

Making this happen won’t be strenuous or daunting – it will be a joyous experience for all, with the community pulling together from all over London and it’s surrounding cities.

Who knows? This may be the start of something amazing! With people all over the UK paying homage to the others who have motivated generations.”

What’s unclear from the petition is what a post-petrifaction Wiley would be doing. Skanking? Ustreaming? Shaking a fist at John Woolf? Suggestion below, please.

If you need convincing, peep our 2010 rundown of The Essential…Wiley. Wiley is, naturally, a recurrent presence in our guide to UK dance music from 2000-2009 in 100 records.