Wale has come full circle in his latest collaboration, teaming up with luxury perfume brand Viktor & Rolf, drawing inspiration from his hit single, “Lotus Flower Bomb.” This partnership is special as the Ambition artist’s song title and the brand’s fragrance, Flowerbomb. In addition, Wale shows no signs of slowing down as he recently scored […]
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Wale is officially back with his latest single, “Max Julien.” The DC native’s return coincides with recent reports of his signing to Def Jam. The new single and label change mark an exciting next chapter for his career, building anticipation for a new album. An accomplished MC with platinum singles and chart-topping hits, Wale has an extensive catalog filled with underrated gems. He may be known for his massive hit singles and collaborations, but there are many songs in his discography that deserve more recognition. Today, we are exploring seven of Wale’s most underrated tracks. Take a look at the list below.
Wale and J. Cole’s relationship goes way back. They came up in the rap game together, opening for JAY-Z on his 2009 Blueprint 3 Tour and featuring on mixtapes. One of their earliest and most underrated collaborations, “Beautiful Bliss,” stands out in Wale’s discography. This highlight from his 2009 debut album, Attention Deficit, stuns with a triumphant instrumental, a gorgeous hook from Melanie Fiona, and one of J. Cole’s best guest features. It also displays the natural chemistry between the two rappers. Wale and J. Cole would eventually bump heads later in their careers, but the two have remained close collaborators. They later worked together on songs like “Black Grammys,” “The Pessimist,” “My Boy Freestyle,” and most recently, “Poke It Out.” Over a decade later, “Beautiful Bliss” exhibits the effortless synergy between two generational lyricists.
Wale’s third studio album, The Gifted, is filled with soulful moments like “LoveHate Thing” and “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece).” On a project that contains his biggest hit single, “88” is an undeniable gem that celebrates his successes and overall journey as an artist. Wale is often thoughtful and contemplative but revels in his stardom on this track. Over an epic Just Blaze-produced beat, Wale likens his run as a rapper to a 1988 Michael Jordan. The song acts as the album’s mission statement as he raps, “Now we at the top, MJ, ‘88, and I ain’t never comin’ down.”
This deep cut from the 2013 Maybach Music Group compilation, Self Made 3, sees Wale recruiting Rick Ross and Lupe Fiasco for a song that displays each of their individual strengths. The track’s luxurious instrumental was practically made for Rick Ross as he floats over the beat and raps about young children who lack role models. Lupe Fiasco delivers a spectacular verse in true Lupe fashion, dropping double entendres and switching his flows. He may seem like an odd feature for an MMG compilation, but Lupe’s unique rhyme style fits the track perfectly. Wale slides across the beat, spitting about concerns for his generation. On “Poor Decisions,” each artist showcases their unique rhyme style while letting each other shine.
“The Girls On Drugs” is an underrated moment from both Wale’s Festivus mixtape and The Album About Nothing. Over a heavenly Janet Jackson-sampling instrumental, Wale speaks to girls who turn to substances to cope with mental and emotional traumas. In his first verse, he shares a first-hand experience about seeing a girl take drugs before delving into the root of the mental struggles that fuel substance abuse. He raps, “Nothing fills the void of a little pill / A little shot, she ain’t shy when the liquor spill / And it’s hard to feel alive when you’re feeling dead inside.” On the chorus, Wale croons that the girls on drugs “still need love,” adding a positive message to one of his most powerful and underrated songs.
Wale’s discography consists of many spiritual moments. “The God Smile” is one of his best and most underrated tracks, where he finds God within himself. “Go shine your light on me,” he exclaims in the chorus, with the feeling that God channels purpose into Wale to spread a message with his music. He depicts hardships in his verses but pushes those struggling to persevere. He raps, “I write thoughts and put ’em in songs / And the devil around the corner / It’s all good cause the God is livin’ in you.” “The God Smile” is a positive song about Wale’s personal faith that encourages listeners to steer clear of negativity.
In 2016, J. Cole’s “False Prophets” turned heads when he aimed shots at Kanye West and rappers who are assisted by ghostwriters. The song also notably discussed insecure rappers, including Cole himself. Many felt that some lyrics were directed towards Wale, including the DC rapper, who felt compelled to respond. Wale’s “Groundhog Day” refers to some of the lines on “False Prophets” as a response, not a diss. He discusses his place in hip hop as an underrated rapper while reminiscing about opening for JAY-Z with Cole. Wale also discusses his relationships with other rappers like Kid Cudi and shouts out J. Cole at the end of the song. “Groundhog Day” is one of Wale’s most underrated songs and verses in his catalog. Rick Ross eventually recycled the song’s instrumental for his 2019 track, “Turnpike Ike.”
Wale has remained consistent throughout his career, but the love and hate from the masses have certainly wavered over time. A highlight from his latest album, Folarin II, he reminds listeners that the love and hate will change, cautioning them that “you gon’ question who you trust when that paper fluctuate.” As a veteran in hip hop, Wale speaks from lived experiences, differentiating close relationships from fake beefs. “Fluctuate” acts as a reminder that Wale is still actively releasing quality music and continues to do so with his latest single.
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“My silence has been golden….see you on Friday. Folarin back.” That was the vague but telling message from Wale to his Instagram followers on Wednesday. Well, it is now Friday, and the Washington D.C. rapper delivered on his promise by dropping a brand-new single. “Max Julien” is his first solo effort since his 2022 record, More About Nothing. What is also exciting for Wale is that we recently found out that he decided to join a different record label.
According to multiple reports and sources, including TMZ Hip-Hop, he inked a deal with Def Jam Records. Furthermore, he also apparently signed the contract a few months prior and wanted to keep it hidden for a bit. It was a great bombshell to drop last night because it built more anticipation for this single. “Max Julien” is a life update track that reveals how the rapper has been feeling lately.
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Most of the lyrics contain thoughts and feelings of loneliness, isolation, and feeling like the best rapper. Another interesting tidbit about the song is that there are some big writing credits on it. Timbaland and Missy Elliot are acknowledged for their contributions on the Genius page. Wale is holding no punches on this single.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand new single from Wale, “Max Julien?” Is this a great track to return with for Wale? Do you think a new album is going to be on the way fairly soon? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Wale, as well as all of the hottest song drops.
Quotable Lyrics:
You see I’m that cozy
Everybody sayin’, “Twin”, can’t nobody clone me
And everybody fake friends, everybody lonely
And everybody ain’t him, I’m the one and only
They ain’t got the flows for me
Another O’s with ’em to discuss hoes with me
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Wale season is approaching. The D.C. rapper has been teasing some new music on social media. “My silence has been golden… see you on Friday. Folarin back,” he cryptically captioned an Instagram post. With a single likely releasing this weekend, it is a safe bet that a new Wale album is on the horizon. His last full-length release was 2021’s Folarin II, and over a decade into his fruitful career, Wale has been quite constant. When it comes to his extensive discography, ranking his albums can be a challenge. As a result of his consistency, we can count on his upcoming eighth studio album to be of a high caliber. Today, we are ranking Wale’s seven studio albums from worst to best. Take a look at the list below.
Shine is arguably Wale’s only misstep in the span of his career. Before releasing his fifth album, he had successfully crossed over into mainstream audiences with pop records. Shine, however, was overwhelmingly pop-heavy and radio-friendly. It lacked the lyrical and creative substance of his greatest works, but Wale’s will to experiment is commendable. He had the foresight to tackle Afro-fusion and Latin pop by collaborating with the likes of Wizkid, Davido, and J Balvin before they became global superstars. It certainly was a bold artistic move, but Shine does not compare to the quality of Wale’s other albums.
Wale’s most recent album, 2021’s Folarin II, included plenty of highlights and variety throughout its tracklist. The sequel to his 2012 Folarin mixtape was an exciting release for fans as it gave them a bit of everything they love from Wale. His seventh album added to his legacy with a batch of catchy singles and lyrically potent deep cuts. What places Folarin II down toward the bottom of the list is that it is a very top-heavy album that starts to decline in quality partway through. It also occasionally relies heavily on its samples of famous records. An enjoyable listen, Folarin II sitting near the bottom of Wale’s discography speaks volumes about the high caliber of his studio albums.
Following Shine, Wow… That’s Crazy was a return to form for Wale. He combined the most compelling elements of his earliest works with a new perspective as a legend in the game. An adventurous album, Wow… That’s Crazy is quite eclectic. He jumps from pro-Black anthems like “Sue Me” to the tropical flavors of “Love & Loyalty.” We saw a contemplative Wale on tracks like “Cliché” and “Love Me Nina/Semiautomatic.” He also reunited with his MMG partners Rick Ross and Meek Mill on “Routine,” as well as frequent collaborator Jeremih for “On Chill.” The features from Pink Sweats, Jacquees, and Megan Thee Stallion also embraced the next generation of hip hop and R&B. On Wow… That’s Crazy, Wale explored new musical territory while also sticking to his signature sound, marking a new phase in his career.
With a host of notable producers and features, Wale’s debut album appealed to mainstream audiences while showcasing his signature style. Attention Deficit consists of some of his best and most quirky material. It includes the D.C. go-go influence of his early mixtapes, but is more polished thanks to production from Mark Ronson, The Neptunes, Cool & Dre, and more. Standout tracks like “Pretty Girls,” “World Tour,” and “Beautiful Bliss” displayed Wale’s versatility throughout the album. Some of the production on Attention Deficit is quite dated compared to some of his other early albums. Songs like “TV In The Radio” and “Chillin” demonstrate that the album was certainly a product of its time. While it sits comfortably at No. 4 on this list, Attention Deficit is still a memorable album in Wale’s discography.
The Gifted is Wale’s most soulful album, filled with heartfelt moments from the DC native and the many guest vocalists. Wale and gospel samples are an unbeatable combination, fully exhibited on this album. The Gifted encompasses various styles and emotions, from the passionate “LoveHate Thing” to the strip club-ready “Clappers.” It features both versions of Wale’s biggest hit single, “Bad,” bringing two completely different energies to the tracklist with the same song. Arguably Wale’s best-produced album, The Gifted strikes a balance between appealing to mainstream audiences and profound moments where his lyricism shines.
After Attention Deficit, Wale took his musicality to new heights on his first offering for MMG. Ambition contains some of his most iconic and highest-charting tracks. The title is quite accurate as he ambitiously transitioned away from the sound of his mixtapes. An incredibly varied album, Wale left no stone unturned when it came to putting together a career-defining album. Ambition spoke to the hip hop heads with the bar-heavy “Legendary,” the masses with the braggadocious “Chain Music,” and his hometown with “DC or Nothing.” One of Wale’s strongest skill sets as a rapper is his ability to craft quality love songs, which he did on “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “That Way.” Twelve years after its release, Ambition still leaves an everlasting impression as one of Wale’s best works.
The Album About Nothing is a culmination of mixtape and album Wale, resulting in a project combining the best of both worlds. It takes fans back to his classic Mixtape About Nothing series while also pushing his career forward with the polished sound of his albums. Inspired by his love for Seinfeld, Wale’s third studio album follows a loose concept with songs that each have their own unique direction. He is both vulnerable in his own emotions while also providing multiple perspectives in his lyrics. There are soulful highlights like “The Bloom,” moments of reflection like “The Success,” and spiritual contemplation on “The God Smile.” “The Matrimony” is another special moment on the album as it explores the possibilities of a future with a love interest. The Album About Nothing is undoubtedly Wale’s best album with its songwriting, concepts, and cohesive direction.
The post Wale’s 7 Studio Albums, Ranked appeared first on HotNewHipHop.
“The Shop” is hitting the road, and they had a very special hometown guest pull up for a live episode in Washington, DC. None other than Wale emerged on stage and took a seat in the barbershop seat to chop it up about a wide range of topics. In addition, the rapper, Maverick Carter, and Paul Rivera were joined by former NFL star Ed reed for an enlightening conversation. Overall, it seems like everyone both in their seats and in the crowd had a great time, adding yet another episode to “The Shop” and its historic run of great interviews. It doesn’t look like LeBron James was there this time, but hopefully this tour holds some more surprises.
Even though Wale’s family raised in Maryland after they moved there when he was ten years old, the District of Columbia is still proud of him. The 38-year-old was born in Northwest DC in Ward 4, specifically in the Brightwood neighborhood. As such, they gave him a warm welcome as he said hello to his fellow guest and hosts and waved at the crowd. Despite a long career and a steady grind, he remains one of the DMV’s premier voices within contemporary hip-hop, and he always reps the nation’s capital.
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Speaking of that longevity and success, it’s something that continues to bear fruit to this day. For example, Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands” recently went diamond, which features Roscoe Dash and Wale himself. Just on the strength of that track alone, the trio has party representation for the ages, exemplifying the best parts of early 2010s trap. If you don’t think it aged all that well, you should probably go outside and hit up your nearest bar or club.
Meanwhile, the strength of fan-favorite mixtapes like More About Nothing (which recently hit streaming services) also speaks to the Folarin II artist’s craft. This new live episode of “The Shop” likely discussed these accolades and developments in full. If you want to catch a live taping for yourself, their final show will be in Atlanta next week. Find your spot here and stay logged into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Wale.
Read More: 6lack Gives Wale His Flowers
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As of 2023, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, professionally known as Wale, has a net worth of approximately $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure signifies the success of Wale’s journey from his early days in the rap scene to mainstream success.
Wale’s journey to wealth began with his music career. His albums, including the critically acclaimed Ambition, have seen substantial commercial success, significantly boosting his net worth. The DMV star has earned notable recognition throughout his career. A Grammy-nominated artist, he’s received multiple BET Award nominations, and his third album, The Gifted (2013), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His track record showcases consistent chart success and industry respect.
Beyond music, Wale has engaged in several business ventures that have further increased his net worth. His collaborations with brands like Villa and Asics and investments in tech startups have added to his wealth.
Wale’s earnings aren’t solely tied to music and business. He has a notable presence in the sports world, working as a creative liaison for the WWE and appearing on sports talk shows. These ventures have added another revenue stream. Additionally, while Wale’s net worth is commendable, his philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy. He has used his wealth to support several charitable initiatives, demonstrating that his financial success isn’t just about personal enrichment but also about giving back to the community.
Wale’s net worth of $4 million as of 2023 is a testament to his diverse talents and business insight. From his successful music career to his business ventures and presence in the sports world, each facet of his professional journey has contributed to his wealth. Moreover, his dedication to philanthropy underscores the power of wealth to effect positive change. Wale’s story edifies, showing that with aptitude, hard work, and a strong business strategy, one can achieve financial success while also contributing to the community.
The post Wale Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.
6lack is one of the most talented artists in modern music. He first hit the music scene in 2016 with his debut album Free 6lack. That project included his breakout single “Prblms.” His second album, East Atlanta Love Letter, peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 in 2018. Originally hailing from Baltimore before moving to Atlanta at a young age, 6lack has managed to carve out quite a career for himself. Now the rapper and singer is paying homage to fellow DMV icon, Wale.
During an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, 6lack discussed several topics, including music, mental health, and self-care. But when the subject came to DC native Wale, 6lack made sure to show the “Bag of Money” artist some love. “Flowers, man. Flowers for him all day long,” he said. 6lack went on to credit Wale and fellow industry veterans, Drake and J Cole, for paving the way for the current crop of talent. “As of right now, the current day, that era is Drake. That era is Kendrick [Lamar], that era is Wale, that era is [J. Cole],” he said.
Furthermore, the artist credits Wale for being an inspiration while he was still discovering himself as an artist. “during times where I was still figuring out myself and figuring out my music …his words spoke to me.” he said. The pair have worked together before. 6lack appeared on Wale’s 2019 song “Expectations.” The DMV natives collaborate again on 6lack’s third Album Since I have a Lover, which he released late last month. 6lack says pitching the project to Wale was an honor. “It was an honor to be able to reach out to him and just say, ‘I need you for something.’”
Other featured guests on the album include Don Toliver and 6lack’s real-life girlfriend Quin. The 20-track project is by far the most ambitious of 6lack’s career. After taking a nearly five-year break since his last full-length album, some wondered if he still had it. But if the initial reaction from fans is any indication, the multitalented performer is likely here to stay. Moreover, given his talent and personality, it is almost certain that the 30-year-old is inspiring a new wave of young artists the same way Wale inspired him.
Don’t try to FaceTime Wale. Don’t even try to call him on the phone. The rapper has revealed that he refuses to answer calls due to his introverted nature. Wale, who is now 38 years old, says that he feels overwhelmed by the calls. It may seem like an insignificant comment, but it says a lot about how the cultural climate has shifted in terms of mental health and boundaries. For many, Wale likely included, there was a time when not answering a phone call or a text immediately was considered extremely rude. It didn’t matter if you were busy or overwhelmed. That’s just the way it was. Now, with mental health having become such a popular topic of conversation, it seems that many find it easier to express themselves freely. Wale is just one of many artists that have begun openly speaking about their mental health and setting boundaries publicly.
Since the advent of the age of constant communication and instant gratification, it seems pretty clear that mental health has taken a sharp decline for many, many people. Having to always be “on” affects everyone, celebrity or not. This is largely in part due to things like social media and cell phones, which have allowed us to be watched and communicated with at all times. In the past, you may have been able to take some time to think about what you wanted to say before you said it. Now, if you don’t reply to a message or speak out on an issue quickly enough, you’re maligned for it. FaceTime is yet another avenue of communication that expects you to be ready to speak face-to-face at all times. Luckily, the conversation is changing, and more and more people are speaking out on the effects of these technological advancements on mental health.
On his Instagram stories, Wale made it clear that he has no intention of taking FaceTime calls anymore. It was a refreshingly candid post that represents what a large majority of people have been feeling in regard to these types of communication. In the story, which he signed off as “overwhelmed introvert”, Wale said, “Don’t ever FaceTime me. Please and thank u. My phone is broke and even if it’s new it’s broke… FaceTime don’t work. Thank you.”
Wale is not the only celebrity that’s making headlines for speaking out on his mental health and boundaries this week. Andre Drummond, player for the Chicago Bulls, has also announced that he is taking a break from all social media and changing his number due to mental health issues. Recently, many others have done the same. The Game, Selena Gomez, Killer Mike, and SZA are just a few of the big names that have spoken publicly about mental health. With any luck, the movement will be taken more seriously as more people in the public eye continue to talk about it. What are your thoughts on the movement to prioritize mental health? Sound off in the comments below.
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