Wale

Wale

Wale is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin on September 21, 1984, in Washington, D.C., Wale rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with his mixtapes and unique style of blending various genres such as hip hop, go-go, and R&B. He has since become one of the most respected and influential artists in the rap industry.

Early Life and Career

Wale was born and raised in Washington, D.C., where he developed a passion for music at a young age. Growing up in a city known for its vibrant music scene, Wale was heavily influenced by the local go-go music genre, which combines elements of funk, R&B, and hip hop. This influence can be heard in his music, as he often incorporates go-go beats and rhythms into his songs.

In 2006, Wale gained attention with his mixtape titled Mixtape About Nothing, which sampled dialogue from the popular television show Seinfeld. The mixtape received critical acclaim and helped establish Wale as a rising star in the rap industry. He followed it up with several more successful mixtapes, including More About Nothing and The Eleven One Eleven Theory.

Mainstream Success

Wale's breakthrough into the mainstream came with the release of his debut studio album, Attention Deficit, in 2009. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Lady Gaga, J. Cole, and Pharrell Williams. Although it received positive reviews from critics, it did not achieve significant commercial success.

However, Wale's second studio album, Ambition, released in 2011, was a major success. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles, including "Lotus Flower Bomb" featuring Miguel and "That Way" featuring Jeremih and Rick Ross. The album showcased Wale's versatility as an artist and solidified his position in the rap industry.

Since then, Wale has released several more critically acclaimed albums, including The Gifted (2013), The Album About Nothing (2015), and Shine (2017). He has collaborated with numerous artists, such as Rihanna, Usher, and Lil Wayne, further expanding his musical reach.

Musical Style and Influences

Wale's music is known for its introspective lyrics, poetic storytelling, and diverse range of musical influences. He often addresses personal struggles, social issues, and his experiences growing up in Washington, D.C. His unique style of blending hip hop with elements of go-go, R&B, and soul sets him apart from many other artists in the rap industry.

Wale has cited a variety of musical influences, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lauryn Hill. He has also expressed admiration for go-go music legends such as Chuck Brown and Rare Essence, who played a significant role in shaping his musical style.

Legacy and Impact

Wale's contributions to the rap industry have been widely recognized and appreciated. He has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including Grammy nominations for his singles "Lotus Flower Bomb" and "The Matrimony".

Beyond his musical achievements, Wale has also been an advocate for social issues and has used his platform to raise awareness about topics such as police brutality and racial inequality. He has been actively involved in community initiatives and has collaborated with organizations to support various causes.

Discography

• Attention Deficit (2009)
• Ambition (2011)
• The Gifted (2013)
• The Album About Nothing (2015)
• Shine (2017)
• Wow... That's Crazy (2019)

See Also

• Hip Hop
• Go-go
• R&B
• List of American rappers

External Links

• Official Website
• Wale on Instagram
• Wale on Twitter