Striving to merge blatant commercial interests with the art of complex lyricism, Wale has refused to accept strict definition and restrictions as an emcee. Since becoming a key element of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group regime, he has molded himself to receive regular radio spins while meeting the challenges of pleasing entitled day one fans hesitant towards his newer direction. Gearing up for 2013, Folarin seeks to bring Wale’s name back to the forefront after what has been a quiet year for the lead pride of DMV Rap.
In Wale’s quest to bridge the gap between progressive Hip Hop and the lowest common denominator, his ongoing identity crisis risks confusing the large audience he caters to. With Folarin aiming to be all things to all people, its primary drawback is the inconsistency that accompanies this sort of branding. Far from innovative, “GetMeDoe” finds Wale reliant on the trends of a simplistic 2 Chainz guest spot and production imitating Lex Luger’s faded shine, a sure letdown to followers with greater expectations. In a similar vein, “Back 2 Ballin” insults the intelligence of his core as an uncomfortable fit given French Montana’s dim witted drug peddling references and “Bad” suffers as a sappy ballad courting untamed women.
Though disappointing in some regards, Folarin manages to win with intense wordplay during its more inspired moments. Paying homage to his DC Gogo roots, “Change Up” allows Wale to channel his most acclaimed beast mode as does the percussion heavy “Ji-Dope” and the high energy of “Street Runner.” Never neglecting his penchant for soul samples, he enlists boom-bap vet Jake One for the Scarface assisted “Limitless,” and his ambitious nature births impressive love records with established songstress Chrisette Michelle on “Money Changes” and “Cool Off” featuring rising R&B newcomer Jhene Aiko.
Folarin has Wale divided amongst two extremes, obligated to play both sides of the field and mindful of the wide crowd he serves with shameless versatility. Nearly a standard for free mixtapes, this release is weakened by filler that compromises maximum potential, but ultimately it is flexibility that will likely continue fueling his well-rounded career.
DX Consensus: “EP-worthy”
The first
definition of an industry bitch right here
Wack. Wale ‘s trash
Wale did an amazing job with this mixtape!
+1 , definitely one of the better mixtapes, the One Eye Kitten song is pure fire
^that has to be sarcasm…
no, this is a good mixtape. but i think 4evaNaDay was the best tape of 2012.
I don’t get the hating on Wale. This is a very solid mixtape. Wale’s lyrics are always on point. “The Show” is probably one of the illest tracks I’ve heard in a minute.
Decent mix tape sick of his inconsistent records but that’s just me too much hate for someone with such potential tho
decent 4 outta 5, he’s not very conceptual anymore
Thats what I’m saying.. nothing like Mixtape and More About Nothing
^or the song “Shades”
Wick, wick, WACK!
AWFUL 1/5
this nigga trash
5 stars my fav rapper at the moment
thats fucking sad
Shit is dope af!!! That jawn with scarface is crazy!!!
“Bad” suffers?! That track is pure hiphop. Only track I like
a little harsh on the review, Wale does struggle to please all his fans, but GetMeDoe isnt just a trash song with a 2 chainz feature
worst cover art i have ever seen in my entire life
true that. he must have spent no time or money on this.
he could have got one of his fans to make something better for free
Man..you nerds are never satisfied. this mixtape was one of the hardest things out in 2012. SMH..who else this hot put something out better?
Pro Era- Peep: The aPROcalypse
really 4/5 but since wale is 1 of my favs 5/5
Your very problem with this mixtape is the very reason I like it. It’s filled with a variety of sounds, however Wale is authentic even in his contradictions, just like us all. The production on this mixtape is incredible. Finally, when you can play the album and let it rock all the way thru, it is the ultimate compliment. I hope his album is just as good.
I agree, this mixtape could’ve passed for an album
how can you put out a tape with a cover like that? is no one managing this niggas career? no one told him how weak that was
solid mixtape.
Wale is definitely a good musician. Production is bright, soft and hearable.
Thing is that you can let the album play without being like : “nah that shit aint dope”
Nevertheless, his flow is not an handmark that value him.
3,5/5 good ish
Wale is whack
Folarin is a gumbo of every mixtape to this point. Repeat that 2X!
8 people gave it a perfect score. I bet the other 7 gave it a perfect 0.
Niggas be fucking hating
It’s A Thin Line That Wale Walks On When It Comes To His Music..Straight Ratchetness And Consciousnesses..But Mixtape About Nothing And Its Sequel Is Where Hes Got It Perfect So This 3.5/5
bro you sound ignorant and crazy, RATCHETNESS?! lmao boyee
ok thats it
GetMeDoe and Back 2 Ballin are terrible tracks. However, the production is a breath of fresh air after Lex Luger copies flooded the industry. Respect.
Jay z did similar coner on bp3. Its Dcs state flag. No problem with cover at all. Its a mixtape
I fuck wit Wale and was hella hyped for this tape, but i a little dissapointed with it. I downloaded only 1 song off the whole thing. I was thinking it was gonna be as good as his last tape but it wasnt even close…
lmao at the fact that you called jhene aiko a newcomer. do a little bit of research before posting these things, eh?
watch the space
2 bad songs “get me doe” and “back 2 ballin” out of 21, thats great for a mix tape
This is so good wale is classic hes not rapping about drugs the whole tape like french, rozay, or wayne
that “bad” song is one of the hottest songs out right now. this website is to biased but as you can see with the sigles they put on their front page they know whats gonna draw hits just like the radio. i hate hypocrits
folarin is great. wale is good.
Jhene aiko is NOT a newcomer, IJS
this was prolly his 2nd best mixtape. wth are yall talking about? if you think this is near sorry, then you obviously dont LISTEN to Wale. abd who gaf about a damn cover art, people just find a way to hate.