Wale – The Gifted

    BruceSmith3377 mins

    Originally, June 25th was scheduled to be the major release date in June. With Wale, J. Cole, Mac Miller and Fabolous all scheduled to drop products in retail on that day, Hip Hop fans felt they had a lot to look forward to. However, when a popular Chicago rapper/producer decided to drop his project on June 18, lots of things changed. Fab pushed his album back, and J. Cole pushed his album forward, meaning the huge multi-release date in June would arrive one week earlier. Wale stuck to his date, insisting his fans knew the date, and would show up to their favorite physical or online retailer for The Gifted. Those who were patient enough to wait for the release will be rewarded, as The Gifted—while not perfect—is a solid overall project.

    “New Black Soul” has been Wale’s mantra in the lead up to the release of The Gifted, and overall, the project definitely has a soulful sound. Wale says that each of the tracks off The Gifted are inspired by his own inspirations, and the leadoff single, “LoveHate Thing” featuring Roc Nation crooner Sam Dew, features a Marvin Gaye sample to fit the “New Black Soul” vibe of the album. While the album definitely leans towards a Soul sound, long-time Wale fans will be happy to hear the DC emcee’s Go-Go influence also presents itself. “Clappers” featuring Juicy J, and what seems to be an extremely short and underwhelming Nicki Minaj feature, samples EU’s “Da Butt.” The track has a high energy club vibe to it, and serves as a decent intermission to the seriousness found on the majority of the album.

    Those looking for substance in Hip Hop need look no further than tracks like “Gullible” or “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece).” While the subject of Jesus pieces has definitely been covered excessively in Hip Hop as of late, Wale’s lyrics separate his effort from the other recently released, similar tracks. Wale raps, “Don’t bow your head for grace, though I’m keeping you graceful / Brothers was born to cheat, though I question who faithful /  Fast for me, nope, Blasphemy though / Rap to it, so racks up, to match up with me froze / How can a diamond supersede my wisdom? /  I seen a reverend with five of me as he read his scripture…” He comes back in the second verse with “Sierra Leone Diamonds, LA to New York got ‘em / If nobody’s stores got me, some probably wouldn’t know about me / All over paparazzi, shout out to Murakami / See they commercialize me, I’m sure there’ll be more robberies…”

    The highlight of The Gifted would have to either be the tracks Wale chooses to officially close the album out with, “Black Heroes”, or “88.” But herein lies a problem with Wale that he hasn’t seem to fix throughout his career. “Black Heroes” has a powerful vibe to it, with lines that will definitely persuade you to run the track back a couple times. The same can be said for “88”, however, those who aren’t as up on sports, or sneaker culture for that matter, may find themselves lost on “88” or simply pretending to understand.  Essentially, “88” could be one of the best offerings off the album to some, and to others, a decent song with a strong Just Blaze instrumental.

    Overall, The Gifted is a good album. Wale presents substance without being overly preachy, and still takes it back to the Go-Go for those who have been following him since Paint A Picture. While not without its flaws (the “Bad” remix was unnecessary, and probably done simply for the big name feature), those questioning the direction Wale was going post MMG affiliation will more than likely be pleased with The Gifted.

    337 thoughts on “Wale – The Gifted”

    4. Lupe destroyed his ass on his own shit. Hell Ross’ verse was even better than Wale’s wack shit on Bad Decisions.

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    5. Production was very high on this album. Content not nearly as deep as More about nothing, but its better than ambition.

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    10. Okay, the first three tracks plus “88” and “Simple Man” are dope, i’ll give him that! But the rest is your typical watered down Pop-/R’n’B rap shit. These sugar-sweet slimy hooks were outplayed in the 80’s. Nothing groundbreaking on here, tracks #7 – #12 are barely listenable.

      Okay Dx, i’ll just list your recent ratings, just to show you how stupid you are:

      – Wale -> 4 Stars
      – Kanye -> 4.5 Stars
      – Mac Miller -> 4 Stars
      – J. Cole -> 4 Stars
      – Action Bronson/Harry Fraud -> 4 Stars

      – Alchemist/Prodigy -> 3.5 Stars ??????

      The Statik Selektah album rating was appropriate though. DX gives away 4 Stars way to easy imho.

      My definition of a 4 Star album:

      “Very strong effort, varying subject matter, diverse beat-selection, listenable from start to finish, contains (if any) at most 2-3 weaker tracks, stands the test of time and still relevant in years from now!”.

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      1. Okay Dx, i’ll just list my recent ratings, just to show you how stupid you are:

        – Wale -> 4 Stars
        – Kanye -> 3.5 Stars
        – Mac Miller -> 3 Stars
        – J. Cole -> 3.5 Stars
        – Action Bronson/Harry Fraud -> 3 Stars

        – Alchemist/Prodigy -> ??????

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      3. Is thr anytin lyk negative Star? cos i wasted my data dwnloadin d yeezus sh**. N mac miller shda sang abt Bill Gates since donald trump did him gud d first tym. Wale dough.

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      1. Is thr anytin lyk negative Star? cos i wasted my data dwnloadin d yeezus sh**. N mac miller shda sang abt Bill Gates since donald trump did him gud d first tym. Wale dough

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    18. never really like wale. i think if you liked him before you might like this album. I was hoping the album would be good since so many people talk about him so much, but it wasnt for me. I will stick with J Cole, Action B and Yeezus till Jay Z comes out.

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    32. Definitely giving this a 4.5 out of 5
      Well put together album
      One of the best thus far in the year 2013

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    34. You mean to tell me that THIS shit is better that “Albert Einstein”?!?!?! Getthefuckouttahere!!!! 3/5!!!!

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    36. THIS SHIT IS TRASH!!! 88 IS THE ONLY CREAIVE SONG ON THE ALBUM… SINPLE MINED NIGGAZ IS GONNA PRAISE THIS BS..

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    37. I’m from DC no, not the DMV DC, but DC, DC lol, I’m not a big Wale fan but this is his most cohesive work to date. 8/10 on some no homer shit.

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    47. Being from Mo County personally I don’t like the nigga. But his music is better than 90% of these rappers out… Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne(now), and Wiz Khalifa. When did we as consumers decide to be lazy and not want to take the time out to dissect and breakdown lyrics. If it ain’t about some dumb shit niggas want to say it ain’t dope. This album is different from the everyday garbage that is out.

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    48. I hope its back to its original recipe, like his first mixtape….otherwise, I aint listening to it. Wont even bother. I like Wale pre-MMG days, str8 outta DC.

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    50. I hate all these little fags bitching and bitching about every post on this site

      bunch of fucking females. stop hating and grow the fuck up

      album is solid 7/10

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    52. The Gifted? I shited on the Gifted. Another example why rap sucks nowadays. And yes youngstas i get it that you like this shit becuase other sucks the same.

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    54. I miss old wale, when he was interscope records his new shit is decent but it hasn’t compared to attention deficit

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    56. my neighbor’s step-sister makes $60 hourly on the internet. She has been without work for 6 months but last month her paycheck was $15970 just working on the internet for a few hours. Read more here cafe44.com

      Reply

    57. its straight i just dont like the beats. wale is lyrical as always just wish he would have picked better beats

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    59. Never been big on Wale, but this is solid. Love the soul in the album. Lyrics are tight. Wale’s flow isn’t great, but he did alright. 4/5

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    66. Best tracks are Black Heroes, Golden Salvation, Love Hate Thing, Sunshine, Heaven in The Afternoon and if your a fan of sneakers 88 is great!

      Reply

    68. With The Gifted album Wale has reestablished himself as a big fish in the small new age pond. Solid listen

      Reply

    72. This was a masterfully thought out album from Wale! Love it! It’s artists like him, J. Cole, Kendrik Lamar as Big Sean that’s bringing real hip hop back!

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    74. BOMB ASS ALBUM son really growing out here im talking bout way back 04 damn son keep it coming i think i fuck with erry track in different minds of thoughts

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    76. Until Jay Z’s Samsung album drops I’ll have to say this is the best I’ve heard all year. It also sounds like it will stand the test of time and sound good years from now.

      Reply

      1. LOL album of the year????? you just listened to this 1 im assuming and nothing else out there.

        LOLOLOLLL

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    83. This sh!t fixed. Fakeness is a major flaw. All these one line comments from A&R and replies to every comment is desperate. Real recognize real and he’s not authentic…There’s no substance. Better off doing Def Poets.

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    84. i just want to say im from DC and i HATE HATE HATE the song “clappers” it is a weak ass represenative of “go-go” music specially the song doing the butt, maybe it would of been better if he took nicki minaj off of the track ( she was weak awf) and added on a REAL native DC rapper and switched up the beat

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    86. You guys have so many fan boys rating albums that I can’t truly trust the rating. Damn, everything that drops nowadays is a 4/5. I’ll give it a week and check the user ratings.

      Reply

      1. Dickrider mentality, you don’t have to check the users ratings, you just have to get your own opinion.

        Reply

      2. Co-sign, too many sheep just following everybody elses love/hate for artists and their music. Besides the majority of the users on this site act like retarded 14 year olds so if that’s where you wanna get your opinion from then so be it, but in my eyes the users ratings on here don’t mean shit because the users aren’t me and they don’t share nor form my opinions and they never will. I can think for myself and make up my own mind.

        Reply

    91. Wale is actually a decent artist….just tries wayy too hard to be different and thats what makes him corny

      Reply

      1. LOL thats great, now go actually buy it if you love it so much, dont just download for free and than dick ride

        Reply

      1. LOL 2 words that should never be used in the same sentence, WALE AND CLASSIC

        HAHAHAHA IM LOLINGGGGG

        ZZZZzzzzZZZ

        Reply

      1. Typical Wale fan typing the complete wrong lyrics

        “5 blunts in rotation” not and rotation SMH yall the worst commercial fans

        Reply

      3. LOL typical 2 chains and wiz collab…yawn

        zzzzz, smoke this, smoke that, talk about the same material…..YAWNNNNN

        lol mmg the weakest label in the game

        Reply

      1. LOL is this the only thing you listened to so far???????????

        YEEZUS, BORN SINNER, shit even that mac miller dude way flyer than this whale

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      4. Each individual has the right to their own taste, just because you morons don’t like an album or artist, doesn’t mean the rest of the world has to share your opinion. Besides you summed them up as “garbage” and “trash” I doubt you even listened to either album and I doubt you didn’t even form that opinion. You’re probably just trying to rebel against what’s popular in the mainstream.

        If you backed up your opinion with actual reasoning and facts, you’d be a respectable human being, but since the best you have to offer is “garbage” and “trash” then my opinion that I’m entitled to is that your opinion itself is something that needs throwing out.

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    104. LOL anyone sleepy after hearing this dude???

      YAWNNN, he tries to be like so many other artists, the dude just needs to be himself.

      BUT, he cant

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    106. Wait I’m confused with the reviewer. He said referring to “88” this is one of Wale’s problems he had throughout his career” but he didn’t explain what that problem was? Is it that the song refers to Sports/Shoe culture? What’s the problem with that? That is one of the facets that Wale is known for and is well respected by his peers and athletes for his sneaker collections as well as his knowledge of sports. Let’s not forget Wale had a football scholarship to play in college so that’s apart of who he is!

      All in all, I’m very impressed with the album. I didn’t know if he could top Cole’s Born Sinner, because Cole brought it. Even though I think Cole “bar for bar”is a better lyricist then Wale. Wale is clearly more versatile. His ability to make conscious/introspective driven records, to radio friendly records for the girls, to club bangers and still be who he is as an artist is not an easy task for anyone. And Wale seems to be perfecting that!

      Reply

      1. The problem is that the sports references will go over a lot of his fans heads. And that would make it a little difficult for mass consumption.

        Anyway I feel Wale delivered a much better album than J Cole. Wale’s flows are much tighter and better than Cole’s and the album is much more exciting than Born Sinner which I found slightly boring.

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    108. GIVE ME A CHANCE
      Youtube is all about finding new artist, & though I been rapping for a while im still consider a new artist. I just want my music heard thats all, im not looking for no record deal, getting famous ‘r anything like that.! so please just spare a few sec. to check me out, & if you like what you heard please SUBSCRIBE so ill know you actually listen & support
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzBh55tD_eg

      Reply

    110. Best album of 2013 so far alongside Watching Movies with the sound off

      Both the albums are thoughtful and introspective and at the same time DOPE musically.

      J Cole has just gotten more boring with Born Sinner. Dude has talent, but lacks the edge that makes one truly GREAT.

      This is gonna be a LEGENDARY year for hip hop. With Kanye already having dropped the ARTISTIC Yeezus and Jay and Em, two living legends, about to drop full albums.

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    113. I’ve listen to the album and for me its a 3/5, I found his mixtape Florin to be better and more energetic. Yes that remix to Bad was unnecessary.

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    114. Album of the yr my azz S M H STFU young chumps. Here is the best album of the yr right here so far

      Daz Dillinger And WC West Coast Gangsta Sh*t

      There is no break out artist from the swag era sorry ghey fan boys and no Kendrick is not a 10 top all time rapper being soft as f**k. J Cole is kinda soft to but he is better than just about all swag artist compared to 90s artist he is so dam wack. I do not give a crap who you name from the swag era they all suck major azz

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      4. You know you don’t gonna like this shit , but you come here for hating, typical hater. We’re not in the 90’s so deal with it or get your ears cut.

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      6. STFU I have been listening to rap since 1987 or 1988 I sorry if you can not handle the truth L O L. You ghey fan boys are lame as f**k saying Kendrick J Cole and Drake are better than Nas 2pac Scarface GTFO

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      8. Im not a big wale fan but im even less of a daz dillinger fan lol even witht he doggpound days. You must be one of those west coast guys who cant get over the west coast being irrelevent. Still waiting on detox? Kendrick is the only guy showing west coast to mainstream and you thing hes wack lol.

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    117. Album is trash! Wale would be cool as a Spoken Word Artist but he’s awful as Rapper/MC. No cadence, makes way too Emo records for grown men to listen to, boring flow. Disposable Artist! 3 albums 3 duds!

      Reply

    119. Anyone ever just sat back and paid attention to the constant cycle of hate that be on these threads when an album drops? Nothing is ever good enough for any of those e-thugs.

      If yall are hating on every single album that drops, there’s nothing left to actually “like.”

      Sounds like a pretty boring life if you hate on every album. The rest of us would rather enjoy music instead of ridiculing it.

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    121. GFID sold 5 million. Gifted could do 2.5. MMG dominating the charts and the world with their timeless anthems.

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    122. These fuckers who hate on everyone’s album.. What have y’all done with your lives?Calling various artists’ pieces of work trash when there is something called constructive criticism.People will die of bile in here.And comparing artists all the time ,People have their own styles..like cars some people w prefer Porsches to lambos…its really hard to find that ultimate artist that pleases everyone.Its better to appreciate each artists strong points than hate all the time

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      1. Since when getting 4/5 is hating on an album?
        so you would much rather them hand out classic ratings on everything? see thats the problem if things nowadays don’t have a perfect rating ppl use that as hate, if they give a perfect rating on everything it would diminish its worth. This album is not a classic relax man.

        Reply

    123. is this rap or r&b im confused I didn’t think I could hear a cd this year more boring then j. cole but here you go.

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      4. is it hating or is it my opinion. And for the record Kanye cd pretty weak to compared to past work I respect wale and cole cd for what they are but everybody how ever made a cd put there heart and soul in it fuck i’m sure lil b did to that don’t mean I got to like that shit I just hold my musical standards higher then you 3 fuckers I judge on the level of if im not looking for there cd in 6 months its weak and these cds I’m sure I’m not and sure your not no matter how much you get on here and bitch. My greatest cd of all time in my opinion Illmatic if its not close to that level of perfection fuck step your game up and stop crying

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      5. I mean really 20years later Illmatic, Ready to Die, Reasonable Doubt ground breaking cds that changed the game. Honestly what cd have you heard that came out this month will you be looking for in 10years I don’t think these dudes will even be rapping in 10years if 1 cole don’t reach out for better production and change his style. and 2 wale gets away from MMG

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      7. brown i agree. illmatic, ready to die, reasonable doubt and i’ll add me against the world are shit i still listen to today. only new shit i still listen to is section.80 and 4eva n a day. wale is too emotional for me. remind me of a female. cut the dialogue reading from diaries and shit and spit some bars nigga. ain’t nobody got time for that

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    125. For the haters simply grow up if you dont like dont listen to it . Wale puts his heart and sole into every verse and every song has meaning thats true hip hop not just punch lines and fillers. Listen to the lyrics wale isnt like anyother artist out he has his own flow and style with everysong being differnet just because hes with mmg doenst mean anything except Ross made a good business decision picking him up because he is the best on the labe and will continue to stay relevant for years to come.And yes he deserves a grammy for this album (he should have got one for more about nothing ) this is by far the best album of 2013 besided the mentioning magna carta.

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      2. Grammy award no… K-Dot will be up for a Grammy this year still (I believe he missed the date cut last year). However, I do prefer this to Yeezus & Born Sinner. Liked Born Sinner, Yeezus was painful. Wale did solid.

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      3. Wale raps about the same shit everyone else does, admit it, he sounds exactly the same as Meek Mill in the track their on, and would you really call “SHAWWWWTY GOT A BIG OL BUTTT AWWW YEEEEEAAAHHH” being soulful? and sense when did ‘hater’ become an insult?

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      2. Idk how anyone listens to this shit, it was so boring i fell asleep after that track with Cee Lo on it, i liked attention deficit, but this album is seriously wack, sounds exactly the same as ambition.

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    132. Everybody you has something got something to say about anyone’s music just shut the hell up. Who are you for me to listen to when it comes to buying an album?

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    135. I think This Album…Was Deeper than anyone realized..original kind of art that is an acquired taste..But in the whole a great piece of work!

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    136. Personally I didnt like this album very much. I think Wale is a great rapper who could drop a real classic if he really tried, but so far he’s commercially released some very average material. Im hoping to see some better stuff from Wale in the future.

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    137. I like Wale and all but this album is not really all that…I listened to it several times but I’m just not feeling it. MMG affiliation was not a good look for him.

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    138. Wale has has in-proved tremendously , his skills contuie to grow along with his fan base good album close to great

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    139. FAIL. MMG may have been a great move for Wale money wise (of course) and popularity but the quality is just not there anymore. I bet many people think to this day that Ambition was his frist album, so if this is you read no further YOU WONT GET THIS! Even though I didn’t care for Ambition its way more listenable then ” The Gifted” which is really a waste of time. The album is a complete borefest excuse me if I dont want to listen to why someone thinks they are the most “gifted” rapper out there and havent shown reasons why, because the lyrics are not there. Wale talks too damn much and is cocky as F**K for no reason and it shows on this album. From “Attention Deficit” to “the Gifted” two completely different people, Wale went from a person I wanted to see more of to just STOP. His frist album was nice, not every song but the quality was there and now all he do is talk about smoking, everything is fuck woman, fuck bitches, this that and the third. Fail for me simply because I seen him go from good to bad fast.

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      4. I agree, the album is pretty boring. I’m pretty sure at this point Wale is sniffing his own farts like he produces febreeze or something. Dude is feeling himself way too much for me to care anymore.

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      6. You obviously have not really listened to the album… It’s more substance in this album than I’ve heard in years. He doesn’t just talk about females and smoking, he talks about almost everything, and his tracks are full of metaphors and so much meaning. I don’t think he’s cocky on this album, just looking for credit where credit is due. I can go all day about this, but I definitely think you should listen to the album again and actually pay attention this time. He doesn’t make music for the average minds, his music is for people that actually don’t mind using their brain to think about a verse here and there… This album is best of 2013 by far, forget the Jay-Z’s and Kanye’s and J. Coles…

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    142. His best work since More About Nothing! This album is full of soul, passion, and dedication. This ranks up there with Good Kid M.A.A.D City for best album of the year. Love Hate thing, Heaven Afternoon, Simple Man, Vanity, & of course 88 make this album superior to all of the superficial garbage that rappers put out nowadays

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      2. ok if u put it that way ill give it another spin. in addition i like the hard copys color scheme and artwork

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    148. i think wale’s effort is solid. and good enough to b his landmark first number 1 billboard album. wat it lacks is the ability to relate to my life which is a personal problem so that why i give wale props regardless. but i would have liked another track with kid cudi. and also i think he could pull off a classic album in the future

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    151. easily the best album of the year so far! I was beginning to lose hope in Wale but this album surprised me! I think its a classic! I can play the entire album all the way thru without skipping anything

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    158. Really like this album – Top 2013 with acid rap. Favorite tracks: simple man, gullible, hate love, vanity, 88,… So soulful, wouldn’t you agree?

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    159. this album is ok, still better than jay z album.. wale is getting closer to a better mc. still needs some work.

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    168. As a nigga that hated Wale’s music after MMG, this wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It was actually a pretty solid album except for some bullshit but at least he can still be lyrical

      Reply

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