A hard-hitting, grimey instrumental and 2/3 of the LOX? The combination promises much for the hip-hop heads, and it definitely delivers.
From Jada’s upcoming Consignment mixtape, the production has a real dark aura around it, blending some horror-esque melodies with pounding bass, sharp additional percussion and packaging them into a slow, menacing pace that enhances the atmosphere of the track. Wale opens the track with a disappointing verse, largely as his style doesn’t suit the beat at all, though Styles and Jada recover the song well with their verses, whilst French’s string of hook features continues here with another simple yet catchy chorus.
The undisputed highlight of Wale’s Ambition album, this motivational number is an excellent choice to restart the Wale/MMG buzz.
As one of Wale’s better tracks to date, there’s pressure on the clip to deliver, and thankfully it does. The video opens with, and is mostly anchored around, a nightime cityscape, capturing the dark and moody elements of the audio very well, ensuring the true essence of the track is visualised appropriately. The verses contain some excellent semi-biographical sections too, with Meek Mill reflecting on his time back in his neighbourhood and Ross offering a rare glimpse of his personal life with some brief clips of life as a young upcomer. Wale closes things off with a mix of isolated and studio scenes, and it becomes apparent that his verse is incredibly thin subject-wise, in comparison to the more personal styles Meek and Ross go with, with his arrogant bars not quite fitting in with the general introspection of the song/video.
An enjoyable watch nonetheless, and a real standout track in Wale’s back catalogue. Grab it on iTunes now.
This all star cast ensemble to bring us visuals for their recent remix of Tyga’s Rack City. Nothing really special to see, fairly basic hip hop video, but for a song like this, that’s all it needs. It’s just good to see such names get together and do something like this; as you all know, I love my collabos.
Originally I said my favourite verse of mine on this strangely addictive track is T.I.’s, but I’ve really warmed to Wale’s opening verse.
The A$AP Rocky original is a favourite of many (it falls short of the upper echelons for me), and Wale takes a spin on the chilled out yet trippy instrumental for a quickfire freestyle strike. The diversity in his delivery is commendable here, as he switches between a couple of flows that keep things dynamic, and whilst his lyrical substance is expectedly thin (because it’s a freestyle, not a slight on Wale!), the synergy with the production is decent enough to warrant a couple of listens. Not quite on par with the original, but a good effort nonetheless.
The remix to the massive hit that was Rack City sees Tyga, Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy and T.I. all team up; what a lineup. Along with this official remix a video has been shot too. Best verse? For me it goes to T.I. who is really starting to come back into form after his latest jail stint. Download below.
The original was quite popular to Ambition‘s release, yet it was only a bonus track. Figure that one out.
Wale grabs some big names for the official remix, with each act doing a solid job on the controlled intensity that coarses through the production; whilst Tone P draws heavily from Lex Luger’s style, there’s enough bounce in the percussion to give it an identity of its own. Easy enough mainstream hip-hop to fill out a playlist. Sidenote: has anyone’s career undergone more of a turnaround after a namechange than 2 Chainz/Tity Boi?!
A track that heavily featured in my various playlists when it first dropped, on the day of the release of his album, Wale brings us visuals for his rather addictive collabo with J. Cole.
As Ajay said way back when, the beat on this is superbly done, and complimented by a very infectious hook by Cole. The verses from both parties aren’t particularly great in my opinion, but they don’t need to be for this mainstream-friendly track. The video reflects the not so serious vibe of the track, showing much enjoyment for all. Oddly, this doesn’t feature on Wale’s Ambition album, but may be found as a bonus track on some version of the album.
Laidback, easygoing vibes from Chip and Wale to finish off your Monday evening.
The production has a wistful, drifty sample as its core melody, and one that’ll catch your ear both for its pitch and effective simplicity, whilst the percussion slowly winds through the track and enhances the aforementioned sample by remaining fairly unobtrusive. Chip brings a decent verse and a solid hook, both packaged in a mellow delivery that synergises with the production well, whilst his lyrical content sticks true to the somewhat lavish and indulgent title. Wale injects the track with more sharpness, as his more urgent delivery contrasts with the relaxed style of Chip’s work for a little diversity. A good track that will fill out a playlist well enough, though lacks that ‘outstanding moment’ to be good enough to dominate one.
It’s been 3 years in the making, but finally Cudi and Wale come together for a brand new collaboration. Their last work was on Cudi’s breakout A Kid Named Cudi mixtape, and they’ve since had their personal issues with one another, but it’s good to see two guys who rose up almost simultaneously rekindle their relationship here.
The track itself is a solid, if unspectacular one. Cudi’s contribution is confined to a distorted set of vocals on the hook, and though it’s an enjoyable, uplifting hook, you can’t help but wish for a little more. Wale’s verses are decent throughout, and alongside a midtempo, motivational production make for a good listen, though something with a little more verve and energy would have done justice to this reunion.
Let loose by Wale recently and set for his upcoming Ambition album, this one is essentially the ‘Maybach Music’-style track most folk expect Wale’s album to be dominated with, as a Lex Luger (or latest imitation) beat joins forces with predictable, braggadocios raps from Wale and Ross.
Although it’s another ominous, intense Luger (style) beat it does have its moments, with the more energetic, synth-filled hook having a catchy, memorable quality, though otherwise it sounds largely similar to the 600 other beats we’ve heard come out of the MMG in the last 18 months. The raps aren’t anything spectacular but suit the beat well enough, and though Ricky oddly mimics Kanye’s slurry sentence tail-off at times, he’s still got an undeniable charisma that blends with these productions. OK material for fans of the Luger style, relatively boring for the rest of us. Hopefully, Ambition has a little more diversity.
Brand new single from Wale’s upcoming sophomore album, Ambition, set to be released on 1st November (or 11.1.11., as he spams daily on Twitter!).
A very solid effort too, and one that should be extremely popular with the mainstream crowd. The production is easygoing, with mellow, mesmeric synth work alongside a percussion that winds slowly throughout the track, and sprinklings of more electronic elements thrown in for a little diversity. Miguel does an excellent job with the hook, crooning his way to a catchy, passionate effort that contrasts with the laidback production to really project his voice, whilst Wale’s verses are enjoyable enough as he experiments with a range of flows and keeps the subject matter accessible and mainstream friendly. A decent all-rounder.
Brand new work from someone who generally brings some real quality to his mixtape products, as Wale comes through with the latest addition to his lengthy catalogue.
He’s been on a decent run of form recently with his various verses, and the early response to this tape seems to suggest that consistency continues with this 18-track effort. The tracklist offers a taste of what to expect, with a few solid features and a few familiar tracks (Lacefrontin‘ and Let’s Chill, amongst others) as well as some new efforts that will hopefully be as diverse as those we’re already familiar with. Free grab available below.
Another very diverse episode this week, with some mainstream folk sitting alongside a couple of old-school favourites to provide a little bit of everything.
Having released artwork, snippets, behind-the-scenes pictures and such, Wale’s latest collaboration with J. Cole comes to light, and is set to be the first single from his sophomore album Ambition.
Very good production served up by Cole, with a hugely infectious melody blending well with hard-hitting percussion work from the off, setting the track up with no hesitation. Cole also opens with a very catchy hook, using his addictive sing-rapping hybrid delivery to great effect, and also contributes a solid, if unspectacular verse. Wale does a decent job with his verses, taking on the beat with a stop-start flow that suits the production well. Nothing mindblowing lyrically, but a feelgood track that has some potential to break into mainstream circles. On iTunes next week.
Set to be on DJ Holiday’s upcoming We Workin EP, the three former XXL freshman lace the project with a big collabo here. There’s also a fourth unlisted artist on the hook (unless that’s DJ Holiday?), filling up that roster even more!
Unfortunately, the lineup promises more than it can deliver. The production is stuck in a difficult middle ground of being mellow but with sharp, piercing percussion, affecting the tempo and hence interfering with the relaxing vibes. The track is saved somewhat by Big Sean and B.o.B’s verses, as they both certainly come through with enjoyable work, with B.o.B’s stepped flow in particular being a highlight.
A huge line-up here. Boasting a nice mix of established rappers and upcoming MCs on this, the track is certainly a diverse listen with a range of rapping styles represented here.
Lupe grabs the opening verse with a couple of neat lines (including an All Saints Spitalfields reference which caught me off-guard!), though it’s the kind of production that his double-time flow would have suited. Trae hops in next a solid verse in those trademark husky tones, doing himself justice with these hip-hop heavyweights. He’s followed by the best verses on the track though: a short, speedy verse from Big Boi that probably steals the track, Wale doing himself justice with a very enjoyable verse, and Wiz closing with a surprisingly well-delivered verse (and follows Lupe with another British reference!) that closes the track in style. Very enjoyable collaborative effort, and a pretty big look for Trae.
Some really interesting remixes this week, with the works of R&B poster boys Drake and Frank Ocean undergoing treatment from their peers. Of course, there’s a sprinkling of original material too with a range of styles represented.
Well and truly back on form it seems. Wale drops off a high-octane, fast-paced slice of hip-hop that brings forward his go-go influence, alongside that organic party vibe found in the superb My Sweetie.
Largely anchored by clanky, busy percussion, Wale snaps off some speedy raps to keep pace with the energetic production, reminding us he can most certainly get it done on this sort of production. Lyrically, it’s confident and catchy raps without any real outstanding moments, but it’s the blend of his flow and the high tempo production that will surely captivate listeners here. Solid work, and 2 for 2 with his tracks in the last 24 hours. More of this, less of the Lex Luger beats please.
Nice work Wale. I’ve gone off him a little in recent months, but he definitely comes through on this one, delivering some solid raps in a medley of flows that shows just what he can produce when he’s in the right mood. He takes the production on with considerable ease, rapping straight through for almost 5 minutes at a high intensity, and certainly outdoing both his boss Rick Ross’ and Wayne’s work on the original. Very strong freestyle, and definitely worth a listen.
Probably my favourite track from his summer 2010 More About Nothing mixtape, and even if it is heavily delayed, it’s nice to have some visuals to refresh the song.
Nothing groundbreaking, and rightfully so as a lazy, relaxed house party vibe makes up the video content, and slides right into the easygoing, chilled out vibe of the song. The talented newcomer Tiara Thomas takes the winner’s title in this video, combining an effortless confidence with a great voice and solid guitar playing into a surprisingly captivating package.
Is it me, or is this one of the first times Wale isn’t wearing a hat? He does love a good beanie. Track can be grabbed on the mixtape here.
Not to be confused with George Orwell’s somewhat more macabre view of the number 101, we roll on past the magical 100 with this week’s episode. Be sure to catch up with my top 30 from episodes 1-100 if you haven’t already.
When it matters, I’ll come through for you: 1 episode away from breaking all kinds of R&B records, and I’ve finally turned up on time. With this miracle taking place, what could I possibly serve up in next week’s edition to trump this? (great, I’ve just hyped something I haven’t come up with yet).
From the upcoming Maybach Music album Self Made vol. 1. Regardless of your opinions on Ross’ music, there’s no denying he’s assembled a talented trio in Pill, Wale and Meek Mill, with this album serving as the ‘introduction’ to their Maybach Music careers.
With Wale already having a fairly established album out there, you’d think he’d probably be looking to use this label change to call in some heavy-hitters and such to work with: that’s certainly been done with the Jada feature, but sadly he’s also roped in Lex Luger for another one of those ‘intimidating’ style beats that Ross so very much loves. I thought I was just bored of hearing Ricky on these, but it turns out I’m just sick of the beat style full stop. Hence, it stops me from ever getting into the track but the mainstream/casual hip-hop fans will probably really dig this.
Pretty big collaboration that surfaced last night, from an upcoming Maybach Music collective mixtape (I’ve forgotten the name). Always interesting to hear what Wiz and Wale can bring, and over Rick Ross’ ear for a beat, you wouldn’t be blamed for expecting something decent here.
You essentially get what you’d expect too. It’s one of those loungey, laidback productions that Ross favours, and has hence overused, but hearing Wiz and Wale on the production allows for a proper appreciation of its quality. Wiz is confined to the hook, which is a little disappointing as it means we’re stuck with one too many Ross verses, and hence that Wale verse comes through at the right time to freshen the track up. Same old Ross verses, decent Wale verse and solid Wiz hook. Nothing revolutionary, but one of those that could easily become quite popular.
There are so many tracks named Jump (or freestyles/remixes renamed as Jump) that my lingering hope that someone will use the old Kriss Kross beat had all but gone. Today, I’m satisfied as finally someone grabs one of my earliest exposures to hip-hop as a young girl.
The very instant this beat kicks in, you just have to nod your head and I don’t think that instinct will ever disappear, whether its down to nostalgia or the quality of the production. Hence, Wale’s got some work to do in matching up to this beat, but certainly gives it a worthy attempt as he brings one of his quicker, bouncier flows that are the bedrock of some of his better tracks (think along the lines of W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.). Definitely worth a listen, if for anything to go on that ride down memory lane.
I don’t often check out Waka’s music in all honesty, but you know exactly what to expect from him. High in energy, and fundamentally mainstream music.
Not necessarily a bad thing, we all like to listen to music that doesn’t cause us to think too much sometimes. This is his new single with Roscoe Dash and Wale, the latter being someone whose music I do enjoy a fair bit, so I was more open to listening to this. This is a single that amassed over a million sales in the US and is a video that has been viewed more than 26 million times on Youtube: you simply cannot argue with those stats!
Roscoe provides an enjoyable (Soulja Boy-like) auto-tuned chorus that is rather catchy; I do enjoy Wale on productions like this too, with his verse being the best of the three. Nothing revolutionary about the video, but it re-enforces the essence of the track and the playability of it in your favourite night spots. The single will be released here in the UK on the 18th of April.
A few interesting remixes this week, with over a third of this week’s tracks being of the remix variety. Other great tracks in there too, making this an R&B Friday that you’ll forgive for being a little late to the party.
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