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The word “underrated” always gets thrown around today regarding people or things that some may think don’t get the proper recognition. In hip-hop, the word is usually used incorrectly in support of artists that simply don’t have the traits to be a top tier rapper. Whether it’s raw talent, versatility on different typee or production, hit records, successful albums, or just recognition amongst their peers, there are a select number of artists who actually deserve the acclaim that many of their peers receive.
There is no question that veteran MC Wale is overdue for his crowning moment. Nine years removed from the success of his debut album Attention Deficit, Wale has become one of hip-hop’s most polarizing artists, for better and for worse. In one respect, he’s viewed as an easily accessible artist, who often listens to his fans and consistently provides them content to enjoy. But with that accessibility, comes the infamous moments of his back and forth moments with media platforms, fans and critics. Whether one agree with his methods or likes his personality or not, one thing cannot be questioned: Wale’s lyrical ability is as good as it gets in rap today.
Past efforts such as the Maybach Music label debut album Ambition, and the follow up album The Gifted saw the DC/Maryland artist score multiple platinum singles such as Lotus Flower Bomb and Bad. As the albums and mixtapes continued to roll in, with each having impact amongst his core fan base, Wale still seemed to void of that universal recognition as one of the best rappers out, despite having a resumè as strong as his contemporaries. This lead many fans and several media outlets questioning whether he had come to a crossroads as an artist. The answer would be quite the opposite. The year 2018 would become a reminder, not a goodbye.
Wale has spent this year re-introducing himself to the rap world with a trio of quality EP’s that caught everyone’s attention. Self Promotion played with the current major label situation the MMG product found himself in. The track Negotiations finds him weighing his options on a new deal, while Salary Kaep is a clever play on the name of the polarizing former NFL quarterback NFL quarterback. The 4 song project has Wale sounding focused and ready to rap with anybody he needs to. The follow up EP It’s Complicated is a much more subtle and mellow display of the rapper’s more poetic flow, which has scored him some of his biggest records. Headlined by the hit song Black Bonnie assisted by R&B crooner Jacquees, the EP is a mood setter for any laid back setting and Wale still proves to be versatile as ever. But as impressive as these two efforts are, it was the succeeding third EP that has fans ready for the next album.
Free Lunch released on September 14th as the first official release by Wale under his new label Warner Bros. Records. The EP is only 20 minutes long in five tracks, and still carries the weight as several albums we’ve heard this year. The intro track Dummies is an open challenge to anyone brave and bold enough to challenge a refocused and brash artist that thinks he can beat anybody out there. Ungrateful & Thankful finds Wale looking for his just due for all he’s done culturally for hip-hop as well as the area he grew up in. Lyrically, he’s sharp and the confidence that embodies his rhyming style shines throughout the project. The highlight of the EP comes on the track My Boy (Freestyle) which features superstar MC and long time friend J. Cole. The duo link together once again for a classic rap clinic of a track. Bar for bar exchanges of two rappers who both think they are the best out. That braggacios energy makes for one of the best tracks of the year. The outtro track Right Here is a mello, reflective and assertive final send off by Wale once again letting everyone know just what he’s accomplished and his unquestioned impact. The project is strong and leaves no question that there is much life left in this complex career of a talented MC. With this new found focus, Wale has once again caught the eyes and ears of the hip hop world.
Best Songs:
1. Dummies
2. My Boy
3. Ungrateful & Thankful