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Wale may steal your solo
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During my senior year in my high school marching band (shout out to the Majors!), there was a freshman sensation in the saxophone section. For anonymity sake, let's call her Hale (pronounced Hah-Lay). She was good at the sax; really good. As the senior section leader of the saxes, the saxophone solo was destined to me mine. Long story short - Hale stole my solo.
Wale (pronounced Wah-Lay) is having the same impact on the hip hop game as we speak. His upcoming and debut album, Attention Deficit was leaked to the net over last weekend and is officially released TODAY, November 10, 2009. And while most connected hip hop heads have at least heard of Wale, that leak introduced him to many others; the double edged sword of "The Leak."
There is much being said (from Wale and his fans) about his allegiance to the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area (DMV). Fans in the DMV haven't felt pride for hip hop hometown representative since...I'll wait......For those of us not in the DMV, It can be difficult for an artist to blow up nationally while still being embraced locally. DMV is not NYC. We have to remember that most folks have not a clue or concern about the DMV or the lack of a national representative coming from our streets.
With that said...Wale's album is arguably one of the freshest (taking it back to 1986 slang) albums of the year. There is nothing stale or typical about this album. From the infusion of Washington, DC's Go-Go drums & Backyard Band, tackling tough topics like self-hate and the acceptance of his dark skin to lacing a few tracks with the spoken word for which coffee houses dwellers would snap. There have been many albums in 09 that have been good; great even. Attention Deficit is important to the culture of hip hop; to the advancement of the culture. It's smart, well crafted, culturally relevant, has local roots, and it sounds amazing.
Wale is clearly that dude right now and has quite the ability, talent, and backing to make the transition from a local hero, to stealing the solo from most hip hop dudes in the game right now.
Oh Yeah... - I expect to see him on The List next year... Mark my words!
OkayplayerTV: Wale from Okayplayer on Vimeo.
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