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Wale - Center of Attention (iTunes Bonus Track)
(MP3 via usershare.net|mediafire.net)
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Wale x Justice - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. - [MP3]*
* From the 100 Miles And Running mixtape, Mixed by Nick Catchdubs
Get Attention Defecit here:
iTunes (MP3s)
Amazon (MP3s)
Insound (CDs/Vinyl)
Amazon (CDs/Vinyl)
Wale’s long-awaited debut album, Attention Deficit, was finally released this month after early online leak, a disappointing attempt at a hit radio single, and a lack of support from his record label. Even with all these obstacles, Wale managed to put out a comprehensive album that went beyond the bling-life cliches and showed the rap skill that landed him on the cover of XXL mag’s “Freshmen Class” issue. This album was well worth its two-month delay.
For those unfamiliar with Wale (pronounced Wah-lay), he’s from the DMV area (D.C./Virginia/Maryland) and brings a unique element to his work by incorporating go-go music. In 2008 he released the critically acclaimed mixtape, A Mixtape About Nothing, which generated an online buzz for the 25-year-old. This mixtape was seen as groundbreaking for using the hit sitcom Seinfeld as a theme, while also demonstrating he can create a concept album.
So we knew he can rap and do it creativity based on his mixtape work, but could he spill those skills over to create a studio album? Attention Deficit accomplished just that!
Photo: Wale opening for Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour at the University of Massachusetts, October 25, 2009 / Joshua Peguero
The album intro, “Triumph,” is a drum- and trumpet-centered track produced by TV On The Radio band member David Andrew Sitek. The trumpets signaled Wale’s overdue arrival into hip hop. He goes in bar after bar with punch lines that need one’s undivided attention, as he sets the tone of what to expect: rap until his lungs collapse. He even takes a shot at Kanye West in his first verse, “I asked Mr. West for a little bit of help / realized us new niggas had to get ourselves.” This was a great song to introduce the album.
The tracks that come right after introduce listeners to Wale’s persona, his journey, and his brand. In “Mama Told Me,” he gives his opinion of the volatile music market and addresses some of the bureaucracies associated with the music industry. “Sorry Mr. Charlie won’t tap dance / and fuck the radio for telling me to snap jam… Hip Hop’s unbalance has got out of hand / I ain’t have to see-saw, I’m already scared.”
In “World Tour” listeners are taken into Wale’s global journey that landed him on the stage of the Glastonbury Music festival in 2007. “Jay did Scotland and everyone jocked him / I did Scotland and got no props for it.”
“Contemplate” and “Diary” are one of Wale’s best tracks on the album, demonstrating his versatility of being able to alternate between being a punch-line rapper to placing perspective on relevant issues. In “Contemplate” he reflects on an unstable relationship with a woman and the emotions associated with it. A Rihanna-sampled hook and the dark production by Scyience solidifies this as a standout track. The song “Diary” is about a woman who’s past rocky relationships leave her unable to appreciate anything positive in a man.
Another stand out track is “Shades,” featuring Chrisette Michele and produced by new comers Best Kept Secret, who have worked with Wale on his mixtapes. In this song he discusses some of the adversities and misconceptions of growing up as an African American. He also mentions the lack of unity among blacks. “Immigrant parents had me feeling like a step kid / and black Americans never did accept me / that’s why I thrive so much winning respect, dig?”
If there is to be a complaint with the album it would be about the song “Chillin.” Most hip hop fans know that the music industry runs on politics as usual, and labels decide what an artist’s first single should be (unless you’re Hov or Kanye). But the song “Chillin” was not up to the high standard set by the others, and should have been left out. It didn’t seem to belong on an album with songs like “Shades,” “Diary” and “90210,” which were great tracks that focused on relevant issues.
Even though Wale only sold 28,000 in his first week, his Manager Dan Weisman stated on his blog that it was under-shipped; the numbers didn’t reflect the work put into this well-rounded album.
“I think the fact that I’m shedding light on real issues,” Wale said, “[means] my album will stand the test of time and it’s something that’s worth paying attention to.” I hope so, Wale.
Give this album a listen, people, and support good music!
Photo: Wale opening for Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour at the University of Massachusetts, October 25, 2009 / Joshua Peguero
