By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Earlier this year, Wale said he wanted the music on his new album to speak for itself and then he announced The Gifted. By the time March hit, Wale released his single, “Bad,” featuring Tiara Thomas. Instead of leading up with a lot of singles, Wale actually stood back and let his single simmer.
Evidenced by the title of the album, The Gifted, Wale came at this album with an outside-of-the-box approach. Still, he delivered his trademark flows, seen on “Bad” and his nostalgia-inspiring “Love/Hate Thing.” Artists tend to go overboard and “do too much” on their albums by going versatile, Wale managed to walk the thin line.
Lyrically, Wale was on point, once again and he even went a different direction with the album with “Clappers,” featuring Nicki Minaj and Juicy J. All in all, Wale delivered a quality album that was balanced. But, in a sea of other album releases, it is difficult to stand out.
Anyone who has ever seen a Wale interview know he has no problems standing out and The Gifted shows how he can keep up with the pack. Everything on The Gifted fit, as Wale did not compromise himself, despite featuring tracks with 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, Cee-Lo, Lyfe Jennings, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj, along with others. Highlights of the album come with “Clappers,” the “Bad” remix, and also “Love/Hate Thing” with Sam Dew, but the whole album is high quality.
No other hip hop artist could seriously pull off collaborations ranging from Meek Mill and Jerry Seinfeld. Of course, being in MMG helped him pull that feat off, but Wale is winning right now and The Gifted is a great piece of musical work. A lot of people went over the top with their albums and others were too simple, but Wale pushed the right buttons and he put out one of the year’s best albums, which is in stores now.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 9/10
