Wale was born to Nigerian immigrant parents in Washington, DC. He grew up on Peabody Street in Northwest DC and moved to Largo, Maryland as a teenager. He attended seven different high schools in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, finally graduating from Quince Orchard High School in 2001. He went to Robert Morris College and Virginia State University on football scholarships, and then Bowie State University but dropped out in 2004 to pursue music full-time. Before music started paying the bills, Wale worked day jobs at Sprint, Up Against The Wall and Downtown Locker Room.
Wale emerged onto the local DC hip hop scene with the help of WKYS-FM's DJ Alizay. Wale began getting radio play in 2004 with a single called "Rhyme of the Century" which got Wale in the June 2005 "Unsigned Hype" section of Source magazine and his buzz started growing.
In November 2006, a feature ran on AllHipHop.com's Breeding Ground about Wale. The day before Thanksgiving, Wale took the stage between Lil Wayne and T.I. during the Southern Invasion tour at the Verizon Center.
In early December 2006, Wale won the award for "D.C. Metro Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at WKYS' Go-Go Awards. On December 15, The Fader magazine associate editor Nick "Catchdubs" Barat visited Wale for an interview and photo shoot which appeared in the March 2007 issue of The Fader.
Wale has an upcoming promotional campaign with Remy Martin and XXL Magazine. He has also been linked to boutique streetwear brands The Hundreds, 10 Deep and Good Bully, as well as lifestyle brands Stussy and LRG.
In January 2007, Wale released a new single to radio called "Good Girls." Daniel Weisman gave the song to Mark Ronson and on February 23, 2007, Ronson began playing the song on his East Village Radio show. A week later, at Ronson's studio, Wale recorded a freestyle for Ronson and in exchange, Ronson put Wale on an unreleased remix of Lily Allen's "Smile" which appeared on a number of music blogs around the world on March 13th, 2007. In April of 2007, Ronson asked Wale to join him on a UK tour to promote the release of his newest album. In June of 2007, Wale signed to a production deal with Ronson's Allido Records.
On June 24, 2007, Wale's "Ice Cream Girl" with TCB, was featured on the show Entourage, on HBO.
Wale performed "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.", from his 100 Miles mixtape, at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas, NV.
Wale was also featured in the October 2007 issues of XXL and Rolling Stone. The Washington Post profiled Wale on the front page of the Sunday Style section in the October 21st, 2007 edition. Wale is featured on the cover of URB Magazine's 150th issue along with French electro group, Justice.
iTunes released "Nike Boots" as a free download on November 13th, 2007 as its "Single of the Week." On Christmas Day 2007, Wale debuted the "Nike Boots Remix" featuring Lil Wayne and Green Lantern on his myspace page. Wale and Lil Wayne played a Nike Boots event called DC Stand Up at Ibiza Nightclub in DC on January 15, 2008 which was sponsored by Nike and Footaction.
In the November 30th, 2007 issue of Entertainment Weekly, Wale is featured as one of 8 people to watch in 2008 along with actors Simon Pegg and Rachel McAdams.
On March 12, 2008, Wale announced on 93.9 WKYS that he had signed with Interscope.
On April 29, 2008, the new Roots album entitled Rising Down was released, featuring Wale on the final track. Wale's relationship with the Roots began when Black Thought heard a song recorded as a tribute to himself on Wale's 2007 mixtape 100 Miles & Running and contacted Wale.
In the June issue of the German Hip-Hop magazine JUICE Wale announced that his upcoming debut-album will feature production credits from Mark Ronson, Kanye West, Just Blaze, 9th Wonder and the French electronic music duo Justice.
http://www.myspace.com/wale202
Ambition
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Took my heart away from money, I ain't interested in fame
And I pray that never change
Ambition is priceless, it's something that's in your veins
And I put that on my name
Uh, the only hope I had was selling dope
Was on my grind cause times were harder than the cellar floor
I grew up looking at the niggas that was selling coke
Oh, I was raised by the stop sign
No religion I was getting saved by the glock nine
By the minute I was getting paid like a hot line
Servin' rollin' fiends was calling, we was dot com
Well connected, well respected and well protected
Aint get accepted, well rejected and now they regret it
Aint get my message, was a signal when I was texting
The niggas I was calling was fraud and I learned my lesson
Now I move with aggression, use my mind as a weapon
Cause chances are never given they tooken like interceptions
So throw that pass, I'll be the corner back
Me and Folarin MMG gon bring that Warner back
For my ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
They gon love me for my Ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
They gon love me for my Ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
Look, they gon love me for my ambition
Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision
(It speaks for itself. Define Ambition for me?)
My ambition to win, just to get me some ends
Help me pay my little rent, maybe sit in a Benz
I saw momma praying as she wait on results
It was hot in the kitchen can I wait on the porch
My father was missing, War Lord Oliver North
Life was diggin' me deeper, I kept on coming up short
Breaking so many laws, waking up in the dark
Who cut my power off? It's time to move that powder soft
Not too many options when you coming from the projects
Sittin' in the trap now you moving Cyndi Lauper
Girls wanna have fun, and a nigga with some change
And I doubt that ever change
Ambition is priceless that's something thats in your veins
And I doubt that ever change
Ambition is my shit and I put that on my name
And I doubt that ever change
For my ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
They gon love me for my Ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
They gon love me for my Ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
Look, they gon love me for my ambition
Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision
Well wishes to my opposition
You niggas probably cop a plea before you cop a pistol
I got nothing against them, they got fucking potential
But every nigga who can read gotta get his issue
Subscribe niggas reside where all the lions and killers be
And I aint spend a minute up in the streets
But I'm limitless mentally, I'm lyrically the MC
Lebron shit, I was heading six after twenty three
And family is everything and money is less important
Long as your mama love you, don't ever love a woman
I got a lot of bitches, they got a lot of feelings
But I got that green on my eyes
And that ain't no Donnie Simpson
I retire you niggas, fuck you and your position!
They play surface so slippery niggas can't even kick it
Y'all rambling, talking shit to these bitches
You know you real you don't say it
You know you real, we gon feel it
Ralph!
Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision
They gon' love me for my ambition
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
Look, they gon' love me for my ambition
Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision
They gon' love me for my ambition
Wale's song "Ambition" addresses the value of ambition and the struggle to achieve one's goals despite the obstacles encountered along the way. Wale is grateful for the lessons he learned growing up in a rough neighborhood, where the only options seemed to be selling drugs. He credits his ambition for his success, which enabled him to rise above such a life. He believes that ambition is priceless and that it is a quality that resides within oneself. Wale's ambition helped him find a new path in life and make meaningful choices. He maintains that he is content with his journey and is not swayed by material trappings or fame that could potentially lead him down the wrong path.
The song's lyrics are particularly relevant for individuals who are on a personal journey to achieving their goals. Ambition, according to the song, is an innate desire that fuels the pursuit of achievement. Regardless of one's starting point, the determination to succeed can uplift and motivate individuals towards greatness. Wale's message in "Ambition" is easy to embrace, and the song encourages listeners to work hard and never give up.
This song has been able to inspire and motivate a lot of people to work hard towards achieving their goals. It also reinforces the idea that ambition is an essential ingredient for success. Below are some interesting facts about the song:
Line by Line Meaning
The time is now on everything
It's time to seize the moment and go for it.
Took my heart away from money, I ain't interested in fame
I'm not driven by money or fame, but by something deeper and more meaningful.
And I pray that never change
I hope to always stay true to myself and my values.
Ambition is priceless, it's something that's in your veins
Ambition is an innate quality that drives and inspires you.
And I put that on my name
I stand by my ambition and will defend it with my reputation.
Uh, the only hope I had was selling dope
I felt like selling drugs was my only option for success and survival.
Was on my grind cause times were harder than the cellar floor
I worked hard to make ends meet because times were very tough for me.
My momma taught me never steal and never tell on folks
My mother instilled in me the values of honesty and integrity.
I grew up looking at the niggas that was selling coke
I grew up around drug dealers and that was all I saw as success.
Oh, I was raised by the stop sign
I came from a rough neighborhood and had to be cautious and aware at all times.
No religion I was getting saved by the glock nine
I relied on a gun for protection and safety instead of religion.
By the minute I was getting paid like a hot line
I was making money quick as if I were running a hot phone line for drug dealers.
Servin' rollin' fiends was calling, we was dot com
The addicted customers were calling us like we were an online retail business.
Well connected, well respected and well protected
I had a good network of people who respected and protected me.
Aint get accepted, well rejected and now they regret it
I was rejected by some people, but they now realize their mistake and regret it.
Aint get my message, was a signal when I was texting
People didn't understand my intentions even when I was trying to communicate them through text messages.
The niggas I was calling was fraud and I learned my lesson
The people I was trying to work with turned out to be dishonest and I learned from that experience.
Now I move with aggression, use my mind as a weapon
I approach life with a fierce determination and use my intelligence as my strongest weapon.
Cause chances are never given they tooken like interceptions
Opportunities in life are not given, but taken like interceptions in football.
So throw that pass, I'll be the corner back
I'm ready to intercept any opportunity that comes my way and succeed.
Me and Folarin MMG gon bring that Warner back
Together, Wale and MMG will bring back the music industry with their talent and ambition.
My ambition to win, just to get me some ends
I'm driven to succeed and make money to support myself and my family.
Help me pay my little rent, maybe sit in a Benz
I hope my ambition will lead me to a comfortable life where I can afford to pay rent and even buy a luxury car.
I saw momma praying as she wait on results
My mother was hopeful and praying for good news while waiting for some sort of outcome.
It was hot in the kitchen can I wait on the porch
Things were tough and hectic, and I needed a break to catch my breath and refocus.
My father was missing, War Lord Oliver North
My father was absent in my life and I looked up to other male figures like Oliver North.
Life was diggin' me deeper, I kept on coming up short
Life was knocking me down and making things difficult, and I struggled to succeed.
Breaking so many laws, waking up in the dark
I was living a dangerous and illegal lifestyle, and it was taking a toll on me.
Who cut my power off? It's time to move that powder soft
My illegal activities got me into trouble, and I had to deal with the consequences and move on.
Not too many options when you coming from the projects
Growing up in a low-income neighborhood limits your options for success and opportunities.
Sittin' in the trap now you moving Cyndi Lauper
I went from selling drugs in the trap to pursuing my dreams of making music, like Cyndi Lauper.
Girls wanna have fun, and a nigga with some change
Women are attracted to men with money, and I've noticed that in my life.
And I doubt that ever change
I don't think that mentality will ever change, and I'm aware of it.
Ambition is priceless that's something thats in your veins
My drive and ambition is a part of me and is incredibly valuable.
Well wishes to my opposition
I have no hard feelings towards my competitors and wish them well.
You niggas probably cop a plea before you cop a pistol
My competitors are more likely to try to talk their way out of problems than to use violence.
I got nothing against them, they got fucking potential
My competitors are talented and have potential in their own right.
But every nigga who can read gotta get his issue
Everyone who is literate has their own challenges and problems to overcome.
Subscribe niggas reside where all the lions and killers be
People who subscribe to dangerous lifestyles and behaviors end up amongst the most violent and dangerous individuals.
And I aint spend a minute up in the streets
Despite not growing up in the streets, I am still aware of the dangers and challenges they present.
But I'm limitless mentally, I'm lyrically the MC
I have an unlimited mindset and see myself as a talented rapper.
Lebron shit, I was heading six after twenty three
I'm on my way to greatness, like LeBron James who won six championships after his 23rd birthday.
And family is everything and money is less important
Family is the most important thing to me, and I value it over wealth and material possessions.
Long as your mama love you, don't ever love a woman
As long as your mother loves you, you don't need to seek love and validation from a romantic partner.
I got a lot of bitches, they got a lot of feelings
I have many female fans who are attracted to me, but I'm aware of their emotions and don't want to lead them on.
But I got that green on my eyes
I have my sights set on success and wealth, and it drives me to work harder.
And that ain't no Donnie Simpson
My ambition is real and authentic, not just for show like some people.
I retire you niggas, fuck you and your position!
I will surpass and outperform my competitors, regardless of their status or position.
They play surface so slippery niggas can't even kick it
Some people are fake and unreliable, making it hard to work with them.
Y'all rambling, talking shit to these bitches
My competitors are talking nonsense and acting tough to impress women.
You know you real you don't say it
If you're truly genuine and authentic, you don't need to constantly prove it or say it out loud.
You know you real, we gon feel it
People can tell when someone is truly authentic and genuine, without needing to hear it from them directly.
Ralph!
This is the artist's signature or signature catchphrase.
Beautiful music, painting pictures that be my vision
The artist creates beautiful, evocative music that reflects his inner vision and perspective.
They gon' love me for my ambition
People will admire and appreciate the artist's drive and ambition.
Easy to dream a dream, though it's harder to live it
It's easy to have aspirations and dreams, but it takes hard work and dedication to turn them into reality.
Look, they gon' love me for my ambition
The artist is confident that his ambition and drive will win people over and earn him respect and admiration.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ernest Anthony Price, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, Robert Rihmeek Williams, Tyler Matthew Carl Williams, William Leonard II Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kashankhan1944
I just bought a Mercedes-Benz today and the first song I played was this. I forwarded to Rick Ross’ verse and as I sat there and listened l, I shed a tear as I reminisced on all the struggles I had to go through to get here. 💯
@luk3ski
Amen! Keep up the good work 🙏
@sandman4236
I can't wait to be saying the exact thing like you brother
@Happycab555
Congratz bro!
@ericmwangi144
congrats bro...indeed ambition is priceless
@terrancechisolm4090
I'm next up !! Congrats bro.
@kentomondi4090
Finally got my law degree 🙌 Ambition is priceless
@calebtyrell1677
congratulations bro!
@kamauwanjiku7840
Congratulations 🇰🇪
@keithkan835
Congratulations bro this is my alarm🍾