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
Butterflies Pt. 2
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just wanna know that you'll catch me if I fall?
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
You came, came into my life
Then made everything right again
I was once in a dark place (place)
I remember when you told me
Still you found a way to fall for me
I still get butterflies (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
Crazy how we vibe
Even when we fight
I still get butterflies
Crazy how we vibe
Even when we fight
Okay, oh no
Okay, now first we (oh, oh-oh)
Call and textin' all day, then we (oh, oh-oh)
Start to see some feelings change, then we (oh, oh-oh)
Wasn't on the same page, then we (oh-oh, ooh-whoa, ooh-whoa)
Couldn't read a damn thing
We started off, we had potential
I'm on the road, we ain't got to rush it
Butterfly from a caterpillar
Started flyin', started actin' different
Lookin' different, in the eyes of me
Went from sure thing to a possibly
When it started knew it was absolute
When it start through, it was obsolete
And my heart is gone from your larceny
And it's hard to know you moved on from me
And I already made you block all my pages
So the burn is on, I'm like an arsonist
And the heart lust what the heart needs
You could part from me but still a part of me
And the funny thing, I was your side thing
But I ain't seen your wings 'til quarantine
I (sheesh), still get butterflies (yeah, I still get butterflies but you could fly)
Crazy how we vibe (real side piece vibes)
Even when we fight (right, yeah, Folarin)
I (I), still get butterflies (still get butterflies)
Crazy how we vibe
Even when we fight
Safe to say I know that you'll catch me when I fall
Now I got you here, boy I'm givin' you my all
Dangerously in love, I don't ever wanna leave
I know you feel the same, you're the only one I see (see)
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The lyrics of Wale's song "Butterflies Pt. 2" depict a relationship that has gone through ups and downs but still maintains a strong connection. Wale expresses his desire to feel secure in the relationship, asking if his partner will catch him if he falls. The song reflects on the transformative power of love, as Wale acknowledges that his partner has brought light back into his life after a period of darkness. Despite their initial hesitations, they have both found a way to fall in love with each other.
The chorus emphasizes the continued presence of butterflies in their relationship, symbolizing the excitement and nervousness that comes with love. The line "Crazy how we vibe, even when we fight" acknowledges that conflicts are inevitable, but their connection is strong enough to withstand them. Wale further reflects on the shifts and uncertainties that can occur in a relationship, from being on the same page to feeling disconnected. He highlights the transformation that love can bring, comparing it to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The bridge delves deeper into the emotions and complexities of the relationship, with Wale acknowledging the pain of seeing his partner move on and realizing his own mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Expressing anticipation and excitement for what's to come.
I just wanna know that you'll catch me if I fall?
Seeking reassurance and support from the person I love.
You came, came into my life
You entered my life and brought positive changes.
Then made everything right again
You fixed the problems and restored happiness in my life.
I was once in a dark place (place)
I used to be emotionally or mentally troubled.
I remember when you told me
I recall the time you confided in me.
You were scared to fall in love again
You expressed your fear of getting hurt in a romantic relationship.
Still you found a way to fall for me
Despite your fear, you managed to develop feelings for me.
I still get butterflies (ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh)
I still experience excitement and nervousness when I'm with you.
Crazy how we vibe
It's amazing how well we connect and understand each other.
Even when we fight
Even during conflicts or disagreements.
Okay, oh no
Expressing hesitation or concern.
Okay, now first we (oh, oh-oh)
Let's first address or acknowledge.
Call and textin' all day, then we (oh, oh-oh)
We used to communicate constantly through calls and texts.
Start to see some feelings change, then we (oh, oh-oh)
Gradually noticing a shift in our emotions.
Wasn't on the same page, then we (oh-oh, ooh-whoa, ooh-whoa)
Our thoughts and desires didn't align, causing difficulties.
Couldn't read a damn thing
Unable to understand each other's intentions or emotions.
We started off, we had potential
Our relationship had promise and possibilities in the beginning.
I'm on the road, we ain't got to rush it
I'm busy with my career, so we don't have to hurry our relationship.
Butterfly from a caterpillar
Transforming and evolving from a vulnerable state to something beautiful.
Started flyin', started actin' different
As we progressed, our behavior and attitude changed.
Lookin' different, in the eyes of me
Perceiving you in a new way, from my perspective.
Went from sure thing to a possibly
Our certainty and confidence turned into uncertainty and doubt.
When it started knew it was absolute
At the beginning, we were convinced it was unquestionable.
When it start through, it was obsolete
As time passed, it became irrelevant or outdated.
And my heart is gone from your larceny
You have stolen my heart or caused its loss through your actions.
And it's hard to know you moved on from me
It's difficult to accept that you have moved on from our relationship.
And I already made you block all my pages
I have already taken steps to prevent any contact or connection with you.
So the burn is on, I'm like an arsonist
I am intentionally causing myself emotional pain, just like a person who sets fires.
And the heart lust what the heart needs
Desires and longings of the heart are what it requires.
You could part from me but still a part of me
Even if we separate, you will always remain a significant part of me.
And the funny thing, I was your side thing
Ironically, I was your secret or secondary partner.
But I ain't seen your wings 'til quarantine
I only realized your true colors or intentions during the isolation of quarantine.
Safe to say I know that you'll catch me when I fall
I can confidently say that I trust you to support me in times of vulnerability.
Now I got you here, boy I'm givin' you my all
Now that I have you in my life, I am wholeheartedly giving you my everything.
Dangerously in love, I don't ever wanna leave
Being deeply in love, I have no desire to ever walk away.
I know you feel the same, you're the only one I see (see)
I am aware that you share the same feelings and you are the sole focus of my affection.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
(repeated ad-libs) Expressing continued excitement and joy.
Lyrics © THE MEZZO AGENCY, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jefferson Jean, Kaleb Rollins, Kevin White, Marc Soto, Michael Mccall, Michael Woods, Nicholaus Joseph Williams, Pat Mcmanus, Queen Naija Bulls, Robert Grimaldi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lazariatheegreat6887
Holy shit I never would have guess Wale as the feature 🙌🏾
@Aballersambition
🔥🔥🖤 https://youtu.be/A3wzElcYm9o
@37nyknicks
Me too....never saw that coming...
@s.k.7864
I figured when they were at the BET Awards last year.
@SittingPRETTY727
Right lol
@yourinternetauntee
Wale linked with Queen and Clarence s a Yvan award show. He said he wanted to collab with her.
@DuaneIsAFoolFr
"From a callipiller to a butterfly, you started flying and start acting different." Damn❗ This better be a single
@kmmkkmn
Caterpillar
@exotic_yanna3517
Kaltuma Muse you know what he meant tho 😭
@natashachosebygodclark9616
Yessssssirrr I love that part too🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥