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
Change
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Same old uh look
Go by the name Wale Folarin
A K A Ralph
I'm still over there okay
The same old nigga since day one
Sharp as a ginzu though my tennis shoes Ray Guns
W's on my mind peep what I'm getting at
Attire proper Bryce Harper though slightly darker
From where the drivers forgotten you get blocka for parkas
Ronald's was popping they be wilding for posits
Shorty from Waldorf say Wale don't stop up your progress
It's not a problem little mama only a part of me polished
I get inside her head and promptly get Kylie Minoguing
Slick mouth nigga legendary with lyrics
And never let up keep one leg up nigga Kerry Kittles
It's very simple I'm innocent now you never winning
And I'm up about fifty effortlessly nigga check the ticker
Fuck a nigga hate a hater that's just how I'm living
And I'm playing ball with a chess board nigga Bobby Fischer
And it's hard to be focused going around all these women
I tell her I'm much deeper that don't mean I'm much different
More like the writing Iceberg Slim with better diction
She let me hit her in the gut feel it like premonitions
Wooh you know I'm feeling myself
Tell these niggas Folarin back on my way to that belt
By the way of the beltway where they hating too much
When niggas dirty thirsty hungry they subjects to lunch
Right but at least we see that's the problem being not on
I inspire for well off y'all inspire for well known
Not no LeBron but I'm cool with being Jamal
Cross somebody falling don't keep reaching let me just ball
Just ball with these groupies been tired of these niggas
They ain't seeing me stunting like a tint job on a Bentley
Your annual is my rent fee been playing it cool don't tempt me
Fuck that but nah I take em out to lunch I'm a cannibal to these emcees
Ever so glutinous miss me with that sucker shit
Tatted out with angels
Since I pray I don't get caught up in this game nigga
Not a chance nigga
About a Dollar so they hollering I changed nigga
Same lyrics just the stage different
Sneakerman Daniel san we still crane kick em
Tell the haters better raincheck me
One call to clean them up still hang with made niggas
Wale doh
Keep that shit rolling
Never switch off men
Is about to be Wale season in a minutes
If y'all niggas only knew
Same old nigga
Same old nigga
Same old nigga
Same old nigga
Same old nigga
DJ Power Kent Wale
Please enjoy Mavin
The lyrics in Wale's song Change describe the rapper's confidence and dedication to his craft. Throughout the verses, he references his sharp style, his love for his hometown, and his skill as a lyricist. He acknowledges the challenges of fame and the distractions that come with it, but maintains his focus and commitment to his goals. He also addresses the issue of haters and negativity, urging listeners to rise above it and stay true to themselves.
Wale begins the song by introducing himself and proudly affirming that he is the same person he has always been. He then describes his unique style and dedication to his music, using clever wordplay and metaphors to express his thoughts and emotions. He shows a disdain for those who try to bring him down with their negativity, and instead focuses his energy on self-improvement and success.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "same old nigga" several times, emphasizing Wale's conviction that he is still the same person he has always been, despite any changes or challenges he may face. This repetition also serves to hammer home the message that listeners should stay true to themselves and not be swayed by outside influences.
Overall, Change is a song about staying true to oneself and pushing through obstacles to achieve success. Through his lyrics, Wale displays confidence, resilience, and a determination to achieve his goals, no matter what others may say or do.
Line by Line Meaning
Same old uh uh
I've been the same person all along.
Same old uh look
My appearance may change, but I'm still the same person.
Go by the name Wale Folarin
My birth name is Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, but I go by Wale Folarin.
A K A Ralph
I also go by the nickname Ralph.
I'm still over there okay
I'm still in the same place I've always been, and I'm doing okay.
Same old nigga since day one
I've been the same person since the beginning.
Sharp as a ginzu though my tennis shoes Ray Guns
I'm sharp and stylish like a Ginsu knife, and I wear Nike Air Yeezy 2 shoes.
Raise up your glass puff and pass for they hating ass
Let's celebrate and smoke together, in spite of the haters.
W's on my mind peep what I'm getting at
I'm focused on making money and achieving success.
Attire proper Bryce Harper though slightly darker
I dress well, similar to pro baseball player Bryce Harper, but my skin tone is darker.
From where the drivers forgotten you get blocka for parkas
In my neighborhood, people will rob you for your expensive clothing.
Ronald's was popping they be wilding for posits
The sneaker store Foot Locker was very popular, and people were crazy about getting new shoes.
Shorty from Waldorf say Wale don't stop up your progress
A girl from my hometown told me to keep pushing forward and not give up.
It's not a problem little mama only a part of me polished
I'm not perfect, but I'm working on improving myself.
I get inside her head and promptly get Kylie Minoguing
I'm good at seducing women, like Australian pop star Kylie Minogue.
Slick mouth nigga legendary with lyrics
I'm known for having a smooth and creative way with words.
And never let up keep one leg up nigga Kerry Kittles
I keep working hard and never give up, like basketball player Kerry Kittles.
It's very simple I'm innocent now you never winning
I'm not doing anything wrong, and you'll never be able to bring me down.
And I'm up about fifty effortlessly nigga check the ticker
I'm making money easily, as you can see by checking the stock market.
Fuck a nigga hate a hater that's just how I'm living
I don't care about other people's hate, and that's just how I choose to live.
And I'm playing ball with a chess board nigga Bobby Fischer
I'm strategic and intelligent, like famous chess player Bobby Fischer.
And it's hard to be focused going around all these women
It's difficult to stay focused with so many women around me.
I tell her I'm much deeper that don't mean I'm much different
I may have a deeper personality than other guys, but that doesn't make me fundamentally different.
More like the writing Iceberg Slim with better diction
I'm similar to the author Iceberg Slim, but I have better writing skills.
She let me hit her in the gut feel it like premonitions
I was able to have sex with her deeply, and it felt intense.
Wooh you know I'm feeling myself
I'm feeling really good about myself.
Tell these niggas Folarin back on my way to that belt
Let other people know that I'm making a comeback and going for success.
By the way of the beltway where they hating too much
I'm from the Washington D.C. area, where people are known for being overly negative and critical.
When niggas dirty thirsty hungry they subjects to lunch
When people are desperate and insecure, they can be taken advantage of.
Right but at least we see that's the problem being not on
We understand that not being successful is a problem.
I inspire for well off y'all inspire for well known
I'm focused on making a lot of money, while others are just focused on being famous.
Not no LeBron but I'm cool with being Jamal
I'm not the best, like LeBron James, but I'm happy being an average player, like Jamal Crawford.
Cross somebody falling don't keep reaching let me just ball
If someone else is failing, don't try to bring them down; just focus on my own success.
Just ball with these groupies been tired of these niggas
I'd rather spend time with women who are fans of mine, instead of hanging out with guys who I'm tired of.
They ain't seeing me stunting like a tint job on a Bentley
People don't really know how good I am; it's like having a tint job on a fancy car.
Your annual is my rent fee been playing it cool don't tempt me
What you make in a year is what I pay for rent; I'm staying calm, but don't push me.
Fuck that but nah I take em out to lunch I'm a cannibal to these emcees
I won't hurt anyone, but I'll beat them in a rap battle; I'm like a predator to other rappers.
Ever so glutinous miss me with that sucker shit
I'm not greedy or gluttonous, and I don't appreciate people who are.
Tatted out with angels
I have tattoos of angels on my body.
Since I pray I don't get caught up in this game nigga
I pray that I won't become too attached to the music industry and lose sight of what's important.
Not a chance nigga
I won't let that happen.
About a Dollar so they hollering I changed nigga
People are accusing me of changing because I've become more successful.
Same lyrics just the stage different
I'm still the same artist, but my performances are on different stages.
Sneakerman Daniel san we still crane kick em
I'm good at buying and wearing sneakers, and I have a martial arts mindset of using the crane kick.
Tell the haters better raincheck me
Tell the haters to back off for now.
One call to clean them up still hang with made niggas
If I need someone taken care of, I have connections to people who can handle it.
Wale doh
This is Wale speaking.
Keep that shit rolling
Let's keep going with what we're doing.
Never switch off men
Don't change who you are on the inside.
Is about to be Wale season in a minutes
I'm about to take over the music industry soon.
If y'all niggas only knew
If you knew what I was capable of, you'd be impressed.
Same old nigga
I'm still the same guy.
Same old nigga
I'm still the same guy.
Same old nigga
I'm still the same guy.
Same old nigga
I'm still the same guy.
Same old nigga
I'm still the same guy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alejandropada
Te recomiendo otras de Nam:
- Champions Fall Out Boy ft RM
- Todas las de MONO
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- Winter flower
- Sexy Nukim
- Rap Monster
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- RM x Warren G 'P.D.D'
@kayladenae4613
Since there's a lot of non native English speakers who don't understand Wale's part, I'll explain it the best I can
Yeah, tell me what is really real
I'm trying to buy a new Ferrari (an expensive car) for my newest deal
Baby girl say, "The world really hate us, huh?" (this is talking about how his daughter is starting to realize that black people are hated by many)
Pray a lot and maybe God give you Saint Laurent (an expensive clothing line)
Wish that I could change the world but they hold back
When it's time to go the people got me mad again (meaning people hold back when it's time to take action and make a change and it makes him mad)
And what if I could change the world with a pen and pad (meaning changing the world through writing lyrics)
When it's time to vote the people turn to mannequins.. challenge that (meaning that when it was election time not many people participated and voted, they "stayed still" like the mannequin challenge)
Namjoon, I'm the man, too
I'm out in Chevy Chase, the teachers used to lampoon (Wale is from Washington D.C. and Chevy Chase is a nice area there, but he's saying that when he was young his teachers used to mock him probably because they didn't think he'd be successful and live in an area like Chevy Chase. Chevy Chase is also an actor who was in a movie called National Lampoon)
I sing songs, haikus over rap tunes (Haikus are Japanese poems, so his raps are like poetry)
High IQ, looking for a Song Hye Kyo, hey cuuuuutie girl (reference to Namjoon's high IQ; Song Hye Kyo is an actress from Descendants of the Sun and Wale wants a girl like her)
I'm trying to keep it a hunnit ("keep it a hunnit" (or a hundred) is slang for keeping it real)
I got no faith in the government that's why we need each other
Hey, laughing to keep from crying
Folarin's a rap monster, BTS is the army (Folarin is the name of one of Wale's mixtapes which he considers a mix of all the music he makes.. like it represents him as a musician)
That's on me, Imma keep the piece until I see some more peace (a play on words of the phrase "keeping the peace", since there's a lot of conflict, he'll keep his gun until there's no need for it anymore)
Imma keep it G forever, keep it lowkey (G is short for gangster, meaning Wale is always gonna be a gangster, but like.. lowkey..)
Take a trip to South Korea with DC OGs (meaning he went to SK with some of his friends from Washington D.C. OG is short for Original Gangster, but in this case it means his friends)
Chiefing OG, I'm chiefing OG (uhhhhh check Urban Dictionary for this one 😅)
Hated by alt-rights and racist police (In the U.S, Lefts are Democrats/Liberals and Rights are Conservatives/Republicans. Alt-Right are the really conservative people whose views are racist, misogynistic, homophobic, etc.)
Say whoop-whoop man, 12 coming (Whoop-whoop is the sound of police sirens, and 12 is slang for the police)
And make the kids really freeze when they say "freeze!" (referencing police brutality in the U.S. where the police kill young, unarmed black kids for no reason, making them "freeze" (because they're dead))
If anything's unclear, let me know!!
@BTSBEINGBTSYT
CHANGEto15M!
We Can Do This For You, RM!
@BTSBEINGBTSYT
<33
@widysaaja
We did it
@ceeenloud7957
we did it. nothing is impossible.
@kpopcentricsolarsystem8833
WE DID IT UWU
@jurassicpark1289
Thank you for being supportive of RM
@jooniebear0421
Rm has so so many amazing collabs and this is only one of them.
@saralovesbts7
So so true
@alejandropada
TAN DE ACUERDO CONTIGO
@be.the.light.2107
This song could have come out today and it would be relevant and relatable. Respect to both artists!