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.
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Intro
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thus his or her Genesis
This deep thinking tale you are about to listen to
I want you to incline your ears to it as I speak and make a
Connection with me to understand this content and be able
To tell the story of the wonderful boy to the next generation
The Postman
Even at a time he boldly announced his name in Exodus
To redeem his image he was told it isn't of any relevance to society
So in Leviticus he availed himself as an
Ecclesia chosen by the maker to minister to the nations
He outlines his laws and duties set
Them on a big shape to begin his mission
In numbers he declared moko hoo meaning
No man shall pass with ease and had no problem
He said Good morning to his fans and asked
Mister bad mind how're doing today in the ShattaCity
This was how he named his dues he appointed his Militants
And wondered with them trough the wilderness
He worked like the fatigue on the run in his own land
A journey purpose for a day seem to be taking forever to manifest
Due to the Unbelieved Disobedience and Disloyalty from his own men
As sunrise releasing he's on course he reviewed the laws in Deuteronomy
You Can't Show Him Noting as he clearly stated in
His song with title inked boldly on his neck Prove You Wrong
Down to Joshua he possessed the unconquered
Charles Nii Armah Mensah moved from facing judges
To the acquisition of the Royal Crown making him King
Establish his reign and announced the
Expansion of his nation the Shatta Movement
In his quest to strive for perfection it yielded only hatred and
Baldy posed in the heart of his own People
That only his sorrows could be fetch
As the saying goes give the dog a bad name and hang it
He was named nothing good was ever expected to come from him
But here he stands today surrounded with wonders
Indeed when man proposes God disposes Small Boy With a big God
He now count's his blessings in kind and in numbers
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
The beauty of fire is seen in it's flames as the mountains surround
Jerusalem so are his tunes surrounding the world and
He's getting the moon stars sun to not to ease as it plays
Astonishing how his plight has turn to joy
Action speaks louder than words indeed
He has been through the good the bad and the ugly
Shatta Wale suffered heart breaks at night
When heard the echoes in the cold streets
God pleaded his course when night
Misdressed in the darkness begin to meet in reality
God strive with them that strive against him
And fought those that fought against him
He confounded and put to shame that salty soul
He made their path slippery and course them to dig
The pit for themselves that only them could fit in
He has moved him from grass to Grace from Bandanna to Shatta Wale
From Local Champion to World Acclaimed Lyrical Entertainer
From a Local stage nonentity to a global spectacular performer
Who went Down for ten years and came back and still took back the map captive
Oooooh
How did a stone rejected by yesterday's
Builder today becomes the building strongest pillar
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Chanting
He went down ten year's and came back and took the map captive
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
Wonder Boy
The Postman
The lyrics of Wale's song "Intro" are an introspective look at the artist's journey and the struggles he faced to become the Wonder Boy he is today. The opening lines speak of Genesis, the beginning of life, and the importance of connecting with the content of the song to tell the story of the boy to the next generation. This boy is the Postman, who started out as someone written off and dismissed, but through his perseverance and dedication, he became a champion.
The song mentions the different stages in the Postman's journey, from being declared irrelevant to society to becoming a minister to the nations. He outlines his laws and duties and appoints his Militants to help him on his mission. The journey is not easy, and he faces obstacles and disobedience from his own men. However, he remains steadfast in his purpose and continues to strive for perfection, expanding his nation and achieving world acclaim.
The lyrics use religious imagery and metaphors to reflect Wale's faith and the belief that God has played a pivotal role in his journey. The Wonder Boy is the strongest pillar, rising from being rejected to becoming a global phenomenon. The song is an uplifting message of hope and perseverance, urging listeners to keep striving no matter the obstacles they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Every human born of a woman have a beginning
All humans have a starting point as they enter this world.
Thus his or her Genesis
This is why we have the genesis of every individual's life.
This deep thinking tale you are about to listen to
The following story is one that requires deep thought and attention.
I want you to incline your ears to it as I speak and make a
Please pay attention to what I'm saying and try to connect with me on this level.
Connection with me to understand this content and be able
By connecting with me, you'll better understand the content of the story and be able to relate to it.
To tell the story of the wonderful boy to the next generation
Our goal is to keep the story of this amazing boy alive and pass it down to the next generation.
There was a boy that who was written off in Genesis within his own territory
This is the story of a boy who wasn't initially given much credit or recognition in his own community.
Even at a time he boldly announced his name in Exodus
Despite this, he continued to assert his identity and name in a bold way.
To redeem his image he was told it isn't of any relevance to society
However, many still didn't see the value or relevance of his presence and contributions to society.
So in Leviticus he availed himself as an
But in Leviticus, he made himself available to others.
Ecclesia chosen by the maker to minister to the nations
He was chosen by a higher power to serve the world in a meaningful way.
He outlines his laws and duties set
He clearly laid out the laws and duties he believed he needed to fulfill.
Them on a big shape to begin his mission
He organized his goals and strategies in order to begin his mission.
In numbers he declared moko hoo meaning
He declared moko hoo, which means 'no man shall pass with ease,' with conviction and determination.
No man shall pass with ease and had no problem
He was resolute in his position on this matter and didn't back down.
He said Good morning to his fans and asked
He greeted his fans in a friendly way and asked how they were doing.
Mister bad mind how're doing today in the ShattaCity
He addressed those who were envious or negative towards him by calling them 'mister bad mind,' and asked them how they were doing in his community called ShattaCity.
This was how he named his dues he appointed his Militants
He assigned trust to his supporters and assigned them the name 'Militants' as a sign of respect.
And wondered with them trough the wilderness
He journeyed through the wild with his team.
He worked like the fatigue on the run in his own land
He worked tirelessly in his own community.
A journey purpose for a day seem to be taking forever to manifest
Despite his hard work, it seemed like his goals were taking a long time to come to fruition.
Due to the Unbelieved Disobedience and Disloyalty from his own men
This was partially due to the lack of belief, disobedience, and disloyalty he faced from some of his own team members.
As sunrise releasing he's on course he reviewed the laws in Deuteronomy
And as the sun rose, he stayed on course and reviewed the laws he had set for himself in Deuteronomy.
You Can't Show Him Noting as he clearly stated in
He was confident in himself and what he stood for, which he expressed in a song titled 'Prove You Wrong.'
His song with title inked boldly on his neck Prove You Wrong
He tattooed the title of his song onto his neck as a symbol of his unwavering dedication to proving others wrong.
Down to Joshua he possessed the unconquered
Just like Joshua, he possessed an unconquerable spirit.
Charles Nii Armah Mensah moved from facing judges
The story now shifts to Charles Nii Armah Mensah, who was previously dealing with legal troubles.
To the acquisition of the Royal Crown making him King
He rose to fame and became a 'King' in his own right.
Establish his reign and announced the
He firmly established his presence and announced his intentions.
Expansion of his nation the Shatta Movement
He expanded his following and movement, which he called the Shatta Movement.
In his quest to strive for perfection it yielded only hatred and
Despite his pursuit of excellence, many people still hated and opposed him.
Baldy posed in the heart of his own People
He was criticized and disliked even by his own community of people.
That only his sorrows could be fetch
Only his own pains and struggles seemed to matter to those around him.
As the saying goes give the dog a bad name and hang it
He was given a negative reputation, and this reputation followed him wherever he went.
He was named nothing good was ever expected to come from him
Many people had low expectations for him and didn't believe he could succeed.
But here he stands today surrounded with wonders
Despite all the difficulties he faced, he's now successful and surrounded by amazing things.
Indeed when man proposes God disposes Small Boy With a big God
Ultimately, it was God who had the final say in his success, and the small boy had a strong faith in God to lead him to where he needed to be.
The beauty of fire is seen in it's flames as the mountains surround
This last part embodies the idea that struggle and hardship often leads to a more beautiful outcome.
Jerusalem so are his tunes surrounding the world and
Similarly, his music has spread far and wide, surrounding the world with its beauty and message.
He's getting the moon stars sun to not to ease as it plays
His music is so captivating that it doesn't allow the moon, stars, and sun to rest when it's being played.
Astonishing how his plight has turn to joy
It's amazing to see that his difficult journey ultimately led to happiness and success.
Action speaks louder than words indeed
The message here is that actions are more impactful than words alone.
He has been through the good the bad and the ugly
He's been through all kinds of experiences and situations, both positive and negative.
Shatta Wale suffered heart breaks at night
He's gone through heartbreak and difficulty in his life, especially during the night when alone with his thoughts.
When heard the echoes in the cold streets
The echoes in the cold streets could represent negative influences, criticism, or hate that he's heard and had to endure.
God pleaded his course when night
In these difficult moments, he turned to God and relied on his guidance and strength to keep going.
Misdressed in the darkness begin to meet in reality
These moments allowed him to confront whatever was holding him back and confront his challenges more clearly.
God strive with them that strive against him
Here, we see that God loves and supports those who fight for what they believe in.
And fought those that fought against him
He fought back against those who fought against him, and did not let them bring him down.
He confounded and put to shame that salty soul
He proved wrong those who doubted him and made them feel ashamed for doubting him.
He made their path slippery and course them to dig
His enemies faced difficulties and obstacles because of the negative energy they put out into the world.
The pit for themselves that only them could fit in
Ultimately, they created their own problems and downfall.
He has moved him from grass to Grace from Bandanna to Shatta Wale
God led him to move from humble beginnings to a place of grace and success, transitioning from his former stage name 'Bandanna' to 'Shatta Wale'.
From Local Champion to World Acclaimed Lyrical Entertainer
He went from being known only in his local community to becoming a world-renowned artist and entertainer.
From a Local stage nonentity to a global spectacular performer
He started off being unknown on local stages, and now he's a spectacular performer on a global stage.
Who went Down for ten years and came back and still took back the map captive
Despite facing a period of decline, he persisted and ultimately came back to conquer the music industry once again.
How did a stone rejected by yesterday's
This is a reference to the Bible verse, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'
Builder today becomes the building strongest pillar
He's become an important and foundational part of the music industry, despite being initially overlooked or rejected.
Chanting
This section includes repetition of the phrase 'Wonder Boy.'
He went down ten year's and came back and took the map captive
This repetition reinforces the idea that he was able to overcome adversity and rise to success.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Charles Nii Armah Mensah
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind