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
Legendary
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They ain’t grossing a million, liquid don’t form an opinion
I’m sort of a genius, nothing short of a legend
Sort of Tommy Lasorda
The way I’m sorting these pitchers
Pitchers whatever, fuck it my speech is off
Weekend trip to wherever, only heaven is far
Metaphors in every color, these indelible bars
Only fear is mediocrity
Every time I got a beat I feel like I don’t gotta sleep
You keep praying on your break, I hope you got a sling
Shot for all them shots coming out them beaks
I'm sort of like Socrates in a Prada T
You can’t kick it, your pockets thinner than soccer teams
People fuckin’ with me, they ain’t fuckin with you
Lyrically sup hmm being generous too
I remember a nigga demo just sit in a room
Made some moves, now I’m known to spit December and June
Rented a coupe, cool, met me a chick
Always keep a rubber, word to telling your kids
If you gon do what you gon do, go handle your biz
Or smoke some purp take a Percocet and Xanax and chill
For real, you real then I don’t need to say it
It’s something to be great, it’s nothing to be famous
So Fuck fame, fuck money
Fuck everything anyone can take from me
It ain’t hard to make money
We young niggas, we just tryna be legendary
Tryna be, we just tryna be, we just tryna be
We just tryna be legendary
Fuck fame, fuck money
And fuck everything anyone can take from me
See it ain't hard, to make money
We young niggas, we just tryna be legendary
Lord, tryna be lord, tryna be, lord, tryna be
We just tryna be legendary
Zoning my second bottle, focused still on tomorrow
‘So what thoughts’ keep me anxious, Moet gon’ keep me calmer
Poetry keep her honest, these readings Stevie could draw up
Don’t see this deeper than music, don’t hear it but feel the author
I don’t hear no talking, we just hear them barking
And you know you run shit when they pay you good for walk-ins
Failure is not an option, success is just a process
Say “yes” one time they use you, say “no” one time they plotting
Didn’t make it through college, still debating my progress
End some friendships with homies, made some haters with albums
Limitations for cowards, this is Shay mixed with Malcolm
This is anti Mark McGuire it takes patience for power
Zoning my six rillo legendaries forever
Roll a nigga that lala, that’s how I play the 'Melo
Niggas plotting against you, hate you but never tell you
And I know my haters want to make my heart beat acapella
Hella proper, my garment is propeller of chopper
Cause I hella copped em so I could be way flyer than all them
I Aspire for awesome and require some flossing
Only way they gon' listen, find it highly unfortunate
Tryna see if real lyric spittin can buy me a Porsche
Tryna see if I get my critics as silent as auctions
I decided to boss up, life’s a bitch and I caught her
Don’t always fuck me good, I’m just too cheap to divorce her
So fuck fame, and fuck money
And fuck everything anyone can take from me
It ain't hard, to make money
A young nigga I'm just tryna be legendary
Tryna be, I'm just tryna be, I'm just tryna be
I'm just tryna be legendary
Fuck fame, fuck money,
And fuck everything anyone can take from me
It ain't hard, to make money
A young nigga I'm just tryna be legendary
Lord, tryna be, lord, tryna be, lord
I'm just tryna be legendary
So fuck fame, and fuck money
And fuck everything anyone can take from me
It ain't hard, to make money
A young nigga I'm just tryna be
In the song Legendary, Wale speaks with confidence about his legendary status in the music industry. He starts off by referencing his skill in writing lyrics and his genius, claiming to be nothing short of a legend like baseball manager Tommy Lasorda. Wale feels that he is sorting through and dominating the competition like a pitcher sorting through batters. The metaphors he creates in his music come in every color like indelible bars.
Despite his status, the fear of mediocrity still lurks in Wale’s mind. He always strives for greatness and his beats make him feel like he doesn’t need any sleep. Wale feels that people connect with his music because his words are genuine and authentic, unlike those of other rappers. Although he may not have had an easy road to success, Wale’s perseverance shines through as he strives to be the best and be legendary.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of focusing on creating a legacy rather than becoming famous or chasing money. Money can be taken away, but a legacy and legendary status can never be diminished. Wale urges listeners to focus on their own goals and aspirations, to be patient, and to understand that success is a process.
Line by Line Meaning
Chopper the don with it, I wrote lyrics
I am a skilled rapper who writes lyrics effortlessly
They ain’t grossing a million, liquid don’t form an opinion
Success is not defined by money alone, and opinions cannot be based solely on tangible results
I’m sort of a genius, nothing short of a legend
I possess immense talent and am destined for greatness
Sort of Tommy Lasorda, The way I’m sorting these pitchers
Like legendary baseball coach Tommy Lasorda, I am expertly analyzing and sorting through the competition
Pitchers whatever, fuck it my speech is off
I don't care about the competition, my rap skills speak for themselves
Weekend trip to wherever, only heaven is far
I am living a life without limits and only looking to reach the highest level of success
Metaphors in every color, these indelible bars
My raps are full of vivid metaphors and unforgettable lyrics
Jordan four seated floor side sittin with mobs
I am successful and famous enough to sit courtside with celebrities
Only fear is mediocrity
My only fear is not reaching my full potential and settling for average
Every time I got a beat I feel like I don’t gotta sleep
My passion for rap is so strong that it keeps me energized and awake
You keep praying on your break, I hope you got a sling
If you're not actively pursuing success, then you better be prepared to deal with the consequences
Shot for all them shots coming out them beaks
I am firing back at those who criticize me
I'm sort of like Socrates in a Prada T
My intellectual level matches that of the great philosopher Socrates, even while dressed in designer clothing
You can’t kick it, your pockets thinner than soccer teams
You can't hang out with me because you're not successful enough and can't afford it
People fuckin’ with me, they ain’t fuckin with you
People are drawn to me because I possess a unique talent and success that you lack
Lyrically sup hmm being generous too
My rap skills are superior, and I'm being kind by calling myself 'supreme'
I remember a nigga demo just sit in a room
I started from humble beginnings, recording rap demos in a small space
Made some moves, now I’m known to spit December and June
I've made significant progress in my career and am now recognized as a top rapper year-round
Rented a coupe, cool, met me a chick
I've experienced the luxuries of success, such as expensive cars and beautiful women
Always keep a rubber, word to telling your kids
I practice safe sex and am encouraging others to do the same
If you gon do what you gon do, go handle your biz
If you have a goal, then you need to take action and make it happen
Or smoke some purp take a Percocet and Xanax and chill
Alternatively, you could use drugs to escape reality and relax
For real, you real then I don’t need to say it
If you're truly real and authentic, then there's no need for me to mention it
It’s something to be great, it’s nothing to be famous
True success is achieving greatness, not just fame
Zoning my second bottle, focused still on tomorrow
I am enjoying myself with alcohol, but still keeping my eyes on the future
‘So what thoughts’ keep me anxious, Moet gon’ keep me calmer
I have worries and stresses, but alcohol is helping me relax
Poetry keep her honest, these readings Stevie could draw up
My raps are honest and poetic, and their impact is comparable to the music of Stevie Wonder
Don’t see this deeper than music, don’t hear it but feel the author
My rap music may seem superficial, but if you listen closely, you can feel the emotions and intent behind the lyrics
I don’t hear no talking, we just hear them barking
I am only focused on my own success and am not distracted by the noise and criticism of others
And you know you run shit when they pay you good for walk-ins
I am so successful that people will pay me just to show up and make an appearance
Failure is not an option, success is just a process
I refuse to accept failure and believe that success is simply a matter of working hard and progressing step by step
Say “yes” one time they use you, say “no” one time they plotting
Others will try to take advantage of you if you always say 'yes,' but if you stand up for yourself, they may try to harm you
Didn’t make it through college, still debating my progress
I dropped out of college and am still figuring out my path to success
End some friendships with homies, made some haters with albums
As I progress in my career, I have lost some close friends and gained some enemies
Limitations for cowards, this is Shay mixed with Malcolm
I believe that limitations are for weak people and am inspired by the bravery of Shay and Malcolm X
This is anti Mark McGuire it takes patience for power
I reject the cheating tactics of baseball player Mark McGuire and believe that true power comes with patience and hard work
Zoning my six rillo legendaries forever
I am relaxing with six cigars and know that I will forever be remembered as a legendary rapper
Roll a nigga that lala, that’s how I play the 'Melo
I am enjoying myself with marijuana and living life like famous basketball player Carmelo Anthony
Niggas plotting against you, hate you but never tell you
There are people who secretly plot against me and hate me, but I am not aware of their true intentions
And I know my haters want to make my heart beat acapella
My enemies wish to harm me to the point where I cannot even rap anymore
Hella proper, my garment is propeller of chopper
I dress well and the way I present myself gives me a sense of power
Cause I hella copped em so I could be way flyer than all them
I purchased expensive clothes to set myself apart from the rest and be considered more fashionable
I Aspire for awesome and require some flossing
I aim for greatness and enjoy showcasing my success through my appearance
Only way they gon' listen, find it highly unfortunate
People will only pay attention to me if I show off my wealth, and I find this to be unfortunate
Tryna see if real lyric spittin can buy me a Porsche
I am testing whether my exceptional rapping skills can translate into enough success to afford a luxury car
Tryna see if I get my critics as silent as auctions
I am striving to impress my critics so much that they will have nothing negative to say, like a quiet auction room
I decided to boss up, life’s a bitch and I caught her
I have taken charge of my life and become successful despite facing challenges
Don’t always fuck me good, I’m just too cheap to divorce her
Although life is not always easy or enjoyable, I am still dedicated to making it work
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: OLUBOWALE AKINTIMEHIN, ALDRIN DAVIS, BUNNY SIGLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rene Lauzurique
"Failure is not an option, Success is just a process. Say yes one time they use you, say no one time they plotting." CLEANEST Line of the whole song. Wale too clean, the precision is immeasurable .
FGAlele
Rene Lauzurique 💯
lPolitically_Fye
Said perfectly.
Jerome Gage Jr.
"This is Anti Mark Maguire it takes patience for power" -incredible bars
Kevin Alexander
I agree
Qd Q
McGuire tried to date my sister...she said no bcuz he wouldn't meet her baby bro. Hmm
Zone Gedeon
Legendary bars!
FGAlele
Wale's PERSONAL Vendetta AGAINST Mediocrity. A Real Goal-Oriented Person can respect this track and relate to that ambition.
Daniel Shamu
He`s still criminally slept on it`s crazy
Alle'Yah Foster
@elijah_ vro well I feel old