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
Let's Ride
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is totally “100 Miles and Running,” dude.
I couldn’t get any drops from any famous people so I’m just gonna say it myself, dude.
I appreciate you downloading the mixtape, however.
You got it, whatever, you know, Catchdubs/Wale thing.
So, what I need you to do right now is roll your windows up keep blowin’ on something – the AC blowin’ on you.
Tell your girl don’t talk to you for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or however long we about to do it.
Yeah, you, don’t say nothing, okay? Just bob your head like you get it
Peace to Maryland, but still an uptown roamer
Aroma, strong enough to bring ‘em outta coma
The wake up, dawg get ya face off the pillow
Necessarily rough ‘em, I’m a fightin’ armadillo
No fumbalaya, no fumblerooski
One choke of this you a note from Mariah high
Wale they call me Tiger Stripes
I’ll forever move any cat they admire mine
With that MJ flow they hurl mine to my
So the mind they mine don't coincide with mine
Go inside the mind, you will find the mine
You see my mind’s a bomb sittin’ behind my eyes
Detonating when I rhyme a rhyme
So in layman’s terms my words burn
There you lyin’ a rhyme
Also, this mothafucka got a nine to five
Hardest spittin’ mothafucka this side of the line
Harder niggas try to hate me, they be lovin’ this side
They were niggas quite similar to pitching the lines
But the same deposition take an L every time
And I’m no ‘Los Rogers, no Mike Williams
Holla at ya boy young Roy’s in the kill shit
Home of the terrapins, beware of the Gilchrist
Weed’s played out, they on that pill shit
A bad mothafucka, where that MILFs at?
I work overtime, Millsap
Y’all Millhouse, blew y’all head
Pause, you not near Wa-le
Who not fear? Dawg, yeah, dawg, you, them E-T-C
I.E. I get sick, white tee, I be kicks
Ya’ll be highly obliged when I drop my shit
Me and you I think we should ride
Come on come on come on come on
Don't worry just done get inside
Come on come on come on come on
I can’t promise this verse will be better than the first
But still how you niggas I get jacks on the first
In search of my perfection, no gotta love it further
In search of my direction, my genre is certain
It’s hip-hop, not pop
Been waiting for the real, real long like skirts at a sock-hop
I like bitches in Air Maxes without socks
And when they wear makeup I’m like “No sir”
I can’t fuck with the alter
Sorta like a dyke that I altar
I gotta bounce, I don’t call her
I just bounce like there’s no hole
Barry Sanders on turf
That means I have no block
True, indeed, I don’t rep no block
I rep for the people that rep hip-hop
And it don’t stop
I went to school with the white boys
So I can understand the plight for ‘em
But I don’t mean to finna fight for ‘em
I ran the street with the street niggas
So I can understand police victims
But I don’t mean to finna speak for ‘em
I mean to speak for ‘em
With the s’more from the narrative
Check it
And you can tell everyone
I ain’t finna lie and I ain’t finna fake
It’s Wale Folarin, I tell you how it is
State your fuckin’ biz
If ya’ll about to hate then alleviate the diss
And talk some more shit
Ready? Huh
Me and you I think we should ride
Come on come on come on come on
Don't worry just done get inside
Come on come on come on come on
The lyrics to Wale's "Let's Ride" are a perfect example of his unique style and ability to mix different tonalities and references in his music. The song's introduction features a short exchange between Wale and a friend about his mixtape, setting the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics are full of Wale's signature wordplay and references to his personal life, as well as his love of hip-hop culture.
The first verse is an ode to his hometown of Maryland and his love of music. He describes himself as a "fighting armadillo" and references Southern cuisine to display his lyrical prowess. The chorus implores the listener to ride with him, suggesting that they let go of their worries and enjoy the moment.
The second verse offers a glimpse into Wale's personal beliefs and ideals. He proclaims his genre is hip-hop, not pop, and declares his allegiance to the culture. He also deftly navigates sensitive topics, such as the relationships between white and black people and the experiences of victims of police brutality. Wale aims to represent the people and speak for them.
Overall, the lyrics to "Let's Ride" show Wale's ability to blend social consciousness and personal anecdotes with an infectious beat and catchy hook. It's a testament to his skill as a rapper and his unique voice in the world of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
You know guys, it’s really Nick’s decision, dude, what happens with this mixtape.
The final decision about what to do with this mixtape belongs to Nick.
This is totally “100 Miles and Running,” dude.
This is exactly like the mixtape “100 Miles and Running”.
I couldn’t get any drops from any famous people so I’m just gonna say it myself, dude.
Since no famous person wanted to participate, I will introduce the mixtape myself.
I appreciate you downloading the mixtape, however.
Thank you for downloading the mixtape.
You got it, whatever, you know, Catchdubs/Wale thing.
It's part of the Catchdubs/Wale collaboration.
So, what I need you to do right now is roll your windows up keep blowin’ on something – the AC blowin’ on you.
I need you to roll up your windows and enjoy the AC while listening to this.
Tell your girl don’t talk to you for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or however long we about to do it.
Ask your girlfriend to not talk to you for the length of this song.
Yeah, you, don’t say nothing, okay? Just bob your head like you get it
You don't have to say anything, just nod your head in agreement.
Peace to Maryland, but still an uptown roamer
I respect Maryland, but I primarily identify as an uptown resident.
Aroma, strong enough to bring ‘em outta coma
My music is so powerful, it can wake people up from a coma.
The wake up, dawg get ya face off the pillow
My music is a wake-up call and will lift you off your pillow.
Necessarily rough ‘em, I’m a fightin’ armadillo
I'm a tough fighter and won't back down.
No fumbalaya, no fumblerooski
I have no intention of making mistakes.
One choke of this you a note from Mariah high
My rapping is so impressive, it can surpass even the high notes of Mariah Carey.
Wale they call me Tiger Stripes
My nickname is Tiger Stripes.
I’ll forever move any cat they admire mine
I'll always be amazing and impress everyone who listens to my music.
With that MJ flow they hurl mine to my
My style is similar to Michael Jackson's and people love it.
So the mind they mine don't coincide with mine
My mindset might be different compared to others.
Go inside the mind, you will find the mine
If you dig deep inside, you will find the inner me.
You see my mind’s a bomb sittin’ behind my eyes
My thoughts are explosive and can be seen through my eyes.
Detonating when I rhyme a rhyme
My thoughts explode when I'm rapping.
So in layman’s terms my words burn
My words have a strong impact.
There you lyin’ a rhyme
You're just lying through your lyrics.
Also, this mothafucka got a nine to five
I do have a regular daytime job.
Hardest spittin’ mothafucka this side of the line
I'm the best rapper on this side of the country.
Harder niggas try to hate me, they be lovin’ this side
Even those who hate me can't deny the talent coming from this side.
They were niggas quite similar to pitching the lines
Other rappers try to rap similarly to me.
But the same deposition take an L every time
However, they always lose.
And I’m no ‘Los Rogers, no Mike Williams
I'm not just anyone; I stand out because I'm unique.
Holla at ya boy young Roy’s in the kill shit
Get in touch with me; I'm the real deal.
Home of the terrapins, beware of the Gilchrist
Maryland is where the terrapins live; be aware of Gilchrist.
Weed’s played out, they on that pill shit
Smoking weed is no longer a trend; people prefer pills now.
A bad mothafucka, where that MILFs at?
I'm a bad motherfucker; where are all the MILFs at?
I work overtime, Millsap
I work hard all day and night like Millsap.
Y’all Millhouse, blew y’all head
You're all Millhouses (weaklings); I blew your minds.
Pause, you not near Wa-le
Hold on a second- you can't compare yourself to Wale.
Who not fear? Dawg, yeah, dawg, you, them E-T-C
Who doesn't fear me? Probably you, them, and everyone else.
I.E. I get sick, white tee, I be kicks
For example, I can get dressed in a white t-shirt and trendy shoes.
Ya’ll be highly obliged when I drop my shit
Everyone will be grateful when I release new music.
Me and you I think we should ride
I think we should hang out and listen to music together.
Come on come on come on come on
Don't hesitate, let's go.
Don't worry just done get inside
Don't worry, just come on inside.
I can’t promise this verse will be better than the first
I can't guarantee that this verse is better than the previous one.
But still how you niggas I get jacks on the first
But I still outdo others and get great reactions from people.
In search of my perfection, no gotta love it further
I'm still working towards perfection, there's still room for improvement.
In search of my direction, my genre is certain
I'm still trying to find my path, but I'm certain it's in the hip-hop genre.
It’s hip-hop, not pop
My music falls under hip-hop, not pop.
Been waiting for the real, real long like skirts at a sock-hop
I've been waiting for real hip-hop for a long time, just like waiting for girls in skirts at a sock-hop dance.
I like bitches in Air Maxes without socks
I prefer women who wear Air Max shoes without socks.
And when they wear makeup I’m like “No sir”
I don't like women who wear makeup.
I can’t fuck with the alter
I can't get involved with fake people.
Sorta like a dyke that I altar
It's like a lesbian who I see at the altar.
I gotta bounce, I don’t call her
I have to leave, I don't call her back.
I just bounce like there’s no hole
I leave quickly and smoothly without any issues.
Barry Sanders on turf
I move quickly and efficiently like Barry Sanders on the field.
That means I have no block
That means that there's nothing stopping me from achieving my goals.
True, indeed, I don’t rep no block
It's true that I don't represent any specific neighborhood.
I rep for the people that rep hip-hop
I represent the people who love hip-hop music.
And it don’t stop
This won't stop.
I went to school with the white boys
I went to school with white students.
So I can understand the plight for ‘em
So I can understand the struggles they face.
But I don’t mean to finna fight for ‘em
But that doesn't mean that I will fight for them.
I ran the street with the street niggas
I lived on the streets with other black people.
So I can understand police victims
So I can understand those who have been victimized by the police.
But I don’t mean to finna speak for ‘em
But that doesn't mean that I will speak for them.
I mean to speak for ‘em
I will speak on their behalf.
With the s’more from the narrative
With the additional information from the story.
Check it
Listen carefully.
And you can tell everyone
You can spread the word.
I ain’t finna lie and I ain’t finna fake
I won't lie or pretend.
It’s Wale Folarin, I tell you how it is
I'm Wale Folarin, and I keep it real.
State your fuckin’ biz
Tell me exactly what you want.
If ya’ll about to hate then alleviate the diss
If you're about to hate, then stop it.
And talk some more shit
Keep running your mouth.
Ready? Huh
Are you ready for this? Let's go.
Contributed by Caden O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BryanbFLYin
lupe is never bad. most underrated rapper EVER
Nick Thornton
wales entry to his rap introduces him fully, its absolutely brilliant how he mixes it with the beat
Adil Khandwala
These 2 guys are trying to bring hip hop back to life reppin it up Wale and Lupe mayne
SuperGamer87
My arms are tired from holding this heavy track for 4 minutes. You got to be careful when you mix that much genius in a small space, Wale. Bound to cause the universe to implode or something.
Samuel Hardy
2 best artists in the game....substance and raw talent
Taylor Bennett
ummmm nas? he the best no doubt these 2 up next
Misa'El Yisra'El
Lol why compare wale to Lu?
elMono_TheCzar
This track is ridiculously hard Lupe is lyrically adept, more so than most out there, atleast as far as making sense
ChromaticJester
Lupe is too raw his lyrical concepts are just so damn grand I love it! oh yeah Wale did his thing too. Thanks for the upload, I'm going to have to go find that free style Lupe did ^.^
Vision
Wale's wordplay is amazing in all his music. I always have to rewind and re hear what he said a couple of times just to get the full effect of the line Now lupe's imagination is somewhere on mars because I have no idea where he gets not only his lines but his level of thought from