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
MVP
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
I just got a place at, where the Nats play at
So I'm south side bound
Where that MLK at
I'm a legend, ya that
I'm a lion in the nat
Throw some Geo on the mound
But I can G hoes like I'm Matt
I'ma be all on her mind and I still bring it back
If I swing a little game
You ain't never catching that
And the Florida Brady
And my shoulder braided
You should bring your fans out
I be stealing bases
This that bible say shit
This that round the way shit
This that got work and Max Scherzer perfect game shit
You know they probably saying they see no correlation
But the bottom of a nine is where a lot of games end
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
I just got a place at, where the Nats play at
Feel like Dusty [? ] feel like Dusty Baker
Tell em' fuck you, pay me
Tell em' I don't do a lot
Maryland like Scott Van Pelt
Rest in peace to Stewart Scott
Booyah booyah boom shockalaka
Who want, who want, who want what
They gunna know my Jayson Werth
Left field verses worth a lot
Front Maybach yea that's the club
You know who that's Papelbon
See that's my teammate and I got love
And I still got his back for good
Loving every last hood
Wax and zay they on the yard
This ain't Stephen Strasburg
Your ass tech you off the squad
I'm in the post I'm in the source
I'm in the 'burbs I'm in the odd
Don't pitch no birds but off them words out that third I'm Escobar
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harpe
In these lyrics from Wale's song "MVP," the artist compares himself to Bryce Harper, a professional baseball player known for his talent and charisma. Wale begins by stating that he has captured the attention of the streets, implying that his popularity is spreading and people are taking notice of him. He suggests that people are envious and may want to "swing" on him, meaning they want to challenge or confront him. Despite this, Wale remains confident and focused on his own success, stating that he will continue to do his own thing and shine.
The next section of the lyrics references Wale's connection to the Washington Nationals baseball team. He mentions acquiring a place near where the team plays and being "south side bound," likely referring to the south side of Washington, D.C. He further asserts his legend status and compares himself to a lion in the "nat" (Nationals) suggesting his dominance and power. Wale also includes a play on words, mentioning that he can "G hoes like I'm Matt." This could refer to his ability to charm or manipulate women, like baseball player Matt Wieters' nickname, "Matty G."
Wale continues his baseball references in the next section, mentioning pitcher Max Scherzer's perfect game. He implies that his work and successes are comparable to Scherzer's achievement. He acknowledges that some may not see the correlation between baseball and his own life, but he believes that the bottom of the ninth inning in baseball, where many games are decided, is analogous to important moments in life.
In the final section, Wale name-drops Dusty Baker, a former manager of the Nationals, and Scott Van Pelt, a sportscaster from Maryland. He confidently tells people to pay him and asserts his worth. Wale mentions Jayson Werth, another Nationals player, suggesting that his lyrics hold value and are worth attention. He also mentions Papelbon, likely referring to former pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, and expresses loyalty and support for his teammate. Wale concludes by mentioning different neighborhoods, including "the 'burbs" and "the odd," showcasing his versatility and presence in various environments. He emphasizes that he may not engage in illegal activities but is still influential through his words.
Overall, these lyrics convey Wale's confidence, his connection to baseball, and his belief that he is the reason for the attention and success he receives. He compares himself to baseball stars and uses their accomplishments to assert his own worth and significance.
Line by Line Meaning
Got the streets talking
I have gained attention and people are talking about me
Wanna swing on me
Some people want to challenge or confront me
Do my thing, oh ya
I am doing what I do best and being myself
You know the season long as shit
I have been relevant and successful for a long time
Got the seats all filled
My shows or events are always sold out
I'm the reason y'all here
People come to see me because I am the main attraction
Everybody talking
There is a lot of buzz and chatter about me
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
I have confidence and feel like a superstar, like Bryce Harper
I just got a place at, where the Nats play at
I recently acquired a residence near the stadium where the Nationals play
So I'm south side bound
I'm heading towards the south side of town
Where that MLK at
Referring to a location near where Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is located
I'm a legend, ya that
I am highly regarded and respected in my field
I'm a lion in the nat
I am fierce and dominant in my environment, like a lion in its territory
Throw some Geo on the mound
Referring to Geovany Soto, suggesting that I have great control and skill
But I can G hoes like I'm Matt
Even though I am talented on the field, I am also able to attract attractive women
I'ma be all on her mind and I still bring it back
I will leave a lasting impression on her and she will come back to me
If I swing a little game
If I flirt or charm someone
You ain't never catching that
You will never be able to keep up with my moves or actions
And the Florida Brady
Referring to Tom Brady, suggesting that I am a top performer in my field
And my shoulder braided
My physical appearance is impressive, particularly my strong and muscular shoulders
You should bring your fans out
You should invite your friends or supporters to join us
I be stealing bases
I am making sneaky or successful moves to gain an advantage
This that bible say shit
This is the type of content that is considered wise or profound like biblical teachings
This that round the way shit
This is the type of content that is relatable and authentic to the local community
This that got work and Max Scherzer perfect game shit
This is the type of content that involves hard work and achieving perfection, like Max Scherzer's perfect game
You know they probably saying they see no correlation
Some people may not understand the connection or relevance between different aspects of my life
But the bottom of a nine is where a lot of games end
Although it may not be obvious, the ninth inning of a baseball game is where many outcomes are decided
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC,
Written by: Olubowale Victor Akintimehin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HokeTheGoat
Chorus]
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
[Verse 1]
I just got a place at, where the Nats play at
So I'm south side bound
Where that MLK at
I'm a legend, ya that
I'm a lion in the nat
Throw some Gio on the mound
But I can G hoes like I'm Matt
I'ma be all on her mind and I still bring it back
If I swing a little game
You ain't never catching that
And the Florida Brady
And my shoulder braided
You should bring your fans out
I be stealing bases
This that bible say shit
This that round the way shit
This that got work and Max Scherzer perfect game shit
You know they probably saying they see no correlation
But the bottom of a nine is where a lot of games end
Got the streets talking
Wanna swing on me
Do my thing, oh ya
You know the season long as shit
Got the seats all filled
I'm the reason y'all here
Everybody talking
Feel like I'm Bryce Harper
[Verse 2]
I just got a place at, where the Nats play at
Feel like Dusty Harrison, feel like Dusty Baker
Tell em' fuck you, pay me
Tell 'em I don't do a lot
Maryland like Scott Van Pelt
Rest in peace to Stuart Scott
Booyah booyah boom shockalaka
Who want, who want, who want what
They gonna know my Jayson Werth
Left field verses worth a lot
Front Maybach yeah that's the club
You know who that's Papelbon
See that's my teammate and I got love
And I still got his back for good
Loving every last hood
Wax and zay they on the yard
This ain't Stephen Strasburg
Your ass tech you off the squad
I'm in the post I'm in the source
I'm in the 'burbs I'm in the odd
Don't pitch no birds but off them words out that third I'm Escobar
@chrismatney2527
Was my baseball walk up song, still listen to this day
@jaketaraska3561
best song ever it is so underated
@EDP-eh8sy
Ikr
@yungsimba3037
Legend in the making. RIP to my replay button...body bag
@Mikeychase7
Sad that this doesn’t even have 200k views yet. Deserves way more
@jzerrotr
bout time, wale!
i was banging yo shit waaay before that MMG shit.
bring it back to what these streets need!!!!!
@cambino5330
legit
@dis6wood
I will forever remember this song
@MVPKoala
Love this song
@DTB1019
The beat though!! Straight 🔥🔥🔥