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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Make It Rain
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to want that SRT until I hopped in the Benz
I used to really want that hoe until she hopped on my dick
You niggas said they wanted war, we started droppin' that shit
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
Surfboard, surfboard
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
I used to really want that hoe until I hit from the back
I started trappin', no hands, tried to get me a pack
I took my talents to South Philly, had to get me a sack
You niggas know you fuck around, Meek Milly gettin' you whacked
I used to want a pound of weed, I started flippin' that crack
Sellin' that dope, I went through hell bein' broke
A nigga called me, say he got it, I say front me in four
And he ain't heard from me since and now he smellin' the smoke
You fuckboy! Fuckboy!
Niggas hatin', I'm like what the fuck for?
I'm in the 6, I'm ridin' with a plus 4
She a 10, I fuck her and all her friends, pussy nigga
I used to want a quarter bird 'til I got me a brick
I used to want that SRT until I hopped in the Benz
I used to really want that hoe until she hopped on my dick
You niggas said they wanted war, we started droppin' that shit
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
Surfboard, surfboard
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
Nigga, so tired of these lame niggas
Keep changin' on you like late winter
Springin' on you for a hoe or somethin'
My coat season and game different
Self made, self made nigga
Well dressed, well paid nigga
I daredevil err'day, nigga
Like Hell's Kitchen and faint vision, oh Lord!
Tell them niggas I'ma need a minute
Undefeated, young sneaker nigga
Hundred deep, you never see a nigga
Hennessy in moderation
But my niggas drinkin' like them black ink niggas
Hah, that's cheesy nigga
Meanin' I cut and leave a nigga
Get it? That's leavin', nigga
Scissors, clippers, please forgive me
Real nigga, hoes around me
Take bitches, repeat offender
Ho, ho, please don't let me
No, no, Easter pinkin'
I done prayed the rappers get the Actavis
So they can all go back to just sleepin' on me
I used to want a quarter bird 'til I got me a brick
I used to want that SRT until I hopped in the Benz
I used to really want that hoe until she hopped on my dick
You niggas said they wanted war, we started droppin' that shit
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
Surfboard, surfboard
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
Niggas lookin' at me when I step into the party
It's the 50 millionaire, mothafuckin' Don Dada
All these niggas on coke, all these bitches on molly
Half my niggas do both, you better get yourself some money
Catchin' feelings when I pull up in it rrrk!
Bad bitch, she a stripper, now she gettin' spinach
Now follow me, Balenciagas like they're Nikes, nigga
Fine bitches in the club, all wifeys, nigga
Now follow me, back to back, we in the Wraith, dog
Parkin' lot, chicken wings, then we skatin' off
Still headbussin' bitches, now I break you off
And if a nigga step to me, I'll break the law
Now follow me, front your boy and I'ma make you work
If I got the bitch a purse, she had to make it twerk
Nigga, ridin' through the city, I remain alert
Cause these niggas full of envy and they tend to lurk
I used to want a quarter bird 'til I got me a brick
I used to want that SRT until I hopped in the Benz
I used to really want that hoe until she hopped on my dick
You niggas said they wanted war, we started droppin' that shit
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
Surfboard, surfboard
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
In the song "Make It Rain" by Wale, the lyrics delve into Wale's past desires and ambitions, particularly in relation to materialistic possessions and women. The first two lines express a shift in Wale's aspirations from a smaller quantity of drugs to obtaining a larger amount, symbolized by going from wanting a "quarter bird" (slang for a quarter kilo of drugs) to acquiring a "brick" (a kilo of drugs). This demonstrates his growth and progression in the drug trade. Similarly, he transitions from desiring a specific car model, the SRT, to aiming for a more luxurious vehicle, the Benz.
The following lines exemplify a change in Wale's perspective on women. He used to appreciate a particular woman until he had a sexual encounter with her, rendering his interest in her diminish significantly. This suggests a shift in Wale's priorities and his increasing disdain for shallow relationships.
The next verse continues the theme of Wale's involvement in the drug trade, highlighting his transition from dealing with drugs using his hands to pursuing larger quantities through connections. He mentions taking his "talents to South Philly," indicating his involvement with drug transactions in a different location. Wale also alludes to the consequences of crossing him, as those who oppose or betray him face severe consequences such as being killed by his associate, Meek Milly.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the power and success Wale and his allies have achieved. They have declared war on their enemies, dropping bombs and dominating their rivals. Wale asserts his authority and dominance, encouraging his enemy to ride the waves while he tells their women to "surfboard," implying that he can easily control and manipulate them.
The final verse focuses on Wale's accomplishments, boasting about his wealth and success. He describes being tired of people who change and betray him, comparing them to the transient weather of late winter. Wale highlights his self-made status, indicating that he has achieved success through his own efforts. He claims to be well-dressed and well-paid, emphasizing his financial security and style. Wale's confident and audacious personality is evident through his comparison of himself to a superhero and his reference to "Hell's Kitchen," a notorious neighborhood in New York City.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to want a quarter bird 'til I got me a brick
I used to desire a small amount of drugs, but now I have a larger quantity
I used to want that SRT until I hopped in the Benz
I used to desire a specific type of car, but now I prefer a different luxury vehicle
I used to really want that hoe until she hopped on my dick
I used to be infatuated with a woman until she showed her true intentions
You niggas said they wanted war, we started droppin' that shit
When confronted with hostility, we responded with force
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
Expressing surprise or amazement at the situation
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
She is adapting and going along with the flow, taking control of her own actions
Surfboard, surfboard
Continuing to emphasize the idea of riding the waves and going with the flow
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
If she desires financial stability, she should be willing to put in the effort to earn it
I used to really want that hoe until I hit from the back
I used to be interested in that woman, but my perception changed after engaging in sexual activity with her
I started trappin', no hands, tried to get me a pack
I began selling drugs without any assistance, aiming to acquire a large quantity
I took my talents to South Philly, had to get me a sack
I relocated to South Philadelphia to engage in drug dealing in order to make a profit
You niggas know you fuck around, Meek Milly gettin' you whacked
You are aware that if you provoke me, I have the power to harm you with the assistance of Meek Milly
I used to want a pound of weed, I started flippin' that crack
I initially desired a large amount of marijuana, but ended up selling crack cocaine instead
Sellin' that dope, I went through hell bein' broke
During the process of selling drugs, I experienced great hardship while lacking financial stability
A nigga called me, say he got it, I say front me in four
Someone contacted me and offered drugs on credit, so I requested a four-day grace period to pay
And he ain't heard from me since and now he smellin' the smoke
He hasn't had any contact with me since then and is now aware of my involvement in illegal activities
You fuckboy! Fuckboy!
Using derogatory language to address someone in a disrespectful manner
Niggas hatin', I'm like what the fuck for?
I fail to understand why individuals harbor feelings of animosity towards me
I'm in the 6, I'm ridin' with a plus 4
I am located in a specific neighborhood and accompanied by a group of four additional individuals
She a 10, I fuck her and all her friends, pussy nigga
Referring to a woman as attractive, and asserting that I engage in sexual activities with her and her group of friends
Nigga, so tired of these lame niggas
Expressing fatigue and annoyance towards individuals who lack authenticity or originality
Keep changin' on you like late winter
Continuously altering their behavior towards you, much like the transition from winter to spring
Springin' on you for a hoe or somethin'
Suddenly appearing or emerging when it comes to chasing after a woman
My coat season and game different
My style and approach are unique and distinguishable from others
Self made, self made nigga
Asserting that I have achieved success without reliance on others
Well dressed, well paid nigga
Emphasizing that I am both stylishly dressed and financially successful
I daredevil err'day, nigga
Indicating that I engage in daring or risky activities on a daily basis
Like Hell's Kitchen and faint vision, oh Lord!
Comparing my daily life to the chaotic and intense environment of Hell's Kitchen, while also expressing a feeling of uncertainty
Tell them niggas I'ma need a minute
Requesting some time to address certain individuals or attend to specific matters
Undefeated, young sneaker nigga
Stating that I have never been defeated and that I am a young individual with a passion for sneakers
Hundred deep, you never see a nigga
Being accompanied by a large group of a hundred people, making it difficult to identify me as an individual
Hennessy in moderation
Consuming Hennessy alcohol in a controlled or moderate manner
But my niggas drinkin' like them black ink niggas
However, my associates are consuming alcohol excessively, similar to individuals affiliated with the Black Ink Crew
Hah, that's cheesy nigga
Expressing amusement and finding something to be lacking in authenticity or sophistication
Meanin' I cut and leave a nigga
This implies that I have the ability to sever ties or walk away from someone
Get it? That's leavin', nigga
Explaining the wordplay involving the idea of departing or leaving a situation
Scissors, clippers, please forgive me
Using imagery of cutting or trimming tools to imply that I may hurt someone or cut ties with them
Real nigga, hoes around me
Asserting that I am an authentic and genuine individual, and that women are attracted to me because of it
Take bitches, repeat offender
Engaging in sexual activities with women on a regular basis, indicating a pattern or repeated behavior
Ho, ho, please don't let me
Asking someone not to let me engage in certain behavior typically associated with hoarding possessions, wealth, or experiences
No, no, Easter pinkin'
Referring to the consumption of a substance often associated with the color pink, possibly alluding to drug use
I done prayed the rappers get the Actavis
Expressing a desire for other rappers in the industry to consume a specific brand of cough syrup, likely to impair their abilities and hinder competition
So they can all go back to just sleepin' on me
Hoping that other artists underestimate me or fail to recognize my talent, allowing me to surpass their expectations
Niggas lookin' at me when I step into the party
People observing and paying attention to me as soon as I arrive at a social gathering
It's the 50 millionaire, mothafuckin' Don Dada
Emphasizing my status as a wealthy individual with a significant net worth, asserting my dominance and influence
All these niggas on coke, all these bitches on molly
Commenting on the widespread use of cocaine among men and the prevalence of women consuming the drug Molly
Half my niggas do both, you better get yourself some money
A portion of my associates engage in the use of both cocaine and Molly, suggesting others should focus on obtaining wealth instead
Catchin' feelings when I pull up in it rrrk!
Observing individuals developing strong emotions or attachments towards me upon my arrival
Bad bitch, she a stripper, now she gettin' spinach
Referring to an attractive woman who works as a stripper and now earns a substantial amount of money
Now follow me, Balenciagas like they're Nikes, nigga
Encouraging others to emulate my style by wearing expensive Balenciaga sneakers as if they were commonplace Nike shoes
Fine bitches in the club, all wifeys, nigga
Asserting that the women present in the club are exceptionally attractive and could potentially be considered as long-term partners
Now follow me, back to back, we in the Wraith, dog
Inviting others to accompany me in a luxurious Rolls-Royce Wraith car, driving in close succession
Parkin' lot, chicken wings, then we skatin' off
Referring to a social gathering in which we enjoy chicken wings before swiftly departing from the parking lot
Still headbussin' bitches, now I break you off
Continuing to engage in sexual activities with multiple women and asserting the ability to satisfy their desires
And if a nigga step to me, I'll break the law
If someone confronts me or tries to provoke me, I am willing to engage in illegal activities or respond with aggression
Now follow me, front your boy and I'ma make you work
Warning individuals not to challenge or disrespect me, or else I will make them face the consequences and put them to work
If I got the bitch a purse, she had to make it twerk
Explaining that in order for a woman to receive a luxury item, such as a purse, she must entertain or impress with her dancing skills
Nigga, ridin' through the city, I remain alert
As I travel through the city, I maintain a heightened level of vigilance and awareness
Cause these niggas full of envy and they tend to lurk
The presence of jealousy among others causes them to secretly monitor or observe my actions
Like oh Lord, oh Lord!
Expressing surprise or amazement at the situation
She ridin' waves, I tell your bitch to surfboard
She is adapting and going along with the flow, taking control of her own actions
Surfboard, surfboard
Continuing to emphasize the idea of riding the waves and going with the flow
She want the money, tell that hoe to work for it
If she desires financial stability, she should be willing to put in the effort to earn it
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WILLIAM ROBERTS, ROBERT WILLIAMS, OLUBOWALE VICTOR AKINTIMEHIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind