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
Name Ring Bell
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got, I got it, yeah
Okay, I got it
My sound
Henny-way, can catch me any day sippin' Hennessey
All of my peeps got heavy chains
Who name bell ring? (What?) Who name bell ring?
Like (tinga-linga-ling), like (tinga-linga-ling)
Who name bell ring? (Tinga-linga-ling)
Who name bell ring?
Look, we try and make some money, some enemies coming with that
Niggas wanna troll, there's a trophy, they gotta mention
A lot of my haters is mad but I forgive 'em
'Cause every bad bitch in the city tatted "Ambition"
Nah, nah, fuck your initials
Every bad bitch where you live tatted "Ambition"
Tell me that I got it, said "I been had it"
She said "I've been broken", I said "I been crackin'"
Now I'm on a scene, pocket full of green
First magazine, I was in Supreme
That was in the bleachers, talking 'bout sneakers
Ask your favorite rapper, who his favorite teacher
Who he tryna be, why I gotta B.S?
I don't gotta be liked but I'ma always be good
Ain't gon' always be right, but know my loyalty good
Some niggas quick to speak out, or too pussy to speak up
Henny-way, can catch me any day sippin' Hennessey
All of my peeps got heavy chains
Who name bell ring? (What?) Who name bell ring?
Like (tinga-linga-ling), like (tinga-linga-ling)
Like (tinga-linga-ling), like (tinga-linga-ling)
Who name bell ring? (Tinga-linga-ling)
Who name bell ring?
Yeah, lay low, nobody move 'til I say so
That's mi hermano, we in Tulum stacking pesos
I remember plotting in a diner, me and J. Cole
Now we don't freestyle 'cause we how we stylin' is a bankroll
Rest in piece to Bankroll, y'all ain't got a bankroll
Y'all be talkin' Rolex, but y'all be thinkin' Seiko
Soldiers on the way if you want play 'cause I ain't playful
I got bitches, I got paper, but I'm great 'cause I got favors
Boy, I was on the scene, pocket full of green
Used to rock Moschino, used to sell miskeen
Say I got a ego, I deserve a Egot
Introvert, we actin' like them thing can't sing out
Rocket with the beam, I done brought Hakeem out
Say I need my flowers, well, cookies come to me now
Bring the DMV up, glad they think of me now
Love it or you hate it, but say "thank you" when I be out, boy
Henny-way, can catch me any day sippin' Hennessey
All of my peeps got heavy chains
Who name bell ring? (What?) Who name bell ring?
Like, like
Like, like
Who name bell ring?
Who name bell ring?
Look (tinga-linga-ling)
Tinga-linga-ling
Tinga-linga-ling
Tinga-linga-ling
Tinga-linga-ling
School bell a ring
Knife and fork ah fight fi dumpling
Booyaka, booyaka, call for Shabba Rankin
Shabba Ranks disappear and tear them another chin
The lyrics to Wale's song "Name Ring Bell" highlight the artist's confidence and success in the music industry. The opening lines establish his self-assuredness, with Wale proclaiming, "I got it, yeah, okay, I got it." He references sipping Hennessey and heavy chains, symbolizing his luxury and wealth. The repeated question of "Who name bell ring?" can be interpreted as a challenge to his peers in the music industry, questioning who else has reached his level of success and recognition.
Throughout the song, Wale addresses his haters and critics, stating that he forgives them for their jealousy and acknowledges his own ambition and accomplishments. He mentions being featured in a magazine and his association with the fashion brand Supreme, indicating his stature in the entertainment world. Wale also touches on loyalty and integrity, expressing that although he may not always be liked or right, he remains true to himself and maintains his moral compass.
The verse shifts to a collaboration with J. Cole, highlighting their previous endeavors and their current status as successful artists. Wale boasts about their financial success, contrasting their bankrolls with those who only talk about expensive watches but don't actually possess wealth. The lyrics convey a sense of pride in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
Overall, "Name Ring Bell" is a celebration of Wale's achievements, determination, and success in the music industry. The song serves as a reminder of his talent and his desire to be recognized as one of the best.
Line by Line Meaning
Look
Pay attention and listen
I got, I got it, yeah
I possess the necessary skills and talent
Okay, I got it
I understand and acknowledge
My sound
My unique style of music
Henny-way, can catch me any day sippin' Hennessey
I enjoy drinking Hennessey at any given time
All of my peeps got heavy chains
My friends and associates own expensive and flashy jewelry
Who name bell ring? (What?) Who name bell ring?
Who is making a significant impact or commanding attention?
Like (tinga-linga-ling), like (tinga-linga-ling)
Similar to the sound of a ringing bell
Who name bell ring? (Tinga-linga-ling)
Who is making a notable impact or commanding attention?
Look, we try and make some money, some enemies coming with that
As we strive for financial success, we also attract haters
Niggas wanna troll, there's a trophy, they gotta mention
People who seek to provoke me are only seeking validation
A lot of my haters is mad but I forgive 'em
Many of my detractors hold grudges, but I choose to let it go
'Cause every bad bitch in the city tatted 'Ambition'
Confident and ambitious women in the city proudly display their high aspirations
Nah, nah, fuck your initials
I don't care about your status or superficial markers of success
Every bad bitch where you live tatted 'Ambition'
Regardless of your location, driven and empowered women represent 'Ambition'
Tell me that I got it, said 'I been had it'
Acknowledging my existing talent and success
She said 'I've been broken', I said 'I been crackin''
She expresses her past struggles, while I emphasize my resilience and growth
Now I'm on a scene, pocket full of green
Presently, I am in the spotlight with substantial wealth
First magazine, I was in Supreme
I gained recognition through media coverage, specifically in Supreme magazine
That was in the bleachers, talking 'bout sneakers
Those times were spent discussing and admiring sneakers from the sidelines
Ask your favorite rapper who his favorite teacher
Pose the question to your preferred rapper regarding their most influential mentor
Who he tryna be, why I gotta B.S?
Who is he attempting to emulate, and why should I pretend?
I don't gotta be liked but I'ma always be good
I don't require validation from others, but I will consistently thrive
Ain't gon' always be right, but know my loyalty good
I may not always make the correct decisions, but my loyalty is unwavering
Some niggas quick to speak out, or too pussy to speak up
Some individuals are eager to voice their opinions, while others lack the courage to express themselves
Yeah, lay low, nobody move 'til I say so
Remain discreet and wait for my command before taking any action
That's mi hermano, we in Tulum stacking pesos
Referring to my brother, we are in Tulum accumulating wealth
I remember plotting in a diner, me and J. Cole
Recalling the times when J. Cole and I would scheme at a diner
Now we don't freestyle 'cause we how we stylin' is a bankroll
We no longer need to freestyle because our sense of fashion symbolizes our financial success
Rest in piece to Bankroll, y'all ain't got a bankroll
Paying tribute to Bankroll Fresh while asserting that others lack the necessary finances
Y'all be talkin' Rolex, but y'all be thinkin' Seiko
You may boast about owning a Rolex, but your mindset is limited
Soldiers on the way if you want play 'cause I ain't playful
I have loyal individuals ready to defend me if you engage in aggression
I got bitches, I got paper, but I'm great 'cause I got favors
I have women and money, but it is my connections and influence that make me exceptional
Boy, I was on the scene, pocket full of green
I used to be present at events, carrying a significant amount of money
Used to rock Moschino, used to sell miskeen
I used to wear Moschino clothing and used to sell counterfeit designer goods
Say I got a ego, I deserve a Egot
People claim I have an ego, but I believe I deserve an EGOT (winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards)
Introvert, we actin' like them thing can't sing out
Despite being introverted, we still express ourselves and make our voices heard
Rocket with the beam, I done brought Hakeem out
I have achieved great success and brought attention to my name, similar to basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon
Say I need my flowers, well, cookies come to me now
Demanding recognition for my achievements, which are now attracting attention
Bring the DMV up, glad they think of me now
Representing the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia), I am pleased that I have gained recognition
Love it or you hate it, but say 'thank you' when I be out, boy
Whether you appreciate or despise my presence, show gratitude when I leave
Look (tinga-linga-ling)
Pay attention to the following
Tinga-linga-ling
The sound of a ringing bell
School bell a ring
Similar to the sound of a school bell ringing
Knife and fork ah fight fi dumpling
A metaphorical clash or competition over something valuable
Booyaka, booyaka, call for Shabba Rankin
Acknowledging the legendary dancehall artist Shabba Ranks
Shabba Ranks disappear and tear them another chin
Shabba Ranks' prominence makes others feel inadequate or inferior
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Olubawale Akintimehin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eternity Music
This is a banger! 🔥 💯
Divine Toko
He needs a better publicist team cause people really sleeping on him. this whole album firee 🔥🔥
Oarabile Seoke
This shi* slaps 🤧 Whoever made this beat deserves a raise 🤒
Joe Robinson
⛽️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
•
rught
JasonLoczx
Tr!zzy Track !!!
pmoney5217
Facts
timothy smith
Wale does this so effortlessly and smooth 🔥🔥💯💪
Patricia Ann jones
This sounds So Good Mixture of 1990's and 2021 The Beat it straight up Fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Devin20852
That shabba sample at the end!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥