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
New Phone
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
More than the receiver of it and
Fame level, the shadiness varies out, to be in public
Fuck with me though
I need caller ID baby
(I still got Toni Braxton playing)
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women that think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years go by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
I'ma get it, I'ma get it, this easy
I'm the realest, I been kicking since Eastbay
I'm the realest, all my niggas in a good place
On the real, got my city with a mixtape
Now I never call like I used to though
But why you getting mad as if you don't know?
Like I ain't getting bags and my crew not on
'Cause when you getting bags bet that loot gon', show
I'm on the road, I'm on the road
Tan money, another show
We on the road, we on the road
Uh, Alize still hungry for it
Smoking haze in Hollywood, I'm real important
Tracy bringing the real bitches who looking for it
EBM, EBM this is bigger than all us
Looking like a hundred mill with infinite knowledge
Try and tell them little niggas this better than college
Super stupid, see my music should come with propellers
Stomach still hungry as ever
Even though I know this money is coming forever
Niggas say "get your dollars up, hope you stay the same"
So I'm counting my dollars and counting niggas change
And niggas tell me that I'm Hollywood
But y'all the same niggas that used to say that I probably wouldn't
So many hearts care man
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women that think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years gone by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
There's days I think of you, baby
And the things I didn't do, baby
Acting like I'm in middle school, now you really hate it
Sub-tweeting the shit out you, when a nigga angry
Get your feelings together, why you practicing hatred?
Immaculate statements for immaculate statements
Shackled and chained up, that's what the game does
Bitches that blow my high should go on my fan club
Bossed up like shit, bossed up like "shit"
Broads can't talk dirty, she flossed on my dick
Show up in Balmain, showing niggas that hate
Show up with bitches who think their horoscope is their faith
4 in the morning babe, no I'm not picking up
No, I'm not with a bitch, just I ain't sleep in a month
Hope you can understand I'm still the same one
But I'm finna change clothes, keys, and gate code
Here's the bang button, 'cause, this ain't the same number
So many hearts care man
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women that think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years go by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
In Wale's song "New Phone," the lyrics revolve around themes of change, uncertainty, and the complications that come with success and fame. The opening lines suggest that money has the power to change people, sometimes more so than the person receiving it. The song explores the singer's experiences with shifting relationships, both intimate and platonic, as the years go by. The phrase "new phone, who is this?" serves as a metaphor for the singer's changing circumstances and the constant influx of new people in their life.
As the song progresses, Wale reflects on his journey to success and the challenges that come with it. He references how people may view him differently now, accusing him of being "Hollywood." Despite this, he remains true to himself and continues to count his blessings while acknowledging the changes around him. The lyrics also touch on the complexities of romantic relationships, with Wale expressing regret for past actions and the urge to move forward.
Overall, "New Phone" captures the uncertainties and complexities that arise with time, success, and shifting relationships. It reflects Wale's introspective approach to the music, delving into personal experiences and exploring the dynamics of fame and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I just want y'all to know that money change others
Money has the power to significantly influence and alter the behavior of individuals
More than the receiver of it and
Money can have a greater impact on those around the person who possesses it, rather than on the person themselves
Fame level, the shadiness varies out, to be in public
The level of fame determines the degree of deceit and dishonesty that one may encounter when dealing with the public
Fuck with me though
Despite the potential negative effects of money and fame, the artist still wants others to support and associate with them
I need caller ID baby
The artist desires to be able to identify the people who are trying to contact them
(I still got Toni Braxton playing)
The singer is indicating that they are distracted or preoccupied with something else (listening to Toni Braxton) while dealing with these phone calls
So many hearts care man
There are numerous individuals who have genuine concern and affection for the singer
So many thoughts again and again
The artist continuously contemplates and reflects on various thoughts and ideas
So many years gone by
Many years have passed
So many friends is in the wind
The artist has lost touch with many of their friends and they have drifted apart
So many niggas is really pretend
There are numerous individuals who pretend or act fake
So many women that think they the shit
There are many women who have an inflated sense of self-importance
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Over time, the singer has changed their phone number and they are uncertain of the identities of the people trying to contact them
Got a new phone, who is this?
The singer acquired a new phone and they are unsure of the caller's identity
New phone, who is this?
The singer is repeatedly wondering who the person on the other end of the line is
Same phone who is this?
Despite having the same phone, the artist is still unsure of who is contacting them
Talk to me, what's up?
The artist is inviting the caller to engage in conversation and share what they want or need
I'ma get it, I'ma get it, this easy
The singer is confident and determined to achieve their goals, expressing that it will come effortlessly to them
I'm the realest, I been kicking since Eastbay
The singer claims to be the most authentic and genuine, while also highlighting their longevity in the industry
I'm the realest, all my niggas in a good place
The artist asserts that they and their close associates are in a positive and advantageous position
On the real, got my city with a mixtape
In reality, the artist has gained popularity and support from their hometown through the release of a mixtape
Now I never call like I used to though
The artist no longer communicates with others as frequently as they did in the past
But why you getting mad as if you don't know?
The singer questions the reason behind someone becoming upset or angry, as if they are unaware of the situation
Like I ain't getting bags and my crew not on
As if the artist is not achieving success and accumulating wealth, while also emphasizing that their crew is also doing well
'Cause when you getting bags bet that loot gon', show
When one is actively accumulating wealth, the evidence of their success will become apparent
I'm on the road, I'm on the road
The singer is frequently traveling and engaging in various professional commitments
Tan money, another show
The singer is making a significant amount of money from their performances
We on the road, we on the road
The artist and their team are constantly traveling and progressing in their career
Uh, Alize still hungry for it
Despite achieving success, the artist and their crew still have a strong desire and determination to achieve more
Smoking haze in Hollywood, I'm real important
The singer is indulging in marijuana while in Hollywood, highlighting their sense of significance and importance
Tracy bringing the real bitches who looking for it
Tracy, a female acquaintance, is bringing genuine and authentic women who are actively seeking success and recognition
EBM, EBM this is bigger than all us
The artist emphasizes the importance and significance of their crew and the movement they represent
Looking like a hundred mill with infinite knowledge
The artist's appearance and demeanor give the impression of someone wealthy and wise
Try and tell them little niggas this better than college
The artist is attempting to convey to younger individuals that their path and career is more valuable than pursuing a college education
Super stupid, see my music should come with propellers
The singer believes that their music is exceptional and possesses the ability to elevate and propel listeners to new heights
Stomach still hungry as ever
The artist's desire for success and achievement remains strong and insatiable
Even though I know this money is coming forever
Despite being aware that their wealth and success will continue in the long term, the singer remains motivated and driven
Niggas say 'get your dollars up, hope you stay the same'
Others advise the singer to focus on increasing their wealth, while hoping that their character and personality remain unchanged
So I'm counting my dollars and counting niggas change
The singer is both keeping track of their own financial growth and observing how others are changing their behavior towards them due to their success
And niggas tell me that I'm Hollywood
People criticize and accuse the artist of adopting a pretentious and arrogant attitude due to their fame and success
But y'all the same niggas that used to say that I probably wouldn't
Ironically, the same individuals who doubted the artist's potential and success are now criticizing them for achieving it
There's days I think of you, baby
The singer occasionally reminisces and thinks about their past love interest
And the things I didn't do, baby
They regret not taking certain actions or fulfilling certain responsibilities in the relationship
Acting like I'm in middle school, now you really hate it
The artist's behavior may resemble that of an immature middle schooler, which causes their former partner to strongly dislike them
Sub-tweeting the shit out you, when a nigga angry
The artist vents their frustrations and expresses their negative emotions towards their ex-partner through secretive and indirect social media posts
Get your feelings together, why you practicing hatred?
The artist urges their former partner to control their emotions and stop engaging in hateful behavior
Immaculate statements for immaculate statements
The singer intends to respond to the negativity and hate with intelligent and flawless statements of their own
Shackled and chained up, that's what the game does
The music industry can restrain and confine artists, subjecting them to limitations and restrictions
Bitches that blow my high should go on my fan club
Individuals who negatively impact the singer's mood or hinder their success should align themselves with the singer's supporters
Bossed up like shit, bossed up like 'shit'
The singer has elevated their position and status, displaying an empowered and authoritative presence
Broads can't talk dirty, she flossed on my dick
Women who attempt to speak vulgarly or sexually towards the singer are disregarded and seen as insignificant
Show up in Balmain, showing niggas that hate
The artist arrives wearing expensive designer clothing, signaling to those who may harbor negative feelings towards them that they are unaffected
Show up with bitches who think their horoscope is their faith
The artist presents themselves in the company of women who prioritize astrology and believe it determines their destiny
4 in the morning babe, no I'm not picking up
At 4 am, the singer is intentionally choosing not to answer any phone calls
No, I'm not with a bitch, just I ain't sleep in a month
The singer clarifies that they are not in the company of a woman, but rather they haven't slept for an entire month
Hope you can understand I'm still the same one
The artist hopes that their former partner can recognize that they haven't fundamentally changed as a person
But I'm finna change clothes, keys, and gate code
However, the artist plans to update and modify their fashion style, as well as their access codes and security measures
Here's the bang button, 'cause, this ain't the same number
The artist is warning that there will be consequences or explosive reactions because they have changed their phone number
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Olubowale Akintimehin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Will.I.Ain't
[Intro: Wale]
I just want y'all to know that money change others
More than the receiver of it and
Fame level, the shadiness varies out, to be in public
Fuck with me though
I need caller ID baby
(I still got Toni Braxton playing)
[Chorus]
So many hearts I can't mend
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women who think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years go by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
[Verse 1: Wale]
I'ma get it, I'ma get it, this easy
I'm the realest, I been kicking since Eastbay
I'm the realest, all my niggas in a good place
On the real, got my city with a mixtape
Now I never call like I used to though
But why you getting mad as if you don't know??
Like I ain't getting bags and my crew not on
Cause when you getting bags bet that loot gon.. show
I'm on the road, I'm on the road
Tan money, another show
We on the road, we on the road
Uh, Alize still hungry for it
Smoking haze in Hollywood, I'm real important
Tracy bringing the real bitches who looking for it
EBM, EBM this is bigger than all us
Looking like a hundred mill with infinite knowledge
Try and tell them little niggas this better than college
Super stupid, see my music should come with propellers
Stomach still hungry as ever
Even though I know this money is coming forever
Niggas say "get your dollars up, hope you stay the same"
So I'm counting my dollars and counting niggas change
And niggas tell me that I'm Hollywood
But y'all the same niggas that used to say that I probably wouldn't
[Chorus]
So many hearts I can't mend
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women who think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years gone by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
[Verse 2: Wale]
There's days I think of you, baby
And the things I didn't do, baby
Acting like I'm in middle school, now you really hate it
Sub-tweeting the shit out you, when a nigga angry
Get your feelings together, why you practicing hatred?
Immaculate statements for immaculate statements
Shackled and chained up, that's what the game does
Bitches that blow my high should go on my fan club
Bossed up like shit, bossed up like "shit"
Broads can't talk dirty, she flossed on my dick
Show up in Balmain, showing niggas that hate
Show up with bitches who think their horoscope is their fate
4 in the morning babe, no I'm not picking up
No, I'm not with a bitch, just I ain't sleep in a month
Hope you can understand I'm still the same one
But I'm finna change clothes, keys, and gate code
Here's the BANG button, cuz... this ain't the same number
Mmmm, mmm, mmm
[Chorus]
So many hearts I can't mend
So many thoughts again and again
So many years gone by
So many friends is in the wind
So many niggas is really pretend
So many women who think they the shit
As I let the years go by, new phone who is this?
Got a new phone, who is this?
New phone, who is this?
As I let the years go by, same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
Same phone who is this?
So many years go by, new phone who is this?
Talk to me, what's up?
Clare S
2021 and I still love this song. 💕
Producer8z
2023
G.K. JERRY
this song hit your soul
Rello2.0
Feel sorry for people that don’t get this comment
Ron Steele
Wow. This song is beautiful art at its best. It's been a while since I've felt this feeling from a rap song. Wale is incredible for this one.🔥
chulumanco myataza
this should be at 2 million views already.
Ru ss
Spoiler alert it didn’t get there in 2019
Jason Doran
@Ru ss if you add up the multiple uploads on youtube... I think it did.
big fooly
it did he removed it off his channel
King Humphrey
truly a poet at heart love his music can't get enough of it really make me look at life in very differently