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
PayBack
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fame is a drug I knew that before Jay said that
Hate’s in their blood, I see it in their eyes
They leave me with no choice, I leave them with no life
They ain’t got no life ‘cause they always on mine
I’m on these niggas mind like lice
Insightfully write that right so keep your parasites paralyzed
Anti-bacterial, the stereo is sterilized
Don’t got the head for it, don’t got the bed for it
And therefore if I wrote it they already know it
It set in stone in these poems there ain’t nothing bogus
If money talks then I’m Vic Damone (Woo!)
I’m Chris Tucker
Snuka
A badass slam with a
can like Smucker
Add me, take me, pay me it’s nothing
I said pay me it’s nothing
I said pay me it’s nothing
Add me, take you baby (yeah)
(pay me it’s nothing)
(pay me it’s nothing)
Simply give me a beat,
I guarantee I’ll make a hater move over
Listen, hold up, the young dude focused
I’m so potent, fly, fuck if you ain’t know it
Show me to the scoreboard, a million to the doughnut
Beat is my whore get get up on it like a boner
And I could see hits every time a nigga go in
Serve like the Open
word I am Federer
Discombobulate
all my edible competitors
Stop meddling in grown folk BI
Y'all all gay at the very least b-i
A poor man’s Pac or a very cheap BI
A welfare version of Wale, I see y’all
‘Cause I insightfully rhyme, I give the sight to the blind
Put my plight in the verse, I bring ‘em closer to mine
The flow no one can challenge, lyrical acrobatics
My entendres be tumblin’ while you niggas lack balance
I am so much a pilot and my power unfathomable
To you broncos my bitches is stallions
Oh you mad ‘cause I’m stylin’ from the city of power
Where the weak are devoured every week, every hour
And it’s over for powder ‘cause they movin’ them pills
On that water like islands they ain’t swimmin’ you dig
I’m just playin’ the field, Ken Griffey you feel me
Meanin’ I don’t play ‘cause Wale is ill
Wale got skills, man my nigga I’m Will Smith
I give em a script, you bitch nigga's my children
Pursuin' my happiness
, suitable rapper here
If you ain’t supporting it then I do it without you then
It’s me and my nigga there until I’m a millionaire
The heart of a lion but I’m a Tiger Wood look in there
See what I’m coming with, 100 and running it
If you ain’t subordinate then I order your punishment
The audience lovin’ him cuz most of them can relate
I lyrically elevate, they be callin’ me heavensake
Don’t stutter or hesitate, I plenish you featherweight
I’m stuntin’ the Ferragamo
, I’m running that medal pace
Straighter than metal face; some niggas embrace me
My flow is Invisalign, they can’t retain me
Nigga I tranquilize a bucketful of crabs damn right
I made it out, this is for
Kevin Liles
L.A. Reid
I'm on my own now learned a little from Kenny B
I’m coming for everything,
I’m blowin’ my celery
Them niggas lack bars like underground when their celly ring
Didn’t sign up for anything, I’m talking that Nelly G’s
Need another look Catchdubs propellin’ me
I fly em, I’m outta reachcause denim is everything
Indeed, the flow raw just the same as my Levi jeans
Fuck it, they shrink to fit
Beastin' up in my Tiffs
Yeah they hyped out but the bitches be lovin’ it
What more can I say?!
hahaha
In the song Payback, the artist Wale talks about his rise to fame and how he deals with haters. The first two lines of the song, "Mama always told me I'd be famous, Fame is a drug I knew that before Jay said that," suggests that Wale's mother always believed in him and that he recognized the allure of fame even before one of the biggest names in the rap industry, Jay-Z, spoke about it. The line "They leave me with no choice, I leave them with no life" hints at how Wale deals with haters--if they try to bring him down, he will use his talent (and possibly his fame) as a way to silence them. He continues with "I'm on these niggas mind like lice, Insightfully write that right so keep your parasites paralyzed," stating that his haters can't stop thinking about him, but he will make sure they can't latch onto him or his work.
Wale also describes his talents and how they set him apart from his peers. "The flow no one can challenge, lyrical acrobatics, My entendres be tumblin' while you niggas lack balance," showcases his superior rhyming skills and metaphors. He also takes a moment to shout out different people who helped him on his way to success, such as Kevin Liles and L.A. Reid. The line "I'm on my own now learned a little from Kenny B, I'm coming for everything, I'm blowing my celery" could refer to Kendrick Lamar, as he often goes by "K-Dot" and his latest album is titled DAMN. The artist states that, despite not signing up for anything, he's going to take what he's owed and make it big. The end of the song is a celebratory refrain of "What more can I say" repeated with chuckles, as if to say Wale knows he's a great artist, and it's only a matter of time before everyone else knows it too.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama always told me I’d be famous
My mother always believed in me and knew that I would achieve fame
Fame is a drug I knew that before Jay said that
I understand that fame can be addictive and all-consuming, even before Jay-Z pointed it out
Hate’s in their blood, I see it in their eyes
I can sense the deep-rooted hatred in people, as it is reflected in their eyes
They leave me with no choice, I leave them with no life
When faced with hatred, I am forced to respond, often resulting in their demise
They ain’t got no life ‘cause they always on mine
These individuals have no life of their own because they are constantly focused on me and my actions
I’m on these niggas mind like lice
I consume their thoughts like a constant irritant, similar to lice in one's hair
Insightfully write that right so keep your parasites paralyzed
Through my insightful writing, I aim to immobilize and render useless those who feed off my success like parasites
Anti-bacterial, the stereo is sterilized
My music acts as an antibacterial agent, purifying the airwaves and removing any impurities
Word to lethargy hardly will I ever lie
Truthfully, I rarely speak untruths, as lying goes against my nature
Don’t got the head for it, don’t got the bed for it
I lack the mental capacity and dedication required for falsehoods and deceit
And therefore if I wrote it they already know it
If I were to write something, it would only be stating what is already known by others
It set in stone in these poems there ain’t nothing bogus
The truths expressed in my poems are solid and unwavering, devoid of any falsehoods
If money talks then I’m Vic Damone (Woo!)
If wealth is the ultimate communicator, then I am on the same level as the legendary Vic Damone
I’m Chris Tucker Snuka
I possess the wit and comedic timing of Chris Tucker while also embodying the strength and agility of professional wrestler Jimmy Snuka
A badass slam with a can like Smucker
Just like a jar of Smucker's jelly, I deliver a powerful and impactful performance
Add me, take me, pay me it’s nothing
Incorporate me into your endeavors, utilize my skills, and compensate me without hesitation
I said pay me it’s nothing
I insist on being paid for my contributions, as it is not a burdensome request
Add me, take you baby (yeah)
Include me in your journey and together we can achieve greatness
(pay me it’s nothing)
Again, I emphasize that my compensation should not be seen as excessive or unreasonable
(pay me it’s nothing)
Once more, I reiterate that paying me for my services is a minor issue
Simply give me a beat, I guarantee I’ll make a hater move over
Just provide me with a musical rhythm, and I guarantee that I will overpower and silence any individual who opposes or hates on me
Listen, hold up, the young dude focused
Listen carefully and pay attention because I, as a young artist, am fully dedicated and focused on my goals
I’m so potent, fly, fuck if you ain’t know it
I exude great power and charisma, and if you are unaware of this fact, it doesn't concern me
Show me to the scoreboard, a million to the doughnut
Direct me to the scoreboard where I have countless achievements, in stark contrast to those with nothing to show
Beat is my whore get get up on it like a boner
I dominate and control the beats I rap over, just like someone experiencing an intense erection
And I could see hits every time a nigga go in
Every time I step into the music scene, I am confident that I will create an impactful and successful piece
Serve like the Open word I am Federer
I serve my lyrics with precision and skill, much like the legendary tennis player Roger Federer
Discombobulate all my edible competitors
I disorient and confuse all those who dare to challenge me in the rap industry
Stop meddling in grown folk BI
Cease interfering in matters that only concern adults, mind your own business
Y'all all gay at the very least b-i
At the very least, all of you are foolish and naive in your actions
A poor man’s Pac or a very cheap BI
Some may compare me to the late Tupac Shakur or to an inferior version of myself, but in reality, they are sorely mistaken
A welfare version of Wale, I see y’all
You claim to be similar to me, but in reality, you are a poor and inferior copy of who I am
‘Cause I insightfully rhyme, I give the sight to the blind
Through my insightful and meaningful lyrics, I have the power to provide clarity and understanding to those who are blind to certain truths
Put my plight in the verse, I bring ‘em closer to mine
I express my personal struggles and experiences within my verses, allowing others to connect and empathize with me on a deeper level
The flow no one can challenge, lyrical acrobatics
My flow and wordplay are unrivaled, surpassing any competition and leaving people in awe
My entendres be tumblin’ while you niggas lack balance
I effortlessly deliver clever wordplay and double entendres, while my adversaries lack the necessary skills and finesse
I am so much a pilot and my power unfathomable
I possess tremendous control and influence over my craft, with a level of power that is beyond comprehension
To you broncos my bitches is stallions
Compared to the average individuals, the women I associate with are highly impressive and superior
Oh you mad ‘cause I’m stylin’ from the city of power
You are envious and upset because I am confidently expressing my unique style and representing the powerful city I come from
Where the weak are devoured every week, every hour
In my city, the weak and feeble-minded are consumed and destroyed on a regular basis, both metaphorically and literally
And it’s over for powder ‘cause they movin’ them pills
The era of drug dealing and relying on powder-based substances for profit is coming to an end, as people are now focused on moving prescription pills
On that water like islands they ain’t swimmin’ you dig
We are now operating in the realm of liquid drugs, specifically prescription pills, and those who cannot adapt to this new wave will be left behind
I’m just playin’ the field, Ken Griffey you feel me
I am maneuvering through the industry, akin to how baseball player Ken Griffey Jr. played the field, and I hope you understand my analogy
Meanin’ I don’t play ‘cause Wale is ill
To clarify, I do not engage in games or frivolities because I, Wale, am a skilled and talented artist
Wale got skills, man my nigga I’m Will Smith
I, Wale, possess exceptional skills and talent, just like the legendary actor and rapper Will Smith
I give em a script, you bitch nigga's my children
I provide others with a blueprint for success and influence their actions, as if they were my own children
Pursuin' my happiness, suitable rapper here
I am actively chasing my own happiness and fulfillment, and I am the perfect artist for this role
If you ain’t supporting it then I do it without you then
If you are not actively supporting my endeavors, I will continue to pursue my goals and find success without your assistance
It’s me and my nigga there until I’m a millionaire
My closest friend and I will continue to support each other until I attain a millionaire status
The heart of a lion but I’m a Tiger Wood look in there
I possess the courage and strength of a lion, but also the skill and ability of the legendary golfer Tiger Woods
See what I’m coming with, 100 and running it
Witness the greatness and intensity with which I am approaching my craft, giving it my all and relentlessly pursuing success
If you ain’t subordinate then I order your punishment
If you do not show submissiveness or respect, I will assert my authority and impose fitting consequences
The audience lovin’ him cuz most of them can relate
The audience appreciates and resonates with my music because many of them can personally relate to the topics and experiences I explore
I lyrically elevate, they be callin’ me heavensake
Through my skilled use of lyrics, I uplift and inspire others, leading them to regard me as a divine figure
Don’t stutter or hesitate, I plenish you featherweight
I speak and act with confidence and decisiveness, overpowering those who are weak and lack substance
I’m stuntin’ the Ferragamo, I’m running that medal pace
I confidently display luxury and wealth, wearing expensive Ferragamo clothing, while also setting a high standard and achieving great success
Straighter than metal face; some niggas embrace me
I am more direct and honest in my approach than someone with a rigid and emotionless demeanor, and some individuals appreciate and embrace my authenticity
My flow is Invisalign, they can’t retain me
Just like the Invisalign teeth straightening system, my flow is so smooth and captivating that people cannot ignore or forget about me
Nigga I tranquilize a bucketful of crabs damn right
I have the ability to calm and silence a group of jealous and envious individuals, just like tranquilizing a bucket filled with crabs
I made it out, this is for Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid
I successfully escaped difficult circumstances, and now I dedicate my success and achievements to industry executives Kevin Liles and L.A. Reid
I'm on my own now learned a little from Kenny B
I am now independent and self-reliant, having gained valuable knowledge and guidance from the legendary Kenny B
I’m coming for everything, I’m blowin’ my celery
I am determined to attain success in every aspect of my life, and I am blowing away all obstacles and challenges that come my way
Them niggas lack bars like underground when their celly ring
Those individuals lack skill and lyrical prowess in their music, just like the weak signal of an underground cell phone
Didn’t sign up for anything, I’m talking that Nelly G’s
I did not agree to or involve myself in just anything, I am only interested in pursuing significant endeavors and making moves similar to Nelly G's
Need another look Catchdubs propellin’ me
I deserve further recognition and attention, and DJ Catchdubs is one individual who has continually supported and promoted my career
I fly em, I’m outta reach cause denim is everything
I am ahead of others and beyond their reach, similar to how high-quality denim fabric holds great importance and value
Indeed, the flow raw just the same as my Levi jeans
Undoubtedly, my flow is pure and authentic, reflecting the rawness and quality found in Levi jeans
Fuck it, they shrink to fit
Regardless of others' opinions or attempts to diminish me, I refuse to be affected and instead embrace my uniqueness and individuality
Beastin' up in my Tiffs
I am completely dominating and excelling in my endeavors, just like someone wearing Timberland boots
Yeah they hyped out but the bitches be lovin’ it
Although some people may try to downplay or criticize my success, the women admire and enjoy it
What more can I say?!
To sum it up, what else is there to say? I have proven myself time and time again
hahaha
Expressing amusement or joy in an exaggerated manner
Contributed by Sadie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Priscilla Jagmohan
yall dont even know. the background beat of this song is from old, classic, old school hip hop. Wale is just truly amazing!
chriskeepit100
Priscilla Jagmohan the sample is James Brown the big payback
Russell Johnson
Lol it’s James brown study the og song it’s the bread and butter
pittgorilla2012
Oh my God this dude is killing this beat
Zakaria Barnes
Almost 10 years later this still thump
take me back when wale put his music on MySpace
Ginga
Wale with the lyrical fitness.
Will
2022 and I'm still listening.
TF3
Too dope. Sad I only heard this a few months ago
lsteen20
FUCKING BEAST!!!
Fluke Human
this guys actually pretty good, idk why i've never listened to him before