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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Simple Man
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And Lord gave me amazing thinking in short paces
Lay solo, forever flashy though I hate photos
Date four hoes, make her smile and make her moan though
Lady charmer put armor by your baby mama
I hate to say it a later moment I didn't warn ya
High roller, big spender
And my intentions to keep her on the sack, you just saks fifth her
I gathered a couple hundred thousand, I can't remember
They keep talkin' and we keep winning
Why niggas never say capisce until police chalk em
Because of my bitch that's talkin', givin' her head, the streets will follow
I come from a place where niggas my age ain't placed to see tomorrow
To each his own but each of them is known to steal or rob you
So chances over populated but know the seats in college
And those are the least of problems, I speak to God he says I'm alright
My visions funny, though 20-20's my hindsight
Bad bitches with me, real niggas with me
Whole ghetto with me mixin' kettle with the simply
Like the sweet anguish, find your peace baby
I know the millions you get come with a billion haters, yea
Forgive, I'm a rider
Sure I'm just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
You know that I'm a rider
Tell em just a simple man
All I want is money,fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
I'm pickin' apart, my wicked opponents, get in my zone
Niggas can't join us, so, these niggas done cloned us
Look at me close, see the results you see a nigga a loner
Cause all of the bitches thats givin me grief also be given me bonus
Blow up in rap, young and you black
Niggas Be blowin your phone up
Whenever you don't, least you a homie, ho
Adult from show cuz
If you get that, then roll up
If you get that, that's no love
Every move you make they go left
Every chick you like done got kids
And forget that chick had brought friends
Every jay you hit you need vent
Every friend you got, got M.O's
I'm in a gang, even with a deep bitch
I'mma ball like small for a cold huh
Without the ate, where'd all the hate go?
Pockets thicker all my niggas, ain't the same though
I just came up, fuck is you sayin' though
Gave the business my heart, it just gave me the finger, nigga, yeah
Forgive, I'm a rider
Sure I'm just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
You know that I'm a rider
Tell em just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
Forgive, I'm a rider
Sure I'm just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
You know that I'm a rider
Tell em just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I'm a simple man, lawd!
In "Simple Man," Wale talks about his experiences and aspirations. He mentions his desire to go places and wear designer clothing. Despite this, he still struggles with being photographed and remains a womanizer. Wale also gives some commentary on his life experiences, such as the dangers of living in his neighborhood where he grew up, and the luxuries of college education. The chorus emphasizes how Wale is just a simple man who wants money rather than fame. The verses all have a similar theme of looking at the luxuries and pitfalls of life, while still remaining grounded in the essence of himself.
Throughout the song, Wale displays a sense of confidence that comes with success and money. He is not shy about the things he enjoys or the people he is surrounded by. However, he also acknowledges the darker side of having money and fame, with "a billion haters" and the "clones" that try to imitate him. Wale seems to want to remain authentic in who he is, despite the pressures that come with success.
Overall, "Simple Man" is a reflection of Wale's growth as an artist and his struggles in the music industry. He recognizes the allure of money and fame, but ultimately chooses to remain true to himself.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo I'm goin' places, Dior home lacin' on occasions
I am wearing expensive clothing and traveling to faraway locations.
And Lord gave me amazing thinking in short paces
I am blessed with good ideas even on short notice.
Lay solo, forever flashy though I hate photos
I prefer being alone but I enjoy dressing lavishly, even though I dislike photographs.
Date four hoes, make her smile and make her moan though
I have casual sexual relationships with multiple women and aim to please them in bed.
Lady charmer put armor by your baby mama
I am skilled at charming women, but beware of me getting close to your significant other.
I hate to say it a later moment I didn't warn ya
I will warn you beforehand before I do something you wouldn't expect or like.
High roller, big spender
I frequently take risks and spend big on things.
And my intentions to keep her on the sack, you just saks fifth her
My plans are to keep her wanting more, while you can only impress her with expensive shopping.
I'm that different, this cat can react mad pimpish
I am unique and can behave like a successful pimp.
I gathered a couple hundred thousand, I can't remember
I have amassed substantial wealth, and I can't recall the exact figure.
They keep talkin' and we keep winning
People are talking about us, but we continue to succeed.
Why n****s never say capisce until police chalk em
People never understand until they face the consequences.
Because of my bitch that's talkin', givin' her head, the streets will follow
Because of the woman talking about me, people on the streets will pay attention.
I come from a place wheren****s my age ain't placed to see tomorrow
I come from an environment where people my age may not survive to see the next day.
To each his own but each of them is known to steal or rob you
Each individual has their way, but many people are known to commit theft or robbery.
So chances overpopulated but know the seats in college
Opportunities for success are limited, but taking advantage of higher education may help overcome this situation.
And those are the least of problems, I speak to God he says I'm alright
These problems are not significant, and I have faith they will be resolved.
My visions funny, though 20-20's my hindsight
I don't know what will happen in the future, but I can reflect on what has already occurred.
Bad bitches with me, real n*****s with me
I surround myself with attractive women and honest friends.
Whole ghetto with me mixin' kettle with the simply
I have connections with my hometown community and mix the complicated with the straightforward.
Like the sweet anguish, find your peace baby
Life may be hard, but find your happiness.
I know the millions you get come with a billion haters, yea
People will hate you for being successful, but I know this comes with the territory.
You know that I'm a rider
I am a dedicated and determined person.
Tell em just a simple man
Just because I am a rider doesn't mean I am complex.
All I want is money, fuck the fame
I value financial success over public recognition.
I'm pickin' apart, my wicked opponents, get in my zone
I am dissecting my rivals and focusing on my own work.
N****s can't join us, so, these n*****s done cloned us
People can't beat us so they try to copy us.
Look at me close, see the results you see a nigga a loner
If you pay attention to me, you will see that I prefer solitude.
Cause all of the bitches thats givin me grief also be given me bonus
The women who criticize me are also the ones who give me attention.
Blow up in rap, young and you black
Becoming successful in rap is challenging when you are young and black.
N*****s Be blowin your phone up
People will continually call when you become successful.
Whenever you don't, least you a homie, ho
Your friends will continue to stick by you, even during times of inactivity.
Adult from show cuz
We take responsibility for ourselves.
If you get that, then roll up
If you understand, then join us.
If you get that, that's no love
If you don't understand, then we won't show you love.
Every move you make they go left
People will criticize every action you take, even if it is the opposite of what they expected.
Every chick you like done got kids
Many of the women I am attracted to have children.
And forget that chick had brought friends
I can forget that women have friends and may have negative impressions of me.
Every jay you hit you need vent
I need to release my frustrations after every negative encounter.
Every friend you got, got M.O's
All of my friends have their hidden motives.
I'm in a gang, even with a deep bitch
I am involved in a group, even when it's tough.
I'mma ball like small for a cold huh
I will work hard, even if the payoff isn't significant.
Without the ate, where'd all the hate go?
If others weren't envious of my success, would they still hate me?
Pockets thicker all my niggas, ain't the same though
My friends are also wealthy, but we are all unique.
I just came up, fuck is you sayin' though
I recently caught a break, and I don't care what others think.
Gave the business my heart, it just gave me the finger, nigga, yeah
I put my time and effort into my work, but it wasn't always reciprocated positively.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: OLUBOWALE AKINTIMEHIN, KEVIN BION SPENCER, SAMUEL DEW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
goose goose
This album is soooo underrated
DanyosoRapnfcnt
truth
Gorilla Grod
All faxs no printer
Liam Mcghie
Damn right, i play this album in my car to this day
Robthc
it's his best album hands down
Jarvase dundy
One of his best
Lawrence m
When they talk about the greatest artists of our generation, they better include Wale!
Nike Man
Wale is one of the few consistent rappers in the game.
Persia Canales
Love It! Gotta acknowledge the gretest legends!!!! RIP Tupac!!! Do Your Thang Wale!
Poetiiic NJustus
Still the best poet of his class...