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
Thank God
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn that up a little bit higher Dre
Let's have a toast, one time can you put the deuce up
For the triple black niggas that put forth so much foresight on this forthcoming, fifth album
Nigga this style is fantastic, that's why the young lasses ask for us with such passion
Catch up
Thank God
I said thank God, we don't do what we used to do no more
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Thank God
I said thank God
I said thank God, we don't do what we used to do no more
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I tell my enemies, I really pray that you don't fall
I tell my enemies, I really pray that you don't fall
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
So they can watch me ball
Ball on a nigga, ball on a nigga
Too much sauce on a nigga, sauce on a nigga
Fuck 'em all little nigga, yah little nigga
Yeah-yeah, watch me ball
SLP, that may not be out for months
If they want a feature, they don't reach out for months
I may not be no type of street artist
See honestly, I deceive and to be populized
I'm trying to get my daughter five McLaren
That feminist side come around when Zyla there
Quiet girl, kiss the baby goodnight and step out and riot again
City of light, city of light when the moon out
Criminal side, this M dog miss Luna
Heavenly God, I pray the squad stay too up and
Satan stay with y'all 'cause the fear of God too much
Gave Lorenzo couple bands tho, yeah, couple haters shout out to Enzo
It's unbelievable what I've been through
Gave niggas handouts, they become a handful
What it do? What it do?
Penny phones comin' blue, Sean John threw a bag so velour back coupe
Back to back, triple black MayBach, mad room, bad bitch come around turn the captain
It's too late, all you niggas two-faced
All you'll ever be good at is rollin' weed and 2K
Or maybe Madden and FIFA, that's why I brag when I see ya
If my bag ain't a bag, at least my integrity straight
Thank God
I said thank God
I said thank God, we don't do what we used to do no more
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Thank God
I said thank God
I said thank God, we don't do what we used to do no more
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I tell my enemies, I really pray that you don't fall
I tell my enemies, I really pray that you don't fall
Yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah
So they can watch me ball
In his song "Thank God", Wale expresses gratitude for his accomplishments and growth as an artist. The song begins with Wale asking the producer to turn up the volume, indicating that he wants the listeners to fully immerse themselves in the music. He then raises a toast to the black artists who have contributed greatly to his fifth album. Wale notes that his style is fantastic, which is why his female fans are so passionate about him. He encourages his listeners to catch up to his level of excellence.
The chorus of the song centers on Wale thanking God for his progress, asserting that he no longer engages in his past ways. He tells his enemies that he prays for them not to fall, so that they can continue to watch him succeed. Wale boasts about his wealth and success, expressing his desire to buy his daughter a McLaren. He acknowledges his deceptive tendencies, stating that he feigns popularity in order to maintain relevance. Wale references a number of luxury brands and high-end cars, indicating that his hard work has paid off in terms of material success. He ends the song by declaring that he hopes his enemies remain watching his every move, as he continues to thrive.
Overall, "Thank God" is a celebration of Wale's success and growth as an artist. The song highlights his confidence and gratitude for his progress, while also acknowledging his deceptive tendencies. The song is a reminder that success comes from hard work, dedication, and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn me, up, wah, wah
Increase the volume of the music, please.
Turn that up a little bit higher Dre
Dre, the producer, please increase the volume more.
Let's have a toast, one time can you put the deuce up
Let's raise our glasses in celebration, and make a sign of peace with our fingers.
For the triple black niggas that put forth so much foresight on this forthcoming, fifth album
This song is dedicated to the African American men who worked tirelessly on my fifth album, which is soon to be released.
Nigga this style is fantastic, that's why the young lasses ask for us with such passion
Our unique style of music is truly outstanding, and that's why young women are eagerto hear us perform.
Catch up
Follow my lead and get on my level.
Thank God
I am grateful to God for all of my success.
I said thank God
I am reiterating my gratitude to God.
I said thank God, we don't do what we used to do no more
I am glad that we have changed our ways from our past behavior.
So they can watch me ball
I am going to succeed greatly, and I want my enemies to watch in awe.
Ball on a nigga, ball on a nigga
I am going to dominate and conquer my competition.
Too much sauce on a nigga, sauce on a nigga
I am overflowing with style and finesse.
Fuck 'em all little nigga, yah little nigga
I don't care about any of my haters, I will continue to succeed regardless.
Yeah-yeah, watch me ball
Watch me succeed greatly.
SLP, that may not be out for months
My new album SLP may not be released for several months.
If they want a feature, they don't reach out for months
People may wait a long time to collaborate with me.
I may not be no type of street artist
I do not subscribe to the typical gangster lifestyle in hip-hop.
See honestly, I deceive and to be populized
I am in the music industry to gain success and fame, even if it means pretending to be something I am not.
I'm trying to get my daughter five McLaren
I want to provide my daughter with the best things in life, including a luxury car.
That feminist side come around when Zyla there
I become more sensitive and understanding when I am with my daughter Zyla.
Quiet girl, kiss the baby goodnight and step out and riot again
My partner is a loving mother who puts our child to bed, but also supports me in my career.
City of light, city of light when the moon out
I represent the city of Washington, D.C. even in the midst of darkness.
Criminal side, this M dog miss Luna
I have a rough upbringing, and sometimes miss my dog named Luna.
Heavenly God, I pray the squad stay too up and Satan stay with y'all 'cause the fear of God too much
I pray that my team stays motivated and successful, while my enemies remain in a negative atmosphere.
Gave Lorenzo couple bands tho, yeah, couple haters shout out to Enzo
I gave my friend Lorenzo some money, and also want to thank my haters for supporting me indirectly.
It's unbelievable what I've been through
I have faced significant struggles and obstacles throughout my life.
Gave niggas handouts, they become a handful
I have helped others in the past, but it has sometimes caused problems for me.
What it do? What it do?
What's up? What's up?
Penny phones comin' blue, Sean John threw a bag so velour back coupe
I am making significant purchases, including a blue phone and a velour back coupe car.
Back to back, triple black MayBach, mad room, bad bitch come around turn the captain
I have everything I need to succeed, including a luxury car and attractive partner.
It's too late, all you niggas two-faced
My enemies are too late in trying to deceive me, as I already know they are two-faced.
All you'll ever be good at is rollin' weed and 2K
My enemies are not talented enough for success, and can only smoke weed and play video games.
Or maybe Madden and FIFA, that's why I brag when I see ya
My enemies are only good at playing Madden and FIFA video games, which is why I feel confident when I see them.
If my bag ain't a bag, at least my integrity straight
Even if I don't have a lot of money, I am still an honest and genuine person.
I tell my enemies, I really pray that you don't fall
I hope that my enemies avoid failure and negative situations.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Christopher Lyon, Bryan Sledge, Larry Mizell, Marcello Valenzano, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, Rayshon Lamont Cobbs
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dhhhhde
Wale gonna get his respect
@ishayarhawadwficle4720
fraf dres https://soundcloud.com/user-87099587/all-they-ask-about-mix-1
@certifiedentertainment254
so true
@johnmathers3064
fraf dres nah. Unfortunately he will live an underrated artist, and people will still listen to bs music like young thug or paquita la del barrio.
@ItsJuu
facts
@alwayssttu301
fraf dres I feel this may be the album where he gets his RESPECT! thank God
@wendelldavids1405
This joint deserves a music video 🌬️
@goodvibestv707
wale is super underrated, but every song he drop is a banger💪
@thamsanqasontundu9314
nuts!!
@TharsanJeyachandran
he lit the fuck you mean.