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
The Chicago Falcon
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seven shots down, I'm on that lean like a diet
Lean like the side of the shoe on a giant
Lean like them DC Powders, them DC pirates
Cause they be on their water
Pushing pills now they're off green like a golfer
Nigga want beef, yeah go for it, put them in a hole like a gopher
Then get ghost where they go-force
Sideways talk, Dave Carr when I throw for 'em
I spit that garden of game, look at the hoes on him
I got a liable larynx, my throat warm
I speak that gospel, flawless in a snowstorm
Battling the Eskimos with no coat on
So hold on, blood pumps DC
But I get dap everywhere that I be
I'm the best, even when I'm cynical
Angle these beats like a pentagon
Whenever my pen involved
Ain't nothing here minimal
Counting my bread, my account like a brunch at a synagogue
Get it ya'll? That's a whole lotta bagels
See me off the bay with San Quinn in a beige coupe
A very bad man, you can ask Babu
I get sign field (Seinfeld) with these rhyme skills
I'm Larry David, gimme my paper
It's a cost more (Cosmo), like Jerry Sein neighbor
My Costanzas stand like Phantoms or Maybachs
You won't get a lane (Elaine) if you came wack
I hate rap like Kramer hate blacks
Still no label Wale ain't passed
But now I'm on Allido and everybody gassin'
Mark gave me a check and some dap
In the first verse of Wale's song "The Chicago Falcon," he begins by comparing himself to the fierce Eye of the Tiger, refusing to lie and admitting to being under the influence of lean, a cough syrup-based drink that produces a relaxation effect similar to being drunk. He then continues to compare his lean intoxication to the leaning of a giant's shoe. Wale goes on to reference the high prevalence of drug trafficking and addiction in Washington, D.C. where he's from with the mention of "DC Powders" and "DC pirates." He then devotes the words to violence, challenging anyone who dares to provoke him and to "go for it," bragging that he can put them in a hole like a gopher. Wale alludes to his agility and speed as he invokes the name of famous American sprinter Carl Lewis in support of his boastfulness.
In the second verse, Wale confidently proclaims himself as the best while adopting a cynical tone. He then goes on to further explain his proficiency in rapping and its execution while playing with a series of wordplay such as “bagels” and “synagogue”. He mentions people in his life and compares himself to Larry David, a television writer, and producer known for co-creating the show Seinfeld. He then goes on to state his dislike for bad rap and continues to tout his lyrical skill. He emphasizes the importance of good collaborations by acknowledging the support he had received at that time from Mark Ronson, who gave him a check and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Eye of the tiger, no I'm never lying
I am focused and determined to succeed, always truthful and honest.
Seven shots down, I'm on that lean like a diet
I am intoxicated from the drug lean, which is causing me to lose my physical stability and control.
Lean like the side of the shoe on a giant
I am leaning heavily like the side of the shoe on a giant's foot, indicating a loss of balance and stability.
Lean like them DC Powders, them DC pirates
I am leaning heavily, similar to how people who use the drug DC Powders lean, referred to as DC Pirates.
Cause they be on their water
DC Pirates are known for their use of the drug water along with DC Powders to enhance their high.
Pushing pills now they're off green like a golfer
Drug dealers are now selling pills and getting high off marijuana, represented by the color green.
Nigga want beef, yeah go for it, put them in a hole like a gopher
If someone wants to start a conflict with me, I am willing to engage in a physical altercation and take them out like a gopher.
Then get ghost where they go-force
After defeating my opponent, I will disappear from the scene quickly and stealthily.
Yeah, I'm Carl Lewis in his go-form
I am at my best form, similar to how Carl Lewis performed at his peak in the Olympics.
Sideways talk, Dave Carr when I throw for 'em
I am directing insults and criticism in a sideways fashion, similar to how Dave Carr 'throws' the football.
I spit that garden of game, look at the hoes on him
I am spitting high-quality lyrics, represented by a garden, that attract female attention.
I got a liable larynx, my throat warm
My voice is capable of causing damage, and my throat is warm from spitting quality lyrics.
I speak that gospel, flawless in a snowstorm
My words hold truth and are perfect even in difficult and unfavorable conditions.
Battling the Eskimos with no coat on
I am enduring harsh conditions, represented by battling Eskimos, without any protection.
So hold on, blood pumps DC
I have a strong connection and loyalty to Washington D.C.
But I get dap everywhere that I be
Despite my connection to D.C., I receive respect and admiration wherever I go.
I'm the best, even when I'm cynical
I am confident in my abilities and knowledge, even when I am skeptical and hesitant.
Angle these beats like a pentagon
I approach beats with a unique and strategic angle, similar to the shape of a pentagon.
Whenever my pen involved
Whenever I am writing and creating lyrics with my pen.
Ain't nothing here minimal
There is nothing basic or insignificant about my skills and abilities.
Counting my bread, my account like a brunch at a synagogue
I am financially successful and counting my wealth, similar to a brunch buffet at a synagogue.
Get it ya'll? That's a whole lotta bagels
This is a clever play on words, referencing the wealth and success mentioned in the previous line, while also playing on the word 'bagels' which can mean 'money' in some contexts.
See me off the bay with San Quinn in a beige coupe
I am seen riding in a beige car with San Quinn, a fellow rapper from the Bay Area.
A very bad man, you can ask Babu
I am a dangerous and powerful individual, as confirmed by Babu, a fictional character from the TV show Seinfeld.
I get sign field (Seinfeld) with these rhyme skills
My rap skills are comparable to the humor and wit found in the popular TV show Seinfeld.
I'm Larry David, gimme my paper
I am similar to Larry David, a co-creator of Seinfeld, in my confidence and demand for payment for my work.
It's a cost more (Cosmo), like Jerry Sein neighbor
My demands for payment are high, similar to the costs associated with the popular drink Cosmopolitan, and the high-priced apartments of Jerry Seinfeld's neighbors.
My Costanzas stand like Phantoms or Maybachs
My crew is loyal like George Costanza from Seinfeld, and we stand out like high-end luxury cars.
You won't get a lane (Elaine) if you came wack
If someone comes to me with weak or unimpressive skills, they will not receive a chance to showcase them, similar to the character Elaine from Seinfeld.
I hate rap like Kramer hate blacks
I dislike rap music similarly to how the character Kramer from Seinfeld dislikes black people, representing a strong distaste.
Still no label Wale ain't passed
Despite my talents and success, I am still an independent artist and not signed to a major record label.
But now I'm on Allido and everybody gassin'
I am now signed to Allido Records and receiving lots of positive feedback and excitement.
Mark gave me a check and some dap
Mark Ronson, my producer and collaborator, gave me a payment and a greeting of respect.
Contributed by Sydney O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Haad koe
Another thing I really like is the way the mixtapes are actually well mixed... as in one track flows smoothly and directly into the other. I hope Wale continues this trend, especially once he starts dropping albums, because it makes the playback really fluid almost as if you were at a party with a bomb DJ without an ego. The shit is pleasant.
Haad koe
So... fucking... ill. This guy came out of nowhere and immediately landed himself a solid spot in my short list of favorite hip-hop artists. "100 Miles and Running" and "The Mixtape About Nothing" have been in constant rotation since I discovered them not long ago. I hear them both at least once a day and am just beginning to scratch the surface of how truly complex and unique they are and I'm loving every second of it.
MisterVnlc
Wale definitely has lyrics. the second verse was fire!
Haad koe
Then there's the beats, which are straight up phenomenal. His whole "go-go" style is track after track of catchy, banging-assed, really well produced beats that won't leave your head once you've heard them. They've got a really classic feel to them too which I find hard to describe but really easy to love.
Ginga
Wale with the lyrical fitness.
JBiggss
Either Tim Westwood, DJ Stretch Armstrong or Mark Ronson. A co-sign from the first two at the time woulda been a big deal for him. Mark runs the label that he was on at the time.
Haad koe
Wale, if you happen to read this shit just keep doing exactly what you're doing. Exactly what you're doing. Don't compromise, keep your head in check, and this rap shit is all yours cousin.
Haad koe
Wale's style of rhyming is mind blowing, from the butter smooth flow, to the refreshingly down to earth, clever, and damn funny lyrics. Listening to him I just get the impression that he's a cool motherfucker, and not because he's some "iced out" rehashed stereotype the industry seems to love to shove down our throats these days.
RetroPG
THAT SECOND VERSE WAS LEGENDARY
Michael Kurth
Wale and Kid Cudi are going to blow up this year.