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 God Smile
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You shine
We fall
Girls kissin' me all out, Christian Dior'd out
We gon' hold this city down 'til we see the whole city up
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go shine your light on me)
Same one that get all the hate, through it all I illuminate away
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go and shine your light on me)
Don't you doubt it if you was my nigga
We ain't fall out so you still my nigga
Don't always call you but you've been my nigga
You're still the same, nigga, it's just the trust
Nigga when you work hard
Used to get the outfit up off Curt Bone
We done came a long way from the all day store
And now spending 8 somethin' out Bergdoff
Word up, pray to God that my self good
Stand close to my rivals
Like you got a job they would kill for
It's all good cause the flow is to die for
My God, nigga life like a dice roll
And it's twice hard throwin' 'em with mics on
I hit 'em with the rap, everybody slept
Then I came back, killin' everybody's nap like a hot comb
At Saks 'bout to cop more
And cop more if they got more
And come back if they got more
Middle finger to them folks, tell 'em GABOS
Cause this game ain't based on sympathy
Know that fame will steal your energy
Girls kissin' me all out, Christian Dior'd out
We gon' hold this city down 'til we see the whole city up
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go shine your light on me)
A1 when I'm on site, my day ones never think twice
Same one that get all the hate, through it all I illuminate away
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go and shine your light on me)
Don't you doubt it if you was my nigga
We ain't fall out so you still my nigga
Don't always call you but you've been my nigga
You're still the same, nigga, it's just the trust
At 21, played running back
24 I had the city mad
Slim Charles in the Y now
You could say me and him brought the city back
Used to hustle in hand-me-downs
Now I'm whippin' the Camry 'round
Hit licks in Baltimore
Gettin' Hip-Hop chicken in like Kevin Liles
Uptown, I learned a lot
Suburbs taught me good
The white girl destroyed the black neighborhood
So white boys can run the world
White cops is goin' to war
I write thoughts and put 'em in songs
And the devil around the corner
It's all good cause the God is livin' in you
Cops can look in the bag
Tricky to man so can you read a mind
And they used to go to madness, and I ain't really have it
Somehow they let another Eddie advance
Well I shine for the niggas that passed
So my niggas in the pen got me pushin' a pad
Back in the crack era, daddy whippin' a cab
But now I'm pushin' a camper doin' a similar route
One time, [?] meets Jay Hov
Marion Berry meetin' with Barry O
This is Lil Wayne meets Wayne Perry
This is bad brains from the go go
I'm in tears so I'm thankful
Cause I got haters and I got flow
Niggas can't tell me nothin', I got this shit jumpin'
From the white house to the black hole
Don't let no lame tell you differently
Bitch I'm the savior of the DMV
Girls kissin' me all out, Christian Dior'd out
We gon' hold this city down 'til we see the whole city up
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go shine your light on me)
A1 when I'm on site, my day ones never think twice
Same one that get all the hate, through it all I illuminate away
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go and shine your light on me)
Don't you doubt it if you was my nigga
We ain't fall out so you still my nigga
Don't always call you but you've been my nigga
The lyrics to "The God Smile" by Wale are all about success, hard work, and the people who helped the artist get where he is today. In the verses, Wale talks about his humble beginnings, describing times when he had to hustle and struggle to make ends meet. He also touches on themes like race, gentrification, and police brutality, making pointed observations about the state of the world today. Despite these challenges, however, Wale remains optimistic throughout the song, reflecting on all the good things he has accomplished and all the people he has inspired along the way.
One of the most interesting things about "The God Smile" is the way it blends different genres of music. The song combines elements of hip hop, R&B, and pop, creating a unique sound that is both catchy and innovative. Another fascinating aspect of the song is the way Wale uses his lyrics to draw attention to social issues. From police brutality to gentrification, Wale's words are powerful and thought-provoking, inspiring listeners to reflect on the state of the world and think about what they can do to help.
Overall, "The God Smile" is a powerful and inspiring song that showcases Wale's talent as a musician and a lyricist. Whether you're a fan of hip hop or just looking for something meaningful to listen to, this track is definitely worth checking out.
Line by Line Meaning
I shine
I am successful and well-known
You shine
You are also successful and well-known
We fall
Despite our success, we have faced struggles and challenges
Girls kissin' me all out, Christian Dior'd out
Women are attracted to me and I am dressed fashionably in Christian Dior clothing
We gon' hold this city down 'til we see the whole city up
We will continue to work hard and be successful until our entire city is thriving
(Go shine, go shine your light on me
Go shine your light on me)
Acknowledge and celebrate my success
A1 when I'm on site, my day ones never think twice
My closest friends and family know that they can count on me no matter what
Same one that get all the hate, through it all I illuminate away
Despite facing hate and criticism, I remain positive and successful
Don't you doubt it if you was my nigga
We ain't fall out so you still my nigga
Don't always call you but you've been my nigga
You're still the same, nigga, it's just the trust
Even though we may not talk as often, I still consider you a close friend and value our relationship
At 21, played running back
24 I had the city mad
Slim Charles in the Y now
You could say me and him brought the city back
I was a successful athlete when I was younger and later became instrumental in revitalizing my city with the help of Slim Charles
Used to hustle in hand-me-downs
Now I'm whippin' the Camry 'round
Hit licks in Baltimore
Gettin' Hip-Hop chicken in like Kevin Liles
I used to struggle financially, but now I am able to afford a Toyota Camry and enjoy local cuisine
Uptown, I learned a lot
Suburbs taught me good
The white girl destroyed the black neighborhood
So white boys can run the world
White cops is goin' to war
I have learned valuable lessons from both urban and suburban environments, but also recognize the systemic issues that continue to affect black communities and empower white individuals and institutions
I write thoughts and put 'em in songs
And the devil around the corner
It's all good cause the God is livin' in you
Cops can look in the bag
Tricky to man so can you read a mind
And they used to go to madness, and I ain't really have it
Somehow they let another Eddie advance
I turn my thoughts and experiences into music and am aware of the dangers around me, but also believe in the power of God and my own abilities. I have also faced adversity and discrimination, but have found success despite those challenges.
Well I shine for the niggas that passed
So my niggas in the pen got me pushin' a pad
Back in the crack era, daddy whippin' a cab
But now I'm pushin' a camper doin' a similar route
I honor those who have passed away and continue to work hard for those who are in prison. My upbringing was difficult, but I have found success despite those challenges.
One time, [?] meets Jay Hov
Marion Berry meetin' with Barry O
This is Lil Wayne meets Wayne Perry
This is bad brains from the go go
I have had the opportunity to meet and work with other successful individuals and collaborators
I'm in tears so I'm thankful
Cause I got haters and I got flow
Niggas can't tell me nothin', I got this shit jumpin'
From the white house to the black hole
Despite facing criticism and opposition, I am grateful for my success and talent. I am in control and influence both popular and marginalized communities.
Don't let no lame tell you differently
Bitch I'm the savior of the DMV
Despite any doubters, I am proud of my impact on the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area and believe that I have made a positive difference.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DACOURY NATCHE, OLUBOWALE AKINTIMEHIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erika Hughes
I remember having this on repeat in my latter 20s, got me through, man
Dee _
Love coming to the comments and seeing other people recognize timeless gems
shitzngiggles
Ohhhh yes bayyyy
skm M
Yo totally!
King Lewie
Dee _ I swear
Lamar Johnson
The most underrated song ever
Julzzz The DJ
word
KANEFXIII
Facts
Thalia Paulsen
true
The Bizness Hourz After Hourz
Almost destroyed the replay button when this first dropped !🙌🏾