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 Problem
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This isn't no griot but a mere portion of a semi-important life
Far from a complaint, but a mere look at the present showing you the changes that I made
The proverbial lemonade that I made
I made my mistakes, you see life's lemons often times come in a abundance
In conjunction with the pressure that we're under
Underrated some would say
Hated, and some say it's the things I say or how I say em
It's like I'm an alien who alienates by the herd, so as far as being heard
I guess I gotta wait, deprived by the station's eye
Wale, more times than not, am not for whom the air waves
Thank God for the free thinkers, for you keep me in mind
In this state of mind that I'm in, for you keep me in the race with the baton that y'all give
And they hypebeasts, street wear, Versace and Vuitton that I'm in
And really don't matter unless y'all coming with
No days off, may we rip the face of the whole game off
Imma say it to y'all, I'm gonna put my faith in y'all when I don't understand me
They say I'm running hip-hop but I'd rather unify with y'all then stampede
And lastly for everybody who doubted I can't live without you, please
Continue to inspire the fire that is my re-dedication to greatness y'all
Paint A Picture to A.D. to freestyles to famous songs we out 'chere (here)
Unforgettable gestures, unmeasurable effort, to pleasure the masses with impeccable work ethic
Let's get it, I go hard, no days off
[Verse 1: Part 1]
Pain on my face, laying back rolling a J
Feeling like these rap niggas ain't as real as they say
That's why I keep my friends limited, Keep them hoes interested
Resented by the game like I'm Pete Rose in this bitch
Ain't nothing stopping us, tell u what the problem is
I'm on top of my game but these niggas won't acknowledge it
So a nigga hungry as a plastic hippopotamus
So, to stop us better take it in blood like a phlebotomist
[Seinfeld Skit]
You really need some help
But a regular psychiatrist couldn't even help you, you know what I mean?
You need to get involved at the university level, like where Freud studied
And have all those people looking at you and checking up on you
That's the kind of help you need, not the once-a-week for eighty bucks, no
You need a team, a team of psychiatrists working around the clock
You need to go to, like, Vienna or something
[Verse 1: Part 1]
[Verse 1: Part 2]
I walk around understanding the politics
Wish you niggas father understood where the condom was
'06 came, had all kind of buzz,
And Isaiah say one day your time will come
Then '09 came, them bad record sales
The silver-lining couldn't find 'em up on any shelf
I'm in the mirror like "this a product of my skills?"
And I feared that my fans say I failed
It's just my fate, let me chill, nah flip
My shit was submarine like, under ship
Look at what I'm up against, scrutiny, criticism
Everybody judging off a single I ain't even pick
Now my eyes Chinese, keep the loud lit
Now I'm taking these pills and I ain't even sick
Ice and Rain, Letter, Center of Attention
I wanted them on my debut, but they ain't wanna listen
You know I love my team, but they couldn't see my vision
Interscope is my fam, so I ain't tryna make no issue
I'm just trying to paint that picture, when I'm rhyming up in this booth
I'ma try to rhyme and get through, I'm documenting the truth
Men lie. Women lie. Numbers won't forsaken
The only album flop is the album niggas hate so
A.D. 2, on the way, let's do this
And God willin' niggas gonna triple up them units
Triple up them units, wisdom is improvin'
If no one's there to listen guess I'll put it in the music
Triple up them units, wisdom is improvin'
I'm heading to Vienna since y'all niggas ain't doin' shit!
Wale's "The Problem" is an introspective hip-hop song about the pressures of fame and finding acceptance in the music industry. The spoken-word intro sets the tone for the rest of the song, with Wale discussing the struggles he's faced and the changes he's had to make in his life. He acknowledges the criticisms he's faced for his style and content, admitting that he sometimes struggles to relate to his audience. Despite this, he remains grateful for his fans and the fellow free thinkers who keep him motivated and in the race.
In the first verse, Wale delves deeper into his frustration with the music industry. He feels overlooked and underestimated by his peers, and even though he's achieved success, he still feels hungry for more recognition. He uses metaphors to describe his tenacity, comparing himself to a plastic hippopotamus - seemingly harmless, but determined to succeed. He expresses his desire to be acknowledged by his peers, but also acknowledges that fame comes with scrutiny and criticism.
The second verse is even more self-reflective, as Wale muses about his career highs and lows. He recalls the confidence and buzz he had in 2006, when he was just starting out, and contrasts that with the disappointment he felt in 2009 when his record sales were lackluster. He questions the validity of his talent and fears that his fans may see him as a failure. He also discusses the difficulties he faced in getting his label to support his artistic vision, but remains optimistic about the future and what's to come.
Overall, "The Problem" is a raw and honest portrayal of the difficulties of being a rising star in the music industry. Wale's lyrics are introspective and insightful, delving deep into his own psyche and the pressures he faces as a public figure. The spoken-word intro sets the tone for the rest of the song, with its stark honesty and vulnerability. The song is a testament to Wale's resilience and determination, as he remains optimistic in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
This isn't no griot but a mere portion of a semi-important life
I'm not here to tell a long, epic story like a griot, but just sharing a small part of my somewhat important life.
Far from a complaint, but a mere look at the present showing you the changes that I made
I'm not complaining, just reflecting on the present moment and how I've grown and evolved.
The proverbial lemonade that I made
I turned my life's lemons into proverbial lemonade, making the best of my situation.
I made my mistakes, you see life's lemons often times come in a abundance
I've made mistakes because life can throw you a lot of challenges (lemons), but it's important to keep going and make the best of it.
In conjunction with the pressure that we're under
These challenges (lemons) can come with a lot of pressure and stress.
Underrated some would say
Some people consider me underrated, not getting the recognition they believe I deserve.
Hated, and some say it's the things I say or how I say em
Others hate me for what I say or how I say it, causing controversy and backlash.
And I admit, in this race I tend to struggle to relate in words
I struggle to express myself and connect with others through my words in this industry race.
It's like I'm an alien who alienates by the herd, so as far as being heard
I feel like an outsider who distances themselves from the mainstream, so it's hard for me to be heard.
I guess I gotta wait, deprived by the station's eye
I have to wait for my chance to be recognized and heard, as the media and industry may not give me the spotlight.
Wale, more times than not, am not for whom the air waves
My music doesn't always get airwave plays and recognition.
Thank God for the free thinkers, for you keep me in mind
I'm grateful for my fans who are free thinkers and appreciate my music, keeping me in their minds and still listening to my work.
In this state of mind that I'm in, for you keep me in the race with the baton that y'all give
My fans keep me inspired and motivated in this industry race, passing me the baton to continue making music.
And they hypebeasts, street wear, Versace and Vuitton that I'm in
I'm in a fashion-conscious industry, with people who value hypebeasts and designer brands like Versace and Vuitton.
And really don't matter unless y'all coming with
All that doesn't really matter unless my fans are there to appreciate and support me.
No days off, may we rip the face of the whole game off
Let's work hard and make a big impact in the music industry, leaving a lasting impression on the game.
Imma say it to y'all, I'm gonna put my faith in y'all when I don't understand me
Even when I don't fully understand myself, I trust that my fans will support and believe in me.
They say I'm running hip-hop but I'd rather unify with y'all then stampede
Instead of taking over and dominating the hip-hop genre, I want to unify with my fans and collaborate together.
And lastly for everybody who doubted I can't live without you, please
To everyone who has doubted me, I can't succeed without your criticism and feedback pushing me to be better.
Continue to inspire the fire that is my re-dedication to greatness y'all
Keep challenging me to strive for greatness and inspire the passion inside of me.
Paint A Picture to A.D. to freestyles to famous songs we out 'chere (here)
From my earlier mixtapes like Paint a Picture to my recent album A.D. to my freestyles and hit songs, we're still making music out here.
Unforgettable gestures, unmeasurable effort, to pleasure the masses with impeccable work ethic
My music is about making unforgettable gestures and putting in effort that can't be measured, pleasing my fans with impeccable work ethic.
I go hard, no days off
I work hard every day and never take a break.
Pain on my face, laying back rolling a J
I'm feeling some emotional pain as I relax and smoke a joint.
Feeling like these rap niggas ain't as real as they say
I'm doubting the authenticity of some rappers in the industry.
That's why I keep my friends limited, Keep them hoes interested
I only keep a select few close as friends, while keeping the rest of the people around me interested in me.
Resented by the game like I'm Pete Rose in this bitch
I feel rejected by the industry, like how baseball player Pete Rose was banned for betting on games.
Ain't nothing stopping us, tell u what the problem is
There's nothing stopping me from succeeding, but the problem is that others may not acknowledge my success.
I'm on top of my game but these niggas won't acknowledge it
I've reached the peak of my career, but others won't recognize my achievements.
So a nigga hungry as a plastic hippopotamus
I'm always hungry for more success, like a plastic hippopotamus toy that always wants to eat more.
So, to stop us better take it in blood like a phlebotomist
Anyone who wants to stop us better be ready for a fight, like how a phlebotomist draws blood with a needle.
I walk around understanding the politics
I navigate through the politics of the music industry every day.
Wish you niggas father understood where the condom was
I wish some rappers' fathers had used a condom to prevent them from being born and entering the industry.
'06 came, had all kind of buzz,
In 2006, I had all kinds of buzz and hype around my music.
And Isaiah say one day your time will come
My friend Isaiah told me that one day I would make it in the music industry.
Then '09 came, them bad record sales
In 2009, my record sales were low and disappointing.
The silver-lining couldn't find 'em up on any shelf
Even though there was a silver lining to my failures, my albums were still not selling and hard to find in stores.
I'm in the mirror like "this a product of my skills?"
I look at myself in the mirror and question if my lack of success was due to my own skills and abilities.
And I feared that my fans say I failed
I was afraid that my fans considered me a failure.
It's just my fate, let me chill, nah flip
I accept that my fate is out of my control, so I need to calm down and not overreact about it.
My shit was submarine like, under ship
My music was underground and unnoticed, like a submarine hidden beneath a ship.
Look at what I'm up against, scrutiny, criticism
I face a lot of scrutiny and criticism in the music industry.
Everybody judging off a single I ain't even pick
People judge me based on a single song that I didn't even choose to release.
Now my eyes Chinese, keep the loud lit
My eyes are narrow like a Chinese person's due to smoking marijuana (keeping it lit).
Now I'm taking these pills and I ain't even sick
Now I'm taking drugs (pills) even though I'm not physically sick, possibly to cope with the pressure and stress of the industry.
Ice and Rain, Letter, Center of Attention
These are some of my earlier mixtapes and songs.
I wanted them on my debut, but they ain't wanna listen
I wanted some of my earlier works to be on my debut album, but the industry didn't want to listen or include them.
You know I love my team, but they couldn't see my vision
I care about my team, but they didn't fully understand or support my creative vision and direction.
Interscope is my fam, so I ain't tryna make no issue
I have a good relationship with my label Interscope, so I don't want to cause any trouble or conflict with them.
Triple up them units, wisdom is improvin'
I want to sell three times as many units (albums) as before, improving my business sense and decision-making skills.
If no one's there to listen guess I'll put it in the music
If no one is listening to me in the industry or mainstream, I'll express myself and my struggles through my music.
Men lie. Women lie. Numbers won't forsaken
People can lie about my success or failures, but numbers (sales and statistics) won't lie and can't be ignored.
The only album flop is the album niggas hate so
The only album of mine that failed was the one that was hated by people, not because of my own lack of talent or effort.
A.D. 2, on the way, let's do this
I'm excited for the release of my album A.D. 2 and let's make it happen.
And God willin' niggas gonna triple up them units
With God's help (God willing), I'll sell three times as many units as before.
I'm documenting the truth
I'm sharing my authentic experiences and truth through my music.
I'm heading to Vienna since y'all niggas ain't doin' shit!
I'll go to Vienna (possibly for a break or vacation) since others in the industry aren't doing anything to improve my situation or help me succeed.
Contributed by Jackson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tawhai Thomp
Drank water too fast
Billy Quesa
A rock bro?
Mr. Endor
Caleb city
Piombo65
GAWG
God
Arugh
Gizzy Hunter
?
F.A.F
BRUH, IM AT FULL HEALTH
middle aged man in extreme debt
I can't stand next to an EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDGE
Billy Quesa
A rock bruh?
Gizzy Hunter
?