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
Wörk
Wale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
D-Town to the DMV
Diplo wassup
Finally got your girl going crazy
Drunk white bitches (work it, wo-wo-work it, oh)
I can do it all and it ain't no problem
Ain't nobody harder than a nigga Folarin
And my flow art my nigga, I'm Mozart with it
It's all good, I do this
I turn a straight prude bitch into a nudist
Foolish I be on that new shit
And I'm blowing up like bitches we went to school with
Ain't nobody checking for your garbage
Lot of intuition I ain't even finish college
Never hit the mall and forever get it all
Any broad better layer like I'm dressing for the fall, nigga
And I'm all that, hit the passenger door
Shawty was Pinkberry sweet and I ain't lactose
I ain't tryna brag tho, I'm just know I'm that dope
Kick game Bo Jacks, my Bo Jacks Tai bo
Haha, and it ain't no problem, you race to these broads
I relay 'em, baton 'em
Bitches in here, one thou
But when you step out why the bitches run out
Double MG shit I put the set down
Rick James back, bad bitches on the couch
Ahh, wordplay, Olubowale my first name
I think I'm Koko B. wearin, you just a bird babe
I got a pair of J's, I roll a pair of J's
We up in Diamond supply, spending that carrot cake
Let it marinate, you forever late
A million home sellers couldn't find a realer state
(Work it, work it) slight work, its light work
(Work it, work it) The wrong drink, the right work
Slight work, light work (Work it, work it)
The wrong drink, the right work
work, work, work, work
work, work, work, work
work, work, work, work
Work, work, work, work
Bitch you ain't a boss 'til you cut a pay check
Only thing between me and your bitch is latex
Man, and I ain't into saving these hoes
My nigga tell me where you see a cape at
B-I, B-I bitch B-I-G
The two things I don't need are you and my ID
I'mma need a yellow cab and a yellow bad bitch
Green faces but a nigga dodging yellow badges, wooop (sirens)
Cause I'm drunk, yeah ok
Under twenty five living the fucking life
White America said I'll be doing twenty five to life
And just for that, I'ma blow twenty five tonight
You make twenty five a year, I make twenty five a night, woah
Blucka, blucka, blucka
Bitch get hit with my Ciroc Vodka choppa
(Go) takin' body shots, blocka, blocka, blocka
Probably in your girls dreams, probably in your daughter locker
Top floor like I'm out tanning
And they stole your whole delivery, now that's outlandish
I guess like good delivery, man, I'm outstanding
Car tinted, I'm in it, til like I'm out camping, goddammit
I'm one hell of a guy, looking down on a cloud, that's one hell of a high
Bitch, I gets ghost, the way she screaming Big
Niggas couldn't tell if I was dead or alive
(Work it, work it) slight work, its light work
(Work it, work it) The wrong drink, the right work
Slight work, light work (Work it, work it)
The wrong drink, the right work
work, work, work, work
work, work, work, work
work, work, work, work
Work, work, work, work
You already know, Finally Famous in this
D-Town to the DMV,
Probably got your girl going crazy, crazy, boiii, boi, boi
From the D-Town to the DMV, I got all these bad bitches tryna get with me
From the D-Town to the DMV, I got all these bad bitches tryna get on me
We need to see ID
In "Slight Work", Wale talks about his success in the music industry and how he effortlessly turns women who are not interested in him into people who are willing to do anything for him. He describes how he is not concerned about anyone else's opinion and he does what he wants to do for himself. He boasts of his rap skills and compares himself to Mozart, and he also talks about his abilities to smoothly appeal to women who are not affected by the other men who are interested in them. Wale tells people not to sleep on him because he is going places, and he calls out other rappers who he thinks are unimpressive.
The chorus of "Slight Work" is the phrase "Got work (slight work)", which is repeated throughout the song. This repetition emphasizes the ease and confidence with which Wale approaches everything, including women and his rap game. Wale speaks from his own experiences, and he also provides advice to those who are trying to follow in his footsteps. Wale is a master of rhyming and wordplay, which he uses to great effect in "Slight Work".
Line by Line Meaning
Got work (slight work)
I have a lot of work, but it's nothing difficult for me
D-Town to the DMV
I have connections and fans in multiple cities, from Detroit to DC
Diplo wassup
I'm greeting my friend and collaborator Diplo
Finally got your girl going crazy
I've been successful in getting attention from a girl that was previously uninterested
Drunk white bitches (work it, wo-wo-work it, oh)
I'm in a club with drunk white women and they are dancing provocatively
I can do it all and it ain't no problem
I am capable of succeeding in any task and it's not difficult for me
Ain't nobody harder than a nigga Folarin
Nobody is more determined and tough than me, as my name is Folarin
Bitch I go hard, I'm ballin' I'm globe trotting
I am working hard and traveling the world while enjoying my wealth and success
And my flow art my nigga, I'm Mozart with it
My rap flow is artistic and refined, and I compare myself to Mozart
It's all good, I do this
I'm confident in my abilities and have no doubt that I can succeed
I turn a straight prude bitch into a nudist
I can change the behavior of a conservative woman and make her more sexually open
Foolish I be on that new shit
I am experimenting with new and innovative ideas that others may consider foolish
And I'm blowing up like bitches we went to school with
I am gaining popularity and success just like the women who used to tease and ignore me in school
Ain't nobody checking for your garbage
Nobody is interested in listening to bad or mediocre music
Lot of intuition I ain't even finish college
I have a lot of natural talent and did not need to complete college to be successful
Never hit the mall and forever get it all
I don't need to spend a lot of money or time shopping to look good and attract women
Any broad better layer like I'm dressing for the fall, nigga
I always dress well and attract high-quality women
And I'm all that, hit the passenger door
I am confident in my abilities and attractiveness to women, so they are eager to ride in the passenger seat of my car
Shawty was Pinkberry sweet and I ain't lactose
The woman I was with was sweet and attractive, and I am not lactose intolerant
I ain't tryna brag tho, I'm just know I'm that dope
I am not trying to be boastful, but I know that I am talented and successful
Kick game Bo Jacks, my Bo Jacks Tai bo
I have good moves and skills, similar to the way Bo Jackson performed in two different professional sports, and I compare it to a popular workout routine
Haha, and it ain't no problem, you race to these broads
I am confident in my ability to attract women, and there is no competition because I always win
I relay 'em, baton 'em
I pass off women to my friends or other men like passing off a relay baton
Bitches in here, one thou
There are many women in this club or place
But when you step out why the bitches run out
When you leave the club or place, the women don't show any interest in you
Double MG shit I put the set down
I am part of the rap group Double MG and we are successful in putting on great performances
Rick James back, bad bitches on the couch
I compare myself to the legendary musician Rick James, and there are attractive women sitting on my couch
Ahh, wordplay, Olubowale my first name
I enjoy playing with words and puns, and my real first name is Olubowale
I think I'm Koko B. wearin, you just a bird babe
I think I am dressing well in high-end fashion like the brand Koko B. Ware, while you are not
I got a pair of J's, I roll a pair of J's
I have a pair of Jordan sneakers and I smoke marijuana
We up in Diamond supply, spending that carrot cake
I am shopping at a trendy clothing store and spending a lot of money (carrot cake is slang for money)
Let it marinate, you forever late
Take your time and let things develop, you are always behind or late to catch up
A million home sellers couldn't find a realer state
There are no better or more authentic rappers like me, even if there were a million others trying to sell their music
(Work it, work it) slight work, its light work
The task or work at hand is not difficult at all, it's very easy
(Work it, work it) The wrong drink, the right work
Even if you have consumed the wrong drink (alcohol), you can still succeed or work hard
Bitch you ain't a boss 'til you cut a pay check
You are not a true leader or boss until you are able to financially compensate your employees
Only thing between me and your bitch is latex
The only precaution or barrier protecting me from sleeping with your girlfriend is wearing a condom
Man, and I ain't into saving these hoes
I am not interested in trying to change or save promiscuous women
My nigga tell me where you see a cape at
My friend, tell me where you see someone who is like a superhero or savior to women
B-I, B-I bitch B-I-G
I am referencing the legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G. and his moniker
The two things I don't need are you and my ID
I don't need two things: you (a person) and my identification card
I'mma need a yellow cab and a yellow bad bitch
I need a taxi and a very attractive woman dressed in yellow
Green faces but a nigga dodging yellow badges, wooop (sirens)
I have a lot of money but I am avoiding law enforcement (sirens) which wear yellow badges
Cause I'm drunk, yeah ok
I am admitting to being intoxicated and not making the best decisions
Under twenty five living the fucking life
I am enjoying my life to the fullest and I am younger than 25 years old
White America said I'll be doing twenty five to life
White America unfairly assumes that black men will end up with prison sentences of 25 years to life
And just for that, I'ma blow twenty five tonight
I will spend or waste $25,000 just to prove my success and disregard their assumptions
You make twenty five a year, I make twenty five a night, woah
You earn $25,000 per year while I am able to earn $25,000 in one night, showing my wealth and success
Blucka, blucka, blucka
The sound of gunshots
Bitch get hit with my Ciroc Vodka choppa
I am hitting someone with a bottle of Ciroc Vodka, which sounds like a gun (choppa)
(Go) takin' body shots, blocka, blocka, blocka
I am taking shots of alcohol off someone's body, which sounds like gunshots
Probably in your girls dreams, probably in your daughter locker
I am showing my ability to attract women, even in their dreams or in a place like a school locker
Top floor like I'm out tanning
I am on the highest floor of a building, like tanning on a rooftop
And they stole your whole delivery, now that's outlandish
Other rappers copied my style or delivery, which is ridiculous and unexpected
I guess like good delivery, man, I'm outstanding
I am exceptional in my delivery or style, just like an outstanding delivery person
Car tinted, I'm in it, til like I'm out camping, goddammit
I am in a car with dark window tint or privacy, feeling like I am outdoors camping
I'm one hell of a guy, looking down on a cloud, that's one hell of a high
I am very confident and successful, feeling like I am above the clouds and enjoying life
Bitch, I gets ghost, the way she screaming Big
I am leaving abruptly because a woman is screaming loudly, possibly in reference to the late rapper the Notorious B.I.G.
Niggas couldn't tell if I was dead or alive
People are unsure if I am still active or alive, indicating my disappearance or sudden absence from a situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS WESLEY PENTZ, OLUBOWALE VICTOR AKINTEMEHIN, DEREK JAMES ALLEN, SEAN MICHAEL ANDERSON, DAVID JAMES ANDREW TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Katelyn-yi5mg
2023 and still here for it 🥳💃🏻✌️
@Zeno_Ghazt
In 2020 this song still get me hype
@trxll5853
Ongggg
@XxKayTwoxX
Wooooooord
@georgefrederic36
2021
@arkhamlinuxresearchdevelop7983
It's December '21 and this shit STILL get me hype
@cercelia98
2022👀
@staciii2864
We've reached 2021 and this song still does it for me🤞💯
@kylaabner4411
YES😁
@tarrynjohnson9106
2022 now bro💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 still a banger