Posted at 13:45h
in
Reviews
Three years and five mixtapes into his career,
Wale's debut album,
Attention Deficit isn't offered as an introduction to Olubowale 'Wale' Folarin – instead, it seems to be announcing that he's always been here and you've only just caught up.
Named one of XXL Magazine's Hip Hop Freshmen of '09, Wale's over-confidence in his position as a leader in contemporary Hip Hop's new movement isn't baseless. “I asked Mr West for a little bit of help...” Wale raps on the energetic opening track, “Triumph”. Of course,
Kanye West isn't the only musical powerhouse behind Wale; he is in company with
Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and label-boss
Mark Ronson. However, on “Triumph” and closing cut “Prescription,” Wale seeks respect from his audience based off of his own merit.
There are very few names in music who send a shiver down ones spine. But two huge names are coming together for a joint project to the delight of music fans from all corners of the earth. Nas and Damian Marley, is a "dream collaboration" many would opt for (after a Nas/2pac, Nas/Bob Marley collaboration and so forth). To call them visionaries is a little much, but as artists who strive to empower their listeners as well as bridge the gap between continents is a title worthy of both protagonists. But as these two historic icons come together, can they produce something that won't get lost amidst the new wave of musical trendsetters?