01 Jul Maybach Music Group Presents: Self Made 2 | Album Review
Earlier this year, Hot 97 DJ Peter Rosenberg declared Hip-Hop's current period the "Rick Ross Era." Whilst many may be hesitant to make such a declaration, 2012 has most certainly been dominated by the Untouchable Maybach Music Group with regards to new material and landmark moments.
With a majority of the roster dropping mixtapes, tearing down live shows and generating the most industry buzz, MMG's return to the studio as a collective will most certainly add to the hysteria the outfit has so far caused. Rick Ross leads his alliance into the summer with MMG Presents: Self Made 2 and aims to maintain the grip on the scene before his much-anticipated solo album God Forgives, I Don't drops to solidify his "Bawse" status for another year.
06 Apr Stalley – Savage Journey To The American Dream | Mixtape Review
The American Dream has long been something referred to. Whether it's been theorised, personified or declared as something unachievable, the maxim has become something which will forever remain in America's society. Whilst the common Hip Hop image of wealth, possessions and women has often been described as "living the American Dream," Ohio native and Maybach Music-signed rapper Stalley looks beyond that culture to acquire a meaning of the dream.
02 Nov Wale – Ambition | Album Review
Far more often than not, it's the packaging and marketing of an artist that inevitably determines how well received they are by the public. For every braggadocious rapper flooding the airwaves with chart hits, there are equally as many talented individuals who Hip Hop seemingly doesn't care for. This arguably was the case for the now Maybach Music affiliated Wale. From being the Nike boasting, good girl loving free spirit to flirting with critical acclaim due to clever anecdotes and engaging material, Washington, DC's almost favourite son has divided Hip Hoppers opinions over his merits. But under new employers, a somewhat new image and a new album, Mr Folarin gets another chance to define himself to those still looking to place him in either the Hot or Not categories of emcees.
25 Aug Game – The R.E.D. Album | Album Review
Argue all you want as to who's the current leader of the New West revolution but at one stage (and maybe even today) Jayceon Taylor, better known as Game, hands down was the frontrunner for this crown. Possessing the lyricism of which even had die hard East Coast affiliates had to approve, Chuck Taylor's mix of controversy, raw delivery and formula for a big hit have kept his name buzzing since his much lauded Documentary album dropped in 2005. Whilst publicised beefs, label issues and more followed, most recently his legion of fans have been craving for his much delayed LP The R.E.D Album, which had been in the works for some years. Finally free of postponements and drama, Game’s fourth release hopes to reignite the hot streak with which he once ran and dispel any concerns that his previous hype was unwarranted.
23 May Maybach Music Group presents Self Made Vol. 1 | Album Review
With Rick Ross sealing his position as ‘Bawse’ in 2010, it was abundantly clear that the next power move for him was to acquire some extra musical muscle to hold onto his place. Step to the stage the Maybach Music Group, a venture made up of proven lyricists, hungry Freshmen and a sultry vocalist, in addition to the behemoth vocals of the Teflon Don.
Composed of Wale, Meek Mill, Pill and Teedra Moses amongst others, Rozay has called upon a mix of experience and youth to tighten the firm grip of the musical corner which he currently dominates. With Roc Nation, G.O.O.D Music and other Hip Hop ‘families’ taking necessary steps to ensure their output is king, can Rick Ross’ entourage maintain the lofty standards which were set last year by their Mafioso figurehead?
07 May Hair Myths, False Idols & Battling Complexion: Reflecting On Marsha Ambrosius’ Diary Of A Black Girl
Marsha Ambrosius wrote an interesting blog today [quoted at the bottom of this article] initially explaining that she didn't appear in Wale's "Diary" video simply due to "scheduling issues" and - sparked by the song's subject - goes on to share her thoughts and experiences of "the on-going, deep rooted battle with complexion".
09 Nov ALBUM REVIEW: Wale – Attention Deficit
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.
20 Aug Wale talks Nigerian pride and colourism
Earlier this week one of Washington's finest - Wale - dropped into London town for some promo so SoulCulture caught up with him for a follow-up chat, having already featured him in last month's Chocolate City Special...
20 Jul INTERVIEW: WALE HEARTS WASHINGTON
“I love you, DC.”
No, not the beginning of an ode to the initials of Beyoncé and backing, but the start of Olubowale Akintimehin's splendiferous rhyme - placed lovingly atop the instrumental of Justice's “D.A.N.C.E." Yes, Wale reps DC. Yes, he's in league (tenuous at times) with super-producer Mark Ronson (and yes, the beef in a teacup with Semtex is over). If you don't want to know more about him, look away now.