Music: Wale Makes Artistic Leap With 'The Gifted' LP Album

Wale has finally learned to let his music speak for itself. As of late, the passionate rapper born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin hasn't been ranting about how underrated he is or how his third LP, The Gifted, should be in the conversation with time-tested classics like Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt. Yet as he chases the acclaim of his excellent MMG debut Ambition, he's poised to pole vault to the next level; his recent Tiara Thomas-featured single, "Bad," is already the most successful, to date. Set for a June 25 release date, The Gifted will likely convert skeptics into lovers, no diatribes necessary. VIBE heard a sneak peek of the album (which features Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, and Rihanna) at Atlantic Records' Manhattan HQs. Here's a taste of what to expect, our gift to you.

“lovehateTHING”

The rousing violins and drums evoke an urgency on this second single that draws you to Folarin’s words, as he questions his haters and laments strained friendships. Stokley Williams of Mint Condition contributes to the oh-so-soulful melody.

“Bad (Remix)” (Featuring Rihanna)

The remix of Folarin’s biggest single simple oozes sex. The bed squeaks are slowed and Rihanna’s seduction is deeper, as she fills in for Tiara Thomas on the hook and trades rap-sung lines with Wale, who switches up his verses. “Hood girls want a real nigga,” Rih insists. Indeed.

“Heaven In The Afternoon” (Featuring Meek Mill)

Over triumphant horns, MMG tag team Wale and Meek Mill for a started-from-the-bottom anthem. Wale pays his respect to Pro Era’s late spitter Capital STEEZ (“I ain't know him but I wish I did/Each one, teach one, may the youth live/On that, Joey Bad please hold your head,” he raps). Meek is in pocket like loose change as he swaps half-bars with his host.

“88”

Just Blaze supplies rolling hi-hats, a gnarly guitar and synths for this sneakerhead concept record. Wale pays homage to Jordans by punchlining every pair of retro airs, from Space Jams to Hares to “Carolina-blue kicks.” Wicked wordplay.

“Clappers” (Featuring Juicy J and Nicki Minaj)

Wale merges MMG ratchet with his home city’s sound for a go-go trap twerker that’ll encourage heavy precipitation at strip clubs this summer. Over big snares, pounding drums and handclaps, Juicy J raps, "Make that ass clap, I dont care about that cellulite" before a hyperactive Nicki Minaj goes bonkers: “I’ma shake this ass ‘til I graduate.” Bonus points for sampling the HBCU anthem, E.U.’s “Da Butt.”

“Rotation” (Featuring Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz)

Here’s the trippy weed record, featuring super stoner Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz. Wiz gets crafty with his rotation references but Wale’s nimble flow holds this one down.

“Bricks” (Featuring Yo Gotti)

"I'm so glad that I can rap cause I couldn't move no dope," Wale confesses over haunting piano keys. The DC wordsmith details the effect of drugs on his community, how he witnessed street commerce without partaking. Yo Gotti—who oddly sounds a bit like Young Jeezy here—brings it full circle with shameless trap talk: “I'm talking bricks, no jump shots.”

"Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece)"

Wale takes The Game’s concept album title to the next level, actually personifying an icey Christ pendant. The piano-laced track recalls Nas’ “I Gave You Power,” speaking from the perspective of the Son of God, himself: “They stoned me on the cross, now niggas stone me for the ooohs.”