Wale Reminds Us of How Great He Is On “Wow... That’s Crazy”

Maybach Music’s resurgence was completed over the weekend. The Rick Ross imprint just wrapped up a twelve-month span that saw three of the label’s top artists released a project in that span. First, Maybach Music fans were treated to Meek Mill’s “Championships” released in late November of 2018 which was followed by Rick Ross’ “Port of Miami 2” in August of this year. Last but not least came Wale’s highly anticipated 6th studio album “Wow… That’s Crazy” in October of this year which wrapped up the last twelve months for the Maybach Music trio. Standing at 15 songs and 54 minutes “Wow… That’s Crazy” serves as a deep ode to black love. However, the love between two people wasn’t the singular focus. All types of love were on display throughout including love for your neighbor and most importantly love for yourself. 

Wale’s career has been a unique one. One of the few rappers who peddles intricate storylines and willingly admits his mistakes on wax, Wale has still been able to balance his career with a mix of enlightening verses and hits. However, Wale’s albums hit a lull after two of his early albums that were certified Gold, “Ambition” & “The Gifted.” Neither his Jerry Seinfeld inspired “The Album About Nothing” or his last drop “SHINE” saw similar success compared to the previous two. 

Now, Wale appears to be back after a few years full of issues both legal and personal, Wale, in some ways has evolved his image for the new generation. A frequent voice on twitter, Wale has resurfaced on the mainstream stage as one of the few level headed artists left in Hip Hop. Frequently speaking on issues and current events, I feel the best part about it is Wale’s recent activity feels authentic and vulnerable. Deeming himself an “anti-hero” & a “supervillain,” Wale’s presence on twitter feels more like that really understanding aunt or uncle that understands that life can take a toll, and in turn just wants you to take care of yourself. 

The way Wale goes about this album feels like a window into his life as well as a mirror for anyone who has dealt with anxiety or issues in their relationship. In a time where every move you make feels like it’s under a microscope open to anybody’s opinion, Wale reminds the listener that we have to take time to focus on ourselves and make sure we are okay. Especially in Hip-Hop where it seems like authenticity has lost value, with rappers like Tekashi 6ix9ine and other artists who base their success of social media antics, it's great to see Wale make such a brave leap being vulnerable on this album.

One of my favorite things about this album was Wale’s perpetual celebration of his blackness, with songs like “Sue Me” & “Love Me Nina/Semi Automatic”. Wale professes his love being black while also highlighting the issues that black people face every day. What I love most is that Wale pleads with his listeners to have a love for themselves, their features and their culture. At the end of one of the most polarizing decades in American History, Wale takes time to remind black people to love themselves no matter what. Wale also highlights the ups and downs that come with any budding relationship like on his certified gold summer smash hit with Jeremih “On Chill” and “Love… (Her Fault)” featuring Bryson Tiller.

Wale’s 6th studio album is a great example of a rapper making the best out of a lot of issues by facing them head-on. While many rappers focus more on drug use to “ignore” their issues, Wale has put the power in his own hands and is facing his issues head-on. “Wow… That’s Crazy” is a great presentation of Wale’s strengths. From vivid wordplay to great beat selection and even better sequencing, “Wow… That’s Crazy” feels like a spiritual journey full of ups and downs, chances to dance and chances to sit and think. Wale taps into the wide array of emotions we feel on a day to day basis. The best aspect of the album may just be the features. Wale brings in artists who perfectly complement both himself as well as the content itself, and none of them disappoint. Two major standouts are 6lack on the song “Expectations” and DMV artist Mannywellz on “Love & Loyalty.” The first is a slow song about the stress that comes with the expectations of life with 6lack’s performance of the chorus giving the song the exact amount of melancholy and soul needed for the track. The second feature of the two shows Wale’s love for his area, co-signing fellow DMV artist Mannywellz who helps Wale bring a Nigerian vibe to the track. 

Wale’s latest album is definitely in the argument for album of the year, which is just another testament to Maybach Music’s recent run. One of the main things that stood out when MMG first started gaining mainstream attention was that they helped each other and that each artist’s success directly fed into another. Who knows we may even get a “Self Made Vol. 4,” either way sometime this year. All I know is “Wow...That’s Crazy” is the perfect album to listen to as we start going into the winter months.