Wale is definitely a standout, which should go without saying.  His third album, The Gifted, is consistent and exceptional throughout.

“I go hard, I’m ballin’, I’m globetrottin’ / And my flow art my n*gga, I’m Mozart with it.”

Yep, that’s Wale! He’s quickly risen in the rap ranks.  That’s amazing considering his first album,  Attention Deficit (2009), wasn’t a commercial smash   Despite a ‘loss in game one,’ he came back to take ‘game two’ with Ambition (2011). , released on the ever growing, popular He ascended from nothin’ to somethin.’ Wale definitely achieved the come-up he deserved, given his skill.  Wale is definitely a standout, which should go without saying.  His third album, The Gifted is consistent and exceptional throughout.  On this particular effort, he benefits from meaningful rhymes and soulful production work.

The Gifted: Short Take

On opener “The Curse of the Gifted,” Wale opens with a bang referencing jealous haters.

“And y’all don’t even gotta love us / but you will respect this motherf*ckin’ hustle.”

This continues on a second consecutive standout “LoveHate Thing,” where he stopped “giving a f*ck about opinions,” and is “Temporarily out of fizzucks / so tell the post to leave propaganda to the politicians. Wale generally eschews club bangers, but manages one that’s not completely shameful or desperate on “Clappers.” Still, “shawty got a big ole butt” isn’t the most profound, poetic line ever.

Of course there’s the thoughtful “Bad,” which should be relable to women but also men with ‘relationship’ issues.  Song after song, he brings something worthwhile to the table.  And even with a star-studded guest cast, Wale outshines them all, the ‘gifted’ artist that he is.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, The Gifted rocks. It’s hard to deny his agility as an MC.

Gems: “The Curse of the Gifted,” “LoveHate Thing,” “Heaven’s Afternoon,” “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece),” “Clappers” & “Bad”

Wale • The Gifted •Atlantic • Release: 6.25.13