In a year that brought about the emergence of a large freshman class in the hip hop industry, the genre's true fans have been given what many are calling a "breathe of fresh air." Hip hop's new comers have brought a new energy and "swag" to the game that makes even Nas rethink his statments on the livelihood of the art form. While the clear favorite for "Rookie of the Year" is the multitalented sensation, Drake, a strong candidate for runner up is a young D.C. native by the name of Wale. Although his popularity in the mainstream is still a work in progress, Wale's mixtape and underground notoriety is more than legit. With 3 strong mixtape projects in the past 3 years, those who've followed the young rapper knew what to expect from his debut album Attention Deficit.
Attention Deficit dropped this past November after Wale decided to push back the album's release date to go on tour with Jay-Z. With features including fellow rappers Bun-B, Gucci Mane, J-Cole, and K'naan and R & B vocals from Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michelle, Marsha Ambrosius (Floetry), and Melanie Fiona, Attention Deficit gives listeners a wide variety of musical style. Pop star Lady Gaga even holds down the chorus for the album's first single "Chillin."
The LP's introduction opens up with a strong assortment of horns over a hard beat that Wale holds his own on. It's a solid intro to the album both lyrically and with his delivery. The production duo, Best Kept Secret who have produced many of Wale's hottest mixtape tracks give Wale four tracks on the collection including the CDs 2nd single "Pretty Girls." Because of their unique "Go-go" sound, B.K.S. are the perfect compliment to Wale's D.C. vernacular and style, allowing him to maintain his geographical roots. British producer and Wale's boss at Allido Records, Mark Ronson, as well the duo of Cool and Dre each have two songs on the record while the Neptunes bless him with one.
The lyrical content of Attention Deficit is above par in nearly every way possible. Songs like "Shades" "90210" and "Contemplate" tackle serious issues while maintaining strong word play and raw lyrics. Lighter songs like "Chillin" and "Pretty Girls" help balance the mood of the album while songs like "Mirrors" "TV in the Radio" and "Prescription" show a side of Wale that is confident in who he is and what he represents.
For fans of lyrics and quality music, Wale's Attention Deficit should be that breathe of fresh air that many have been talking about. His lyrical content is reminiscent of Lupe Fiasco in the sense that a lot of what he says goes over the heads of most, but if you appreciate wordplay that makes you rewind a couple times and think, you'll love this album. Some of Wale's critics don't like him for various reasons but if you can get over the fact that he talks a little different and has a unique style, you should be able to appreciate the young man's talent. Wale won't be at the top of the charts, and he won't sell a million records nor will he be as popular as some other rappers out there, but if he continues to stay as true to himself as he has with his debut, he'll have a long successful career.
