by Juan Navarro
Wale Back. DC Back. Call it what you want, but Ambition has finally been released (and check it before Drake’s sophomore “Take Care” lol!) and it feels as if Wale is finally reaching the forefront of success. This is definitely the moment Wale and all his fans have been patiently waiting for. After “Attention Deficit” it seemed that Interscope (Wale’s previous label) stopped paying much attention to Wale’s efforts. But that don’t stop someone with ambition right?! Continuously putting out music through two well-reviewed mixtapes “Back to the Feature” and “More About Nothing” (one of my personal favorite) Wale continued to grind but he wasn’t gaining the national exposure someone with a major label could do. Then it happened. To what seemed like an unprecedented move, Wale joined Rick Ross’ label MMG (and became a big part of “Self-Made” with MMG) then around May announced “Ambition”. It seems like a long time ago, but the time’s is now. It’s here.
Ambition is definitely a Wale album, many people believed because of Rick Ross that Wale may change his sound. But on the contrary all you really get is a more confident MC who is not worried about a label’s backing or support, because he’s team has got his back. The album’s opener “Don’t Hold Your Applause” is appropriately titled as its Wale almost reintroducing himself to the rap stage, back and he wants you not only to talk about him but to applause. “Double M Genius” sounds like vintage Wale and has a very soulful feel to it. It probably wouldn’t be MMG without an ode to “Miami Nights”, this song has a great vibe and joyous feel to it. The beat selection for this album is surprising and impressive. “Legendary” explains that Wale doesn’t care about the money he really wants to be a legend in Hip-Hop, and hopefully he will end up being one. “Lotus Flower Bomb” feat. Miguel is a dope single, that definitely speaks to the women and not in a negative way. “Chain Music” was previously released (or leaked, not sure) and has got a great bounce to it.
Now the next couple tracks contain features, which as Wale had previously reported was only reserved to R&B crooners and is limited to some MCs; “Focused” feat. Kid Cudi, “Sabotage” feat. Lloyd, “White Linen (Coolin)” feat. Ne-Yo, “Slight Work” feat. Big Sean, and “Ambition” feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross. “Sabotage” and “White Linen” were not impactful to me, but the I am sure women are gonna love these records so fellas don’t sleep on these and Big Sean’s appearance on “Slight Work” was not great; the song sounded dull to me. Kid Cudi’s feature was a surprise to me, as I always believed Wale was taking shots at him on “More About Nothing”, and this song to me has a very addictive feeling to me, the hook provided by the Cudder is done right and Wale’s lyrics do the beat justice.
Once all the R&B features are done comes “Ambition” which could be my new favorite song of the year! (I’ve had it on constant repeat =x). This song is really great, from how the beat builds to the dope verses from Meek Mill and Rick Ross in which they show alot of depth lyrically, then it leads up to Wale’s verse for him to finish it off and kind of leaves you wanting a third verse. “Illest Bitch” is another ode to the females who are sexy, independent, and making it even through struggle. “No Days Off” became a sort of slogan for Wale, and he means it. This song just shows more of that hunger that is relevant throughout the album, his flow seems relaxed and chill but appropriate for the beat. Still holding down the DMV, Wale puts on for his city in “DC or Nothing”, this song is a representation of Wale’s passion and pride in his hometown, it has an inspiring feeling without the preaching. In my opinion this should have been the closer of the album, but the label placed “That Way” the single off “Self-Made” as the last track, which doesn’t take away from the album, but doesn’t add either.
This album is quality work, it shows that Wale is confident enough to not include big rap features, and the few guest don’t take away from his abilities. His lyricism is top form, his flow and delivery are on point. The beats don’t disappoint. And apart from the few lackluster songs I mentioned, the album flows seamlessly. So now don’t call it a comeback, but Wale definitely rose up from the ashes on this and his career is gonna blossom from here. Hey, Wale proved that its all possible when you take no days off and got that Ambition.
Get The Album Here
