10 of the Best Wale Songs
As I mentioned with KiD Cudi, I was immediately drawn to Wale's music once I was introduced to him on that fateful XXL cover. Much like Scott, I also think most of Wale's best work is found on his Mixtapes. That's why I'm adding to the Top 3 Songs from each album format you're all so in love with!
Let's focus on the true best of the best from Wale and enjoy 10 of the best songs by Wale in list format!
Song/Rank:
#10- "Slight Work" (ft. Big Sean) [Ambition 2011]
Why, Though:
I once said that Big Sean killed Wale on this track. That might be true, but it certainly doesn't preclude this track to being one of Wale's best songs because even without this dope verse from one of the best Mid Western Rappers, you'd still be left with a nice beat and Wale going in.
Song/Rank:
#9- "Chun Li" (ft. Nipsey Hussle) [Folarin 2012]
Why, Though:
No it's not the new track from one of the best female rappers in recent memory. Wale was on the Street Fighter train first and he brought one of the best West Coast rappers in recent memory along for the ride! The beat mixes in Street Fighter soundtrack flares, including Chun Li herself, to keep everything on topic plus I love the hook on this one!
Song/Rank:
#8- "Girls on Drugs" [The Album About Nothing 2015]
Why, Though:
It's all about the Janet Jackson sample on this song. Wale's ability to reach into my childhood and sample just the right songs is uncanny. The way Mr. Folarin flows over the repeated Janet sample is great during the verse let alone how everything comes together for something magic during the hook.
Song/Rank:
#7- "Tito Santana" (ft. Joe Budden) [Back to the Feature 2009]
Why, Though:
Much like Wale, I've never really loved a Joe Budden album, but they're both deadly when it comes to the Mixtape game. That's why I was so happy to see these two together on Wale's Mixtape dedicated to features. The drums and horns on this track perfectly compliment the wordplay by Wale and the energy Joe Budden brings.
Song/Rank:
#5- "The Deep End" (ft. Pusha T) [Festivus 2014]
Why, Though:
When the DMV gets together it's a beautiful thing! I hold Wale and Pusha T in very high regard when it comes to being able to go off on songs. That bassline up top and throughout doesn't hurt matters either! This track is a great case of steel sharpening steel as neither artist ducks the smoke, so to speak. They both go in.
Song/Rank:
#4- "The White Shoes" [The Album About Nothing 2015]
Why, Though:
I'm a big fan of this song for silly personal reasons, but I think that objectively, the keys mixed with the hook are quite affecting. I'm also into songs that have narratives even if for only a verse at a time. Like the verse that details a violent encounter over a pair of nice white shoes. See it's not just fun songs and great rapping! There is some food for thought that comes with Wale's music.
Song/Rank:
#3- "The Kramer" [The Mixtape About Nothing 2008]
Why, Though:
I never liked Michael Richards. Mostly because I thought he was pure evil in Problem Child and I vowed to never like him. His role as Kramer didn't do him any favours either. Then there was that fateful night that is immortalized (for anyone who wasn't aware) in this song. The haunting voices get across the menace of the moment and the overall word at the center of this song. Thank goodness for Curb season 7 helping me tone down my hate for Michael. Back to the song though. This is another example of Wale giving you some food for thought and it's got a great beat to match.
Song/Rank:
#2- "Um Rika" (ft. K'Naan) [Back to the Feature 2009]
Why, Though:
Just in case you forgot Toronto has more rappers than Drake and that guy from Sick,Wicked&Nasty Wale made a classic with K'Naan! It took me far too long to realize Um Rika was America. But what I really love is that the song features both rapper's stories about what America meant to them as kids over a DOPE beat with some ridiculous flows.
Song/Rank:
#1- "The Middle Finger" [The Album About Nothing 2015]
Why, Though:
I can't put my finger on why I love this song beyond the hook because I find the verses amazing too but for a different reason. Of course there is the flow and beat selection, but there is something about this song that makes it greater than the sum of its parts. If anyone can figure out why I love this song so much please let me know in the comments or wherever you feel is best.
-YG