Less is More.

The hardest part of writing an album review is wiping your mental slate clean. This process is necessary to free your mind of all biases, and allow for an honest listen & an objective critique of any body of work.

For many years- throughout barbershop conversations, neighborhood stoop debates, and countless group chats, I’ve slandered Wale. He’s become an easy target for rap critics and casual listeners; and a frequent occupant of the “that nigga trash” category. If we’re being honest though, Wale isn’t really “trash”, far from it actually; it’s just hard to connect with his style most often because it always feels like he’s doing too much. Whether over complicating rhymes to the point they feel convoluted, or doing the most in the media complaining at every negative comment.

Albeit, Wale has made hits, has memorable verses (No Hands), dope poems (Ambitious Girl), and a solid project (TAAN), but he’s always felt like somewhat of an underachiever. I’ve always likened Wale’s career to that of NBA star Dwight Howard; an entertainer with immense talent out the gate but never living up to the hype. He complains all the time, his teammates hate him, and even his coach at times. Fans love to poke at him, and he’s not going to get you to the promise land as the sole franchise player, but will have a palpable impact on any team he’s on.

With all that said and out my system, I’d be remiss and a total hater if I didn’t tell you how surprisingly good his 5^th album ‘Shine’ really is. Still Here Ignoring Negative Energy is the acronym that truly embodies the framework of this project. He’s not trying too hard, and seems to find the perfect balance in simplifying the music while still rapping at a high level; in simpler terms ‘Issa Vibe’. I really like this version of Wale, Zyla’s dad. Not sure if it’s because of his newborn daughters birth, but Wale seems to be comfortable with his place in the game and doesn’t care about what people are or aren’t saying about him this go round.

Less is more, and by more I mean ‘More Life’. Wale seems to have taken Drake’s More Life approach for this project and it’s worked out well for him. For definition purposes ‘The More Life Approach’ is considered an all purpose, any occasion body of work; focusing less on cohesiveness & more on individual song vibes. Wale gives you a bit of everything on this ‘Shine’ playlist album. You get the braggadocios Wale that effortlessly shits on his haters like on the first track “Thank God”. With real DC bravado rapping lines like, “All you’ll ever be good at is rolling weed and playing 2k” I’m wondering if Wale is taking shots at my life? HA!

Another vibe you get is the United Nations Wale. Utilizing international sounds you hear afro beat records like “My Love” ft Wizkid, Major Lazer & Dua Lipa and “Fine Girl”. He even dabbles in Latino culture with the “Colombia Heights” record, featuring an all Spanish verse from J Balvin. You also have the tracks that make you want to get in the Uber XL & roll up the backwoods with Mr. Folarin while headed to the function. For example “Running Back” featuring Lil Wayne. Wale brought back the drug induced Wayne we use to love, giving me remnants of 2007 Weezy. One of my personal favorite records “Mathematics” also fits the aforementioned mold.

Wale also delivers lyrically on this album. “C.C. White” is a standout track that really shows off his lyrical prowess. Using personification to bring alive the perils of cocaine addiction makes this track great. The production on this record seems to even imitate the stages of a crack cocaine high. This record reminds me of Jay-z’ classic record “I Know” off American Gangsta. “Smile” is also Wale reaching his lyrical apogee. “Im smoking purple, the law enforcement be murking brothers, The moon lit and I’m Cottonmouth like Mahershala” SHEESH!

“Fashion Week” and “Heaven on Earth” are the two records that are a no brainers for radio. G-Eazy lending a dope verse on “Fashion Week” compliments Folarin talking that fly runway talk. The Chris Brown assist on “Heaven on Earth” is major. The hook is definitely relatable and commercially viable. The women are sure to enjoy both records, and if the women like it; I love it. “DNA” {Dick n Advice} also brings back Love Jones Wale with a laudable poem capable of tapping into any woman’s heartstrings.

‘Shine’ is Wale’s best album to date. While I won’t apologize for my past slander, I will admit that this album has compelled me to put some respect on his name. Wale has been in the game for nearly a decade now, and has produced one of the top 5 projects in an already stellar 2017. He’s outlasted everyone in his 2009 draft class and has proven he’s getting better. For him at this stage to still be around, relevant, and creating music at a high level is a testament to a distinguished rap career. If you truly listen with objective ears, you will see the moon man is shining with this project, and it’s a solid 8/10.

@NajiChill