April 12, 2011 @ 2:26 PM EDT
News
De La Soul’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising has been inducted in the Library of Congress as the fourth Hip Hop inductee. Their 1989 release now joins Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Public Enemy and last year’s honoree, Tupac Shakur. The selection is one of the 25 recordings over 10 years old that are declared “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” heads up: xxl
Wale, in this track, shows once again his ability to blend different genres. He doesn't limit himself to hip-hop, but enriches it with R&B nuances, creating a familiar sound. This fusion is not only an exercise in style, but serves to intensify the emotional impact of the song. And then there is his ability to rap. Wale is a master at playing with words, creating complex rhymes and modulating his voice to best express his emotions. In 'Blanco', his rap part is an explosion of words that intertwine with the melody, creating a hypnotic and relaxing effect. His ability to go from moments of pure energy to moments of deep introspection is what makes this track so engaging; it reminds me of when you would slow dance, hugging your woman.