Wale is arguably the most divisive name in TRU Nation. So, a review of his long-awaited debut, Attention Deficit, is a no-brainer. On the cusp of AD’s official release (November 10), I rounded up the trustees to find out if it’s worth shelling out some cabbage for. Pop the lid for the full breakdown.
Nahshon
I guess Wale fans have historically understood his message more than I have in the past. I didn’t realize until AD that he just wanted to record an hour-long homage to the life of an industry groupie. If so: Album of the Year. Unless you were born in either the Nation’s capital or Nigeria you’re probably going to think that this album was musically genius & about as lyrically deep as a thin-crust pizza. 2.5
Dom
Wale’s debut is everything it should be – and more. The DC verbalist jumps on his mixtape momentum, with witty, charismatic lyricism and surefire delivery. Guests like Bun B, Pharrell, and even my arch-nemesis Gucci Mane successfully support Wale in holding my attention, a feat many of today’s artists can only dream of. AD also boasts quality beats and minimal filler, as well as a fresh approach to MCing. I’ll gladly shell out my hard-earned cabbage for this one.
Black Barbie:
I have mixed feelings about Attention Deficit. Is it a quality album worth buying? Yes. There are hits here (“Chillin,” “Beautiful Struggle,” Pretty Girls”), as well as songs that stick with you (“Contemplate,” “Diary,” “Shades”). Do I feel like it’s a label-driven, watered down version of Wale? Yes. As a fan of Wale’s mixtapes (that were heavily go-go based), I was disappointed that he didnt stick to his tried-and-true method. However, I understand that the goal of this album was to appeal to a wider, global audience (to the point of damn near ruining “Pretty Girls” by putting Gucci Mane on it). I’m not sure album is a true representation of who Wale true musical agenda, but its a damn good introduction to the world.
Ivan:
Aimless as a promotional mixtape (i.e. recycle bin fodder), Attention Deficit highlights Wale’s knack for, as James Brown would put it, talkin’ loud and sayin’ nothing. The only thing separating Wale from an “entertainer” like Soulja Boy is his emcee pedigree and lyrical aptitude. But at the end of the day, he still just rambles on about how fly he is like your run of the mill swag rapper. Blessed with dazzling production but cursed with a bloated guest list, the bulk of Attention Deficit offers little more but braggadocious rhetoric. Rare and far between glimpses of promise (“90210”, “Diary”) are tarnished by sappiness and Wale’s slapdash delivery. His limited content matter is certainly problematic, but this space cadet’s main defect is his blasé, nonchalant manner. Even the equally flamboyant and boastful Kanye West managed to form a direct, solid thesis on The College Dropout. It’ll take more than Ritalin to pacify Wale’s ADD.
Jaap:
Wale’s official debut starts off with the David-Sitek produced “Triumph” which immediately makes clear where not dealing with an average rap album, both sonically and topically. Although there are small concessions done to broaden the pop appeal Wale didn’t really need them. Funky percussion-rich production and some almost afrobeat-like beats coupled with Wale’s diverse delivery and lyricism make this a breath of fresh air in today’s mainstream hip-hp landscape.
Rizoh
Attention Deficit delivers what the title promised, but the busy sound palette and troop of high-profile guests leave little room for the host to breathe. Nor is Wale’s stature improved by the snafu of Interscope’s pop outreach. Worse still, it ensures that his support will always come from a fickle crowd. (Kudos for including “Shades” on the album against his label’s wish)
Andrew
Wale’s lyrical content is often fairly empty-headed and focused around the high-life that stardom brings. His “beats” are more like songs with multiple instrumental layers and a much higher level of complexity than most. His wordplay is always par or better but he gets shown up by K’naan on “TV In The Radio” and bodied by J. Cole on “Beautiful Bliss.” Musically it rises faster than a weather balloon with, allegedly, a child in it but lyrically it’s just as much a disappointment as finding out the kid was in the attic.
Overall Rating:
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