Rick Ross Compares Wale to Kanye West – A Bold Prediction
Rick Ross continues to expand his Maybach Music Group empire, and his latest signing, Wale, is already drawing bold comparisons. The Miami rapper has transformed from a hip-hop heavyweight into a full-fledged mogul. Recently, he stated that he sees Kanye West-level potential in Wale.
During a conversation with MTV News’ Sway, Ross shared his thoughts on Wale’s artistry. Thus, explaining that his work ethic and creative vision remind him of the early days of Kanye West. Given Ross’ extensive history of working alongside Ye, the comparison is no small statement.
The Evolution of Maybach Music Group
For the past few years, Rick Ross has dominated the rap game as a solo artist, but he had bigger aspirations. In 2011, MMG has been growing rapidly, adding some of the hottest talent in the industry. The signing of Wale was a major move for MMG. Thereby, proving that Ross was serious about turning MMG into a powerhouse label.
Ross’ decision to recruit and invest in Wale was met with curiosity. Many wondered how the D.C. lyricist would fit into MMG’s brand, which has been dominated by street anthems. But Ross saw something deeper in Wale—something reminiscent of Kanye West’s early days.
Rick Ross’ Bold Comparison: Wale & Kanye West
During his interview with MTV News, Rick Ross detailed why he sees a parallel between Wale and Kanye West.
“After spending months of my summer working with Kanye, I learned and seen so many different visions and ideas come to light. I was there for ‘Flashing Lights’ when it was actually titled another title that me and Kanye went back and forth about. And when I think about Wale, I think about Kanye.”
Ross elaborated that Wale’s lyrical prowess and creative process remind him of the energy Kanye West had in his early career. Ross has witnessed firsthand how Kanye meticulously crafts his music. He sees that same level of dedication in Wale.
“The kind of rhymes Wale has been laying down the last few months, since we’ve been in the studio, I’m pretty sure there’s gonna be a lot of similarities as far as the pictures that he paints.”
Rick Ross made it clear that Kanye West is in a league of his own. However, he also emphasized that Wale has the ability to carve out a similar legacy. So, Ross is saying Wale has already shown flashes of this potential.
Why Rick Ross Believes in Wale’s Potential
Rick Ross’ endorsement of Wale wasn’t based on hype—it was built on tangible factors.
1. Lyricism & Storytelling
Wale is widely respected for his ability to weave poetic narratives into his music. Much like Kanye West, he has a way of translating raw emotion and cultural commentary into his lyrics.
2. Versatility in Music
Where many rappers stick to one style, Wale has demonstrated the ability to switch between hardcore hip-hop, soulful storytelling, and commercial radio hits—similar to Kanye’s range from The College Dropout to 808s & Heartbreak.
3. Work Ethic & Vision
Ross emphasized that Wale’s grind in the studio is on par with what he witnessed from Kanye. The way Wale meticulously crafts his records and focuses on long-term impact over trends is what sets him apart. So, Ross feels Wale will be doing this for the next generation of hip-hop.
Wale’s Underdog Journey
At the time of his MMG signing, Wale has already made a name for himself but struggled with label politics. His debut album, Attention Deficit (2009), was critically praised but commercially underwhelming. Many believed he had potential but was missing the right machine behind him.
Rick Ross brings Wale into Maybach Music Group, hoping to give the D.C. rapper a fresh start. It is an opportunity for Wale to prove himself on a bigger stage, with a team that believes in his vision.
Ross is ensuring that Wale had creative freedom while also receiving the marketing push he needed. Hopefully, this move will allow Wale to fully tap into his artistic potential, much like Kanye did when he first emerged under Roc-A-Fella Records.
What’s Next for Wale?
Following his MMG introduction, Wale’s next solo album is slated to arrive later this year. This album is his opportunity to solidify his place in the game and prove that Ross’ investment was well-placed. Of course, Wale has a lot of ground to cover before getting into his next album.
Ross expressed full confidence in Wale, stating that his next project would be the moment where fans truly understand his greatness.
“Of course, Kanye is one of the greats of our time, but I see that same potential in Wale.”
Few people would ever doubt Wale’s lyrical ability. However, there are some doubts of his ability to deliver hit records. Perhaps his alliance with MMG will provide the perfect marriage for Wale to blend his creativity with Rick Ross’ hitmaking machine.
Final Thoughts – The Future of Wale in Hip-Hop
Wale is on the verge of a career breakthrough. With Rick Ross’ backing, a fresh label situation, and a renewed sense of direction, the rapper is poised for major success. Already, he showed promise on his debut album. In addition, he already has the backing of Jay-Z and Roc Nation. Plus, he’s had some scene-stealing appearances on some hit records.
Whether he reaches Kanye West levels of impact remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Wale has all the tools to become one of the most respected and successful lyricists of his generation. Definitely, he did enough to garner the interest of a powerhouse label. Ross adding Wale to MMG did just as much for him as it has done for Wale.
With Maybach Music Group thriving, Rick Ross has already proven that he has an eye for talent. His belief in Wale speaks volumes, and if the MMG boss’ instincts are correct, we could be witnessing the rise of a hip-hop icon in the making. How the rest of 2011 plays out shows how Wale’s career could play out.
