A little over a month ago, today was supposed to be hip hop’s big day. Before getting into that, think back to 2011. Hip hop went through a transition where the lyrical emcees ultimately prevailed. After many delays, J. Cole finally released Cole World and he took the game over, but Wale dropped Ambition a month later.
Two emcees hailed as the future of lyricism in hip hop dropped albums on the heels of each other that caused hip hop debates. Both rappers are a part of the Roc Nation family and Jay-Z saw a major pay day with them releasing their albums on the same day. But, when Kanye West made Yeezus plans for June 18, J. Cole rescheduled.
J. Cole pushed his album up to avoid being forgotten, but Wale did not to the same with his album, The Gifted. Instead, he is out here all alone with his album release with all of the attention today. Wale got people ready for his album before the weather warmed up with “Bad” featuring Tiara Thomas.
Wale released his “Love/Hate Thing” single last week, featuring Sam Dew, and the “Bad” remix with Rihanna is making waves. The album has a laundry list of collaborations with Rick Ross and Meek Mill from Maybach Music showing up. Other artists featured on The Gifted included are Juicy J and Nicki Minaj, who appear on the “Clappers” single. Yo Gotti, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, and Lyfe Jennings also make appearances on The Gifted.
