Has Wale replaced Fabolous as hip hop’s ballad king?

By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In the early 2000s, Fabolous entered the rap game and appeared to have the makings to take the game over. As DJ Clue’s artist, Fabolous immediately was co-signed by the biggest rappers in the game. Fabolous found his niche much like Ja Rule, doing songs that catered to the women, but Fab has been absentee for some time.

Fabolous came under controversy for his continuous love songs and has not had a mainstream project out since 2009. Ironically, Wale released his debut album in 2009, coming off much hype. Capping a legendary mixtape run, the Washington, DC rapper suffered a major label flop with his debut.

Wale took time off after Attention Deficit was released and he began spending the bulk of his time in Miami. At the time praised as one of the most-lyrical rappers in the game, alongside J. Cole, Rick Ross began talking to him. During the time of “No Hands'” release with Waka Flocka Flame and Roscoe Dash, Rick Ross let it be known he would be signing Wale.

Because of his disappointing results on his debut album, Wale was counted out by most. Some fans felt his style was a bit too lyrical to have success in the game. Perhaps with a chip on his shoulder, Wale proudly signed with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music and he became one of the biggest breakout rappers of 2011. Wale released his “That Way” single off Maybach Music’s Self Made, Vol. 1 and thus a string of hit ballads began to invade the radio.

Since then, Wale has released several other hit singles and he recently released the music video for his latest hit single, “Bad,” which features Tiara Thomas. In between time, Wale has teamed up with many of the hottest current crooners in R&B for his hits. With “Bad” being visualized yesterday, Hip Hop Vibe decided to celebrate this and reminisce over Wale’s past hits from 2011 to the present.

Watch Wale’s music video below:

“That Way” ft. Jeremih and Rick Ross

“Lotus Flower Bomb” ft. Miguel

“Sabotage” ft. Lloyd

“Bad” ft. Tiara Thomas