“Prescription” – Review Of Wale’s Attention Deficit
ALBUM REVIEWS By TC on November 24, 2009 at 3:52 pm
It was bound to happen. A Black man would take center stage in the urban spotlight to represent the nation’s capital. Yeah, President Obama has the entire country’s eyes on his executive position, but Olubawale Folarin or Wale as he’s much better known, has become D.C.’s Hip-Hop voice as he’s risen to become the city’s most recognizable representative in the particular branch. Building the base of his campaign through favored mixtapes (The Mixtape About Nothing, Back To The Feature,) his efforts were rewarded when he was elected as the new face of the studious artist. One who can be equally commercial as compelling. With that billing, he attempts just that for his debut album Attention Deficit. A record moderately successfully in aiming to please everyone.
Wale prides himself immensely as a lyricist (see clever quips like “Nigga I’m 100 miles far/I’m feeling Chris Childs/You looking like Kobe Bryant’s jaw“); a trait considered a rarity in today’s single-driven industry. With that talent alone, he’s able to maintain Attention Deficit as a somewhat engrossing affair throughout the highs and lows. In fact, AD’s various highlights are scattered across the board, keeping things fairly unpredictable. Chrisette Michelle lends her soothing charm to the meditative platform of “Shades,” an angled look on self-racism whereas melody maker, Best Kept Secret’s “Pretty Girls” draws its strength from Go-Go, the grassroots sound of Washington D.C. The latter especially, demonstrates the allure of Wale’s delivery. Adept in bobbing and weaving through vivid audio, further illustrated on tracks like the energetic “World Tour.”
Attention Deficit isn’t devoid of its tedious moments however, no matter what the title tries to imply. Missing is that unseen glue that pieces songs together to establish a cohesive flow, like the great albums possess. The distilled production, full of sparse instrumentation and delicate treble riffs, rarely shine on their own merit and often highlight Wale’s lyrical freelances which range from aimlessness to downright puzzling. The Neptunes devise up a dragging, congo-laden rumpus in “Let It Loose” where Wale baits the females into clubbing without fatigue. A sharp contrast in AD’s “meat & potatoes” as our hero plays surrogate to faceless damsels on “90210″ and “Diary” alike. And the subject matter of “Contemplate” is spacier than the beat supplied by Syience as the topics flip from ex-girlfriend to celebrity montage in one blip.
Of course, big releases have expectations for even bigger results. Aside from the fact Attention Deficit is bogged down by three too many guests appearances (J. Cole’s ridiculous flow on “Beautiful Bliss” being a welcomed exception), the album’s identity appears to be somewhat contrived. Case in point: the leadoff single “Chillin,’” which features Pop outlaw Lady Gaga. The track, accessible as it may be, appears as if it was blatantly created for radio play instead of genuinely made to entertain. Artistic expression never sounded so contractual.
Wale’s inauguration is conflicted, but never hampered to the point of condemnation; a tell-tale sign of the MC’s aforementioned talent. With more attention to detail (and less label persuasion), look for Wale to continue expand his career at his own pace. After all, even the White House wasn’t painted black in one day.
Previously Posted — TSS Presents Fifteen Minutes With Wale
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL — Tags: Attention Deficit, Cool & Dre, J. Cole, Lady Gaga, Roc Nation, The Neptunes, Wale
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47 Comments
wow, another album that deserves @ least 4 cigs gets 3.5!! WTF!! Ima start looking @ the source for my reviews now! lol!
3 tops.
fair and balanced review, and I agree for the most part. I think if another rapper with less, shall we say, lyrical prowess (see: 90% of the freshman class) had done contemplate, or 90210 it’d be acclaimed simply for the fact that it has any substance at all. When it comes to Wale I find his ability to flow so easily makes us more likely to knock him when he doesn’t kill it lyrically. Not fully disagreeing with your point, I’m just saying when you step back and look at it from a softer point of view it’s a little easier to be lenient when things aren’t air tight.
Having said all that, I liked the review. I’d probably give it another half cig, but it ain’t my blog, so keep doing you, and if I had to choose one of the freshmen to lead the way going forward, I hope to hell it’s this kid.
Artistic expression never sounded so contractual
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I love that line, TC.
Excellent review TC. From the write-up to the rating. Although as spacey and unfocused as his verses are on Contemplate it’s still on of my favorite songs on the album, and yeah J. Cole bodies his verse. Come to think of it Wale got outshined by Bun B, K’Naan and J. Cole. That would have to be the downside of the album for me.
@ Merk
“and if I had to choose one of the freshmen to lead the way going forward, I hope to hell it’s this kid.” Actually there are a couple of other freshman that I’m rooting for a little more than Wale right now. Curren$y first and foremost (even though his lyrics are mostly about smoking weed and talking shit he still sprinkles some thought provoking shit in just about every verse, too). Then there’s Blu. Dude is doing his best Jay Electronica impression right now. It’s frustrating when you want to follow an artist and that artist isn’t creating any new art.
Wale rails against the radio bullshit, than fails at doing so……the Itunes bonus tracks > than majority of forced,unfocused debut.
Fire the A&R
why do we always blame the label or A&R for an artists missteps?
You think Wale didnt want Lady gaga on that song? Like he was resisting the idea and kicking up a fuss? I doubt it.
I was never really into Wale. But Attention Deficit does have some good cuts on there. But a little too pop-ish for my tastes. I think the review was on point.
As far as freshmen go, I’m waiting for B.O.B. aka Bobby Ray. That dude is talented.
THE NEW DIP WASHINGTON WINE ALBUM IS DOPE JUST GOT OFF ITUNES I THINK HE THE TRUTH THAT MY OPINION THOUGH
COME SOMEBODY PLEASE SEND THE RECORD INDUSTRY TO TACOMA A HIDDEN JEWLEL THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YALL NEED TO CHECK OUT DIP AND HIS WASHINGTON WINE ALBUM HE HAS 32 SONGS ON IT
“Contemplate” is & will be one of my favorites as will that Neptunes track. Personally, I liked the album a lot. But when I had to look @ it against a few other releases & staring @ some of TC’s points, I could see the other side of the argument.
I’m okay w/it. The thing I keep hearing from naysayers is “don’t rush to crown him.” I’m not crowning him @ all. I think he’ll be one of the leaders b/c he has shown an ability to carve out his own sound. So for me, 3.5 = room to grow instead of taking an L w/the soph slump.
As for the others in the class who had the same carving skills, Blu, Charles & BoB have yet to release anything so it remains to be seen. But when they do, I just hope people are ready to accept it.
before i clicked:
“oh another review… 3 and a half”
*click*
cigs:
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I honestly think everyone who says J. Cole killed Wale on Beautiful Bliss didn’t catch everything that Wale said in his verses…J. Cole is crazy tho, don’t get me wrong.
Wale prides himself immensely as lyricist (see clever quips like “Nigga I’m 100 miles far/I’m feeling Chris Childs/You looking like Kobe Bryant’s jaw“); a trait considered a rarity in today’s single-driven industry.
Wale prides himself on his SB dunk collection and lying about being from DC. I cant believe nobody whined about the “undershipping” of his CD only shipping 30,000. This shit fails because he tries to be “real”hip hop” on some tracks and then goes to mainstream with Gucci. Wale has an identity crisis, thats why the record didnt move. Mainstream nerds couldnt identify with it and “real” hip-hop dudes couldnt either. Thats why nobody bought this record.
co-sign kwick wale’s verses rnt as obvious so thats why ppl say he got murked. but j cole’s verse was ill tho i’ll admit that.
@mikey Big Boi has a trak wit gucci, u gon tell me he’s havin an identity crisis too? (im sure outkasts fans will rip u up 4 that one) problem is ppl try to put artists in a box, when they, like most humans, rnt just one type of person. jus cuz u conscious, dont mean u cant hit up the clubs…
as for the review i agree w/ it for the most part, but i think the album deserves 4 cigs tho. dope shit wale
before I clicked: “oh another nincompoop bitching about the 3.5″
*click*
Mark
I actually found this album fairly dull and not worth listening to again afterwards. Mind you, I don’t rate Wale in the first place so maybe its just me.
the fact that wale is far and away the most intellectual major label artist around right now should have garnered this album at least a 4. some of the points this guy raises are truly unique. how can 50’s album win the same rating when he does nothing but spout cliches?
@cool
Yeah I’d say he is having an identity crisis. Big Boi’s last single:Kryptonite(I be on it) ft. the Purple City All Stars. That shit was a banger but Big Boi aint doin shit cept throwin verses on a few tracks now and then. Gucci is trash though, homie. C’mon he’s a joke but your obviously not laughin. maybe the jokes on you?
a little soft… Seems like everything gets 3.5 cigs.
I enjoyed the album but like most other artists I really enjoyed his mixtapes much, much more but a solid start. Did not like his beat selection at all it seemed a bit forced to me.
Thank you TSS,
the fact that wale is far and away the most intellectual major label artist around right now should have garnered this album at least a 4.
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Enh, as much as I’m a fan I wouldn’t go that far.
how can 50’s album win the same rating when he does nothing but spout cliches?
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I think TC’s gotten the review process down to a more specific science than I can every try to explain…but I’m still going to.
For every flaw, misstep, etc, that you can find on 50’s album, you can find a parallel on Wale’s. So for every step Wale took forward, he had a boring/contrived song that just didn’t really chart outside of a diehard listener (*raises both hands*). And I think there was a mention of a lack of cohesion and that’s one of those things that has to be there for an album to grab a 4 or better. If you don’t agree, that’s fine.
Now if you check a higher rated album, say for instance CuDi’s, you walked away feeling like the bar had been raised, even if only slightly and in select areas. Like I mentioned the other night, I walked away from Cudi’s album feeling the same way I did about the first time I heard De La’s shit and that’s saying a lot. I hoped to walk away feeling the same about AD, but I didn’t. I’m not disappointed. Like I said, leaves room to grow.
And I still say TMAN shits on half the shit from the past half a decade.
And I still say TMAN shits on half the shit from the past half a decade.
^^^^^^
Yep… I loved every song on the mixtape, still bump it quite often.
Shout to Wale aka @Wale… I thought this album was good and 3.5 it was rightfully given. I think with time if he takes his talent and pieces it together and raises his own bar he’ll be fine in the future – I don’t see him as being a gimmick in the “new school”.
P.S. did I mention my album “The Passion” got the same rating 3.5 cigs w/ no deal, no major promo and/or backing… :-D Great feeling! TSS is fair in rating cats…
BTW vote for me as “BEST NEXT MC OUT OF MINNESOTA” right here – http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2297383/
Anotha Time,
MaLLY
Fair enough review, though because of the delay in posting, many of the points mentioned in the review have pretty much been raised elsewhere. With that said, I didn’t take “Contemplate” to be as scattershot as you made it out to be – it starts with his dismay that his girl doesn’t care enough to sustain a meaningful relationship, which compounded by the negative effect of newfound fame, leads him to suicidal thoughts (hence the wordplay with the deceased celebs). A little dramatic/emo even, but it didn’t seem too far out there imo.
And I still say TMAN shits on half the shit from the past half a decade
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Whoa now, the mixtape was dope but I’d say that you went too far with that statement; you’re damn near Mars with that one! LOL.
TMAN?
Never mind I got it. *duh*
Horrible review. 4 1/2 cigs easy.
at first I thought hey it deserves more, but really, a SOLID 3.5 does seem about right.
Term’s new album got 4 though? Explain.
Not surprised by the review which i think was probably about right. Label pressure did seem like a factor especially when you hear the crack that was the track 9th leaked the other day.
@Gotty btw Blu has already dropped two lps and a handful of mixtapes btw. Defo worth checking out the way, Below The Heavens was the best album of 07′ for me.
Fair review. Agree with Gotty. He has room to grow. He’s on a major label and some of the collbo’s Gucci and Lady Gaga were probably forced. Lyrically and sonically the album was good-above average to me. The iTunes bonus track “Center of Attention” probably should have made the album.
My ears mysta been really lost for this album; I love it, and it’s one of my top 10 releases.
Maybe it’s moreso the vibe of the record, all the new cats are making discs I can vibe to so maybe that’s it, but I love this CD… The track with Gucci is on replay constant.
Excellent review TC. From the write-up to the rating. Although as spacey and unfocused as his verses are on Contemplate it’s still on of my favorite songs on the album, and yeah J. Cole bodies his verse. Come to think of it Wale got outshined by Bun B, K’Naan and J. Cole. That would have to be the downside of the album for me.
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K’Naan was ass on that track. The first time I’ve ever heard a verse from him I couldn’t get into. Oh yeah, check out that 3 mixtape series he did with J. Period, good stuff.
K’naan was meh on TV in the radio. Personally, I thought it was a solid debut. Def. room to grow. My fav. song is ..Diary
Fair enough review, though because of the delay in posting, many of the points mentioned in the review have pretty much been raised elsewhere.
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“delay is posting” = smh
i don’t know where this notion comes from sir lol. We’re not going to post the review until we come to a consensus on the rating. if that takes 8 mins after the release or 8 mths, it won’t go until it’s ready.
Whoa now, the mixtape was dope but I’d say that you went too far with that statement; you’re damn near Mars with that one! LOL.
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Listening is subjective, hence the reason a review really…nvm.
Blu has already dropped two lps and a handful of mixtapes btw.
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I’m hip. I’m speaking of “since the world caught on” Blu lol. Hooping @ the Rucker vs. playing in the League.
K’naan was meh on TV in the radio.
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Agreed. K’naan’s been a surprise this year (hat tip to Contra for putting me on) but I wasn’t impressed by that appearance @ all.
yo mikey, with all that Gucci hatred u sound like your recruiting for the ku klux klan…………………
& this shit:
“…wale is far and away the most intellectual major label artist around right now…”
So THATS why all the internet rap nerds be getting their panties wet.
its like for nerds that dont feel comfortable in the streets have to go for all this so-called intellectual bullshit.
listen to the lyrics, its a bunch of bullshit that dont even make no sense, packaged and promoted like its something intelligent, so people like you will buy it.
so far the smartest thing any rappers doing at the moment is creating millions and millions of dollars out of just poetry, not only for themselves but for the people around them.
thats what you call intelligent in REAL LIFE, not in some abstract intangible metaphysical ivory tower internet rap nerd dream world, that doesnt exist outside of the online wannabe music critic community.
this not aimed at wale either, i dont dislike the guy, i just think the musics boring.
Both The Mixtap About Nothing and Back To The Feature seemed to be more cohesive than this album. The were both such solid efforts with great themes that I ask myself:
“Did Wale make Attention Deficit and its song choices so random and unstructured on purpose?”
3.5 cigs works for me. I’m a big time Wale fan, but an album that has quite a few songs that don’t jump out and grab me on the first listen I think that’s the perfect rating. Remember, 3.5 cigs is still a good album.
“Did Wale make Attention Deficit and its song choices so random and unstructured on purpose?”
——————————————————————–
Wale did an interview and already stated such. People are missing the whole point of the album.
Fair enough Gotty about the consenual rating, but like I said, the longer you wait, the more you risk making points that have already been made by other sources.
And I really enjoyed K’naan’s verse, it was cool hearing him just spit punchlines for a change as opposed to his usual story-telling.
I liked the album alot. Don’t know if it deserved more
New TTE Presents Mixtape (Mixed by DJ Winters)
Imma Do It (Feat. Kobe) (Produced by DJ Khalil) 4:00 Fabolous
Young Boy Talk 3:23 Wiz Khalifa
4 My Town (Play Ball) (Featuring Drake & Lil Wayne) 4:21 Birdman
Bring It Back (Featuring Lil Wayne) 4:22 Birdman
I’m Good (Remix) (Feat Rick Ross) (Produced by The Neptunes) 4:34 Clipse
Popular Demand (Popeyes) feat. Camron & Pharrell (Produced by The Neptunes) 4:20 Clipse
Big Money (Produced by Cool & Dre) 3:37 Game
Better Days (Produced by Jim Jonsin) 5:36 Game
Movie (Produced by Boi-1DA) 4:23 Chip Tha Ripper
Center Of Attention (Produced by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League) 3:57 Wale
Studio Lovin’ 4:19 Wiz Khalifa
Right Here (feat. Josh Everette) 4:15 Wiz Khalifa
Mad House 1:35 Rihanna
Hard (featuring Young Jeezy) (Produced by Tricky Stewart & The Dream) 4:11 Rihanna
I Want It All (Featuring Lil Wayne & Kevin Rudolf) 3:16 Birdman
Sweet Dreams (Remix) Feat Nikky Minaj & Beyonce 4:47 Lil Wayne
Bed Rock Feat Lloyd 4:45 Young Money
Morning After Dark (Remix) Feat. SoShy & Nelly Furtado 3:52 Timbaland
Right Hand Hi 3:18 Kid Sister
Daydreaming (Feat. Cee-Lo) 3:02 Kid Sister
http://www.thetodayexperience.com/2009/11/25/tte-presents-the-warning-mixtape/#more-10792
http://usershare.net/3n9nnqxspyh2
Much love to TSS comments
“i don’t know where this notion comes from sir lol. We’re not going to post the review until we come to a consensus on the rating. if that takes 8 mins after the release or 8 mths, it won’t go until it’s ready.”
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This gives the review creditability. No need to rush a review to keep up with the Jones’
Keep up the good work.
I take it that this woulda got 4 cigs if it was longer.
I take it that this woulda got 4 cigs if it was longer.
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I don’t see where you coulda “took” that from, seeing as how the criticisms in the review go beyond album length.
As for the 3.5, I think it’s pretty accurate.
Wale’s made his mistakes on his debut, now it’s time to see how he responds to the feedback next go round.
yo TSS mods, can we get an example of a 5 cig cd?