Wale's Long-Awaited Return: Is the Hip-Hop World Ready for 'Everything Is a Lot' After Years of Silence?
Imagine a rapper once hailed as one of the sharpest voices in the game, only to vanish from the spotlight for nearly half a decade. That's the story of Wale, and it's about to change with his latest announcement. But here's where it gets controversial—why did such a prolific artist go quiet, and does his comeback signal a shift in how we view loyalty in the music industry?
Wale, the talented MC from Washington, D.C., hasn't released a full studio album since 2021's 'Folarin II,' which included collaborations with heavyweights like J. Cole and Rick Ross, among others. For those new to hip-hop, think of Wale as a master storyteller through music—his early 2010s mixtapes, like the acclaimed 'The Mixtape About Nothing,' showcased his wit and wordplay, earning him respect as a lyricist who blended introspection with social commentary. He followed that up with bold albums such as 2011's 'Ambition,' 'SHINE,' and 'The Gifted,' which often topped charts and sparked discussions on everything from personal growth to street life. Yet, since 2019, his releases have been scarce, leaving fans wondering what happened to the guy who once seemed unstoppable.
But after hinting at a resurgence for over a year—including teasers like his collaboration with Blanco—Wale is finally stepping back into the limelight. According to reports from Hip Hop N More, he chatted exclusively with Billboard about 'Everything Is a Lot,' his upcoming project that marks his first official commercial drop since 'Folarin II.' That album, by the way, featured his most recent hit on the Billboard Hot 100, the catchy 'Poke It Out' with J. Cole—a track that blended playful energy with sharp bars, appealing to both casual listeners and die-hard fans.
The tracklist for 'Everything Is a Lot' is out, and it's intriguing: no guest features listed so far, though that might evolve as the album hits shelves. We do know some of the producers behind the beats—talents like BNYX, Salaam Remi (known for his work with some of rap's biggest names), Kel-P Vibes, Go Grizz, Streetrunner, Emil, and Genio, who bring a mix of soulful vibes and modern trap influences to keep things fresh.
When Can We Expect Wale's New Album?
In addition to the details, Wale opened up about the album's vibe and overall feel. He describes it as an honest, deeply reflective journey, tackling the weight of life's challenges—from global upheavals to personal struggles and the cutthroat nature of the music business. As he put it, 'One of the underlying things is how heavy everything is in the world around me, my personal life, and the industry. I carried all of that with me and got it out of my system through this project.' For beginners in hip-hop, albums like this often serve as emotional outlets, where artists process real-life pressures, much like how Kendrick Lamar's 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D City' explored coming-of-age struggles.
Wale emphasizes his goal to show vulnerability, something he elaborated on in an Instagram announcement to his followers: 'Letting go of what I can't change. Watching the industry become unrecognizable in real time.... people forgetting about me. Trying to find purpose in a thankless industry. New n*s actin like I'm a new n. (https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/919707-kai-cenat-addresses-wale-snub-pop-culture-news) (U lot are crazy for that sht ngl) Changing labels. Changing management. Finding love but scared to scar from it. When panic meets uncertainty under a sensitive microscope....The highs the lows. The most uncertain moments of my career are ahead of me. Im ready for what ever tho.'
And this is the part most people miss: While vulnerability in rap isn't new—think of Drake's confessional style or J. Cole's introspective flows—Wale's raw admission about industry forgetfulness could stir debate. Is the hip-hop scene too quick to discard veterans, or is Wale simply reflecting on inevitable changes? This album might just challenge fans to rethink what 'staying relevant' means in a genre that's constantly evolving.
'Everything Is a Lot' drops on Friday, November 14, so mark your calendars!
Everything Is a Lot Tracklist:
- Conundrum
- Belly (https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/profile/belly)
- Where to Start
- Blanco
- Michael Fredo
- Power and Problems
- Mirroronnabenz
- YSF
- Tomorrow Today
- Big Head
- City On Fire
- Fly Away
- Corner Bottles
- Like I
- Survive
- Lonely
About The Author
Zachary Horvath serves as a Music Freelance News Writer at HotNewHipHop, a role he's held since August 2023. Before diving into music journalism, he freelanced for local sports coverage, reporting on high school football, varsity basketball for both boys and girls, and even recapping Cleveland Cavaliers games from afar. Drawing from that diverse background, he's become a versatile writer at HotNewHipHop, skillfully navigating topics in sports, hip-hop, and pop culture. He's delved into trending stories like Bronny James's NBA draft prospects, the intricate layers of the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud, and the ongoing drama surrounding Diddy's legal issues and lawsuits. Beyond the buzzworthy headlines, Zach had the privilege of sharing Zaytoven's insights in mid-December 2023, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at a producer's mind. While analyzing these high-profile events is rewarding, his true joy lies in spotlighting music releases, expressing enthusiasm for albums and tracks that deserve attention or rediscovery, which fuels his passion for writing even further.
What do you think—does Wale's vulnerability make him more relatable, or is the industry really as unforgiving as he describes? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you agree that artists like Wale deserve a comeback spotlight, or should they just 'adapt or fade'? Let's discuss!
