Timeline: Wale's Road To Success

It's been a long time coming, but Wale's "Ambition" has been rewarded. Now that he's got a bonafide hit album on his hands, Complex retraces all of Folarin's ups and downs along the way.

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Image via Complex Original
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Intro

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Rhyme Of The Century

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“Rhyme Of The Century” Lands Wale His First-Ever Radio Spin

Date: 2004

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Complex says: With the help of a local radio DJ, Wale is able to get his song “Rhyme Of The Century” its first-ever spin on Washington D.C. local radio. It’s the 20-year-old rapper's first look of any sort.

Unsigned Hype

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Wale Appears In The Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype” Column

Date: June 2005

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Complex says: The local success of “Rhyme Of The Century” lands Wale a spot in The Source’s up-and-comers spotlight column. Not much comes of the exposure, and Wale continues to work independently.

Paint A Picture

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Releases Paint A Picture Mixtape

Date: 2006

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Complex says: Wale drops his first complete project. The mixtape includes the go-go-flavored “Dig Dug (Shake It),” which would soon catch fire in the D.C. area. It also features the popular “A.D.D.,” on which Wale rhymes relentlessly over several popular beats. People are beginning to take notice.

”Dig Dug (Shake It)”

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"Dig Dug (Shake It)" Starts To Catch Fire In The D.C. Area

Date: 2006

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Complex says: The Paint A Picture single “Dig Dug (Shake It),” which is a tribute to the percussionist from the locally-prominent go-go band Northeast Groovers, starts to make its rounds on the D.C. area music scene. Bigger than “Rhyme Of The Century,” this becomes Wale’s first major local record.

Hate Is The New Love

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Releases The Mixtape Hate Is The New Love

Date: 2006

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Complex says: With the release of his sardonically titled second mixtape, Hate Is The New Love, Wale continues to build his buzz with local favorites such as “Uptown Roamers” and “A.D.D. 2.”

Smile

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Collaborates With Mark Ronson And Remixes Lilly Allen’s “Smile”

Date: March 12, 2007

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Complex says: After Wale meets DJ Mark Ronson, the two form a working relationship. Ronson happens to be working on a remix to Lilly Allen’s “Smile,” and Wale decides to jump on it. The remix spreads quickly on the Internet and becomes Wale’s signature song. Its popularity introduces him to a wide range of listeners that he's never tapped before.

100 Miles & Running

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Releases 100 Miles & Running Mixtape, Performs At Highline Ballroom & Gets Interviewed By MTV

Date: July 11, 2007

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Complex says: Wale releases his new 100 Miles & Running mixtape with Nick Catchdubs. The same night, he performs at NYC’s Highline Ballroom where Jay-Z, Beyoncé,  Kanye West, Maroon 5 and Clive Davis are all in attendance. After the Highline gig, he is interviewed by MTV for his first national television feature.

URB

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Covers URB Magazine With Justice

Date: November 2007

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Complex says: Due to his popular remix of their smash hit “D.A.N.C.E.,” Wale joins Justice on the cover of URB magazine. This is Wale’s first time covering a national publication.

Nike Boots

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Releases “Nike Boots”

Date: November 2007

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Complex says: Just after gracing his first national mag cover, Wale drops another banger in “Nike Boots.” The song doesn’t appear on any of Wale’s full length projects, but it gains tremendous steam locally and moderate success on a national level. Eventually Lil Wayne spits a verse for the remix—a milestone in any artist's career. A video for the song is shot and released over a year later in December of ‘08.

Allido

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Signs To Ronson’s Allido Records Label

Date: November 17, 2007

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Complex says: Having already collaborated with the esteemed producer, Wale decides to make his partnership with Ronson official. With labelmates like Lily Allen and Daniel Merriweather, Wale is the only rap act on Allido. Being endorsed by Ronson brings a significant amount of interest and notoriety, although the co-sign is not particularly impactful in hip-hop circles.

Interscope

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Signs Joint Venture With Allido and Interscope Records

Date: March 13, 2008

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Complex says: Just a few months after signing with Mark Ronson’s independent label, Wale inks his first major distribution deal with Interscope Records. The move looks to be a big step toward his gaining additional mainstream exposure.

Rising Up

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Appears On The Roots’ "Rising Up"

Date: May 30, 2008

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Complex says: Although the song isn’t officially released until April, The Wale-featured Roots song “Rising Up” leaks off of their upcoming album Rising Down. The album receives great critical reception and Wale’s verse is hailed as a standout.

The Mixtape About Nothing

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Releases Seinfeld-Themed The Mixtape About Nothing To Critical Acclaim

Date: May 30, 2008

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Complex says: Wale sees his fanbase expand rapidly with the release of The Mixtape About Nothing. Reviews dub the project easily his best work, and his buzz spreads on a national level.

Freshman Cover

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Covers XXL As Part Of The Freshman Class Of ‘09

Date: December 2008

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Complex says: Wale graces his first XXL cover as part of the "Freshman 10" for the class of ‘09. The auspicious cover series presents Wale as one of the best new rappers in hip-hop—along with Kid Cudi, B.o.B., Asher Roth, and someone named Charles Hamilton—predicting big things for Folarin in 2009.

Chillin

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Releases “Chillin” Featuring Lady Gaga As The First Single From Attention Deficit

Date: April 14, 2009

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Complex says: Wale chooses the Lady Gaga featured “Chillin” as the first single from his upcoming debut album, Attention Deficit. But the single never charts and the commercial sound of the record doesn’t resonate well with his core audience.

The Greatest New Rapper Since Jay-Z

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Named “The Greatest New Rapper Since Jay-Z” By GQ

Date: June 2009

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Complex says: As the D.C. rapper’s star continues to rise, GQ bestows him his highest praise yet when he is dubbed “The greatest new rapper since Jay-Z.” The hyperbole to end all hyperboles—from a glossy fashion magazine with suspect rap cred—garners Wale plenty of attention but also raises expectations to a nearly impossible level.

Back To The Feature

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Releases Back To The Feature Mixtape With Production By 9th Wonder

Date: June 19, 2009

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Complex says: With critically acclaimed producer 9th Wonder endorsing him and producing most of the project, Wale releases Back To The Feature. The mixtape receives less hype than The Mixtape About Nothing, but it is met with generally positive reviews.

“World Tour”

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Releases “World Tour” Featuring Jazmine Sullivan As The Second Single From Attention Deficit

Date: September 8, 2009

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Complex says: Wale releases “World Tour” featuring Jazmine Sullivan as his follow-up Attention Deficit single. No video is shot for the song, which never charts. The rapper’s momentum seems to be slowing down.

2009 MTV Video Music Awards

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Included As Part Of The Official House Band For The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

Date: September 13, 2009

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Complex says: Wale is recruited to rap live with The Board Administration during intermissions at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. (He also gets some light during the actual show too.) The D.C. rapper seizes the opportunity, looking to avoid a career plateau. 

Pretty Girls

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Releases “Pretty Girls” Featuring Gucci Mane As Third Attention Deficit Single

Date: October 6, 2009

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Complex says: Wale officially releases the moderately-popular Gucci Mane-assisted cut “Pretty Girls” as the third single from his upcoming album Attention Deficit. The song peaks at No. 56 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, leaving Wale heading into his debut album release without a hit single.

Attention Deficit

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Wale’s Debut Album Attention Deficit Is Released

Date: November 10, 2009

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Complex says: His debut album Attention Deficit is released and sells a disappointing 28,000 copies during in its first week. His claims that the album was undershipped. Whatever the reason, the release marks a new career low for Wale.

Man Of The Year

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Named GQ “Man Of The Year” Alongside Drake And Kid Cudi

Date: Dec 2009

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Complex says: Seeking to fulfill their own prophesy that Wale would be “the greatest new rapper since Jay-Z”—GQ magazine honors the rapper with a “Man Of The Year” cover alongside Drake and Kid Cudi. The write-up, which dubs the three Gangsta Killers, praises Wale’s live performance skills and slick-witted lyricism as opposed to rapping about gun violence. This burst of positive publicity helps staunch the bleeding.

More About Nothing

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Releases The More About Nothing Mixtape

Date: August 3, 2010

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Complex says: After the disappointment of Attention Deficit, Wale returns to his strengths and releases his second Seinfeld-themed mixtape More About Nothing. But when the project receives mixed reviews, the future direction of Wale’s career seems very uncertain.

No Hands

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Appears On Waka Flocka Flame’s Smash Single “No Hands”

Date: August 17, 2010

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Complex says: Wale and Roscoe Dash appear on Waka Flocka Flame's smash single “No Hands” off of Waka's hit album Flockaveli. The song tops the Billboard Rap Songs chart and reaches No. 13 on the Hot 100. It also wins “Best Club Banger” at the 2011 BET Hip-Hop Awards. Wale spits a standout verse on the record, and his popularity begins to rebound.

Kid Cudi Cover

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Kid Cudi Provokes Wale In October-November Complex Cover Story

Date: October 2010

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Complex says: In his October-November Complex cover story, Wale’s former friend Kid Cudi speaks candidly about their strained relationship. His statement in reference to Wale, “We don’t fuck with you musically” births an Internet meme. Wale responds by tweeting, “Niggas letting that liquid cocaine get to them... Let’s go then.” But since Cudi’s star had grown bigger than Wale’s, Wale becomes the target of much social-media jesting.

Maybach Music Group

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Announces Via Twitter He Has Signed To Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group

Date: February 5, 2011

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Complex says: Wale tweets that he is officially the newest member of Rick Ross’s Maybach Music imprint. He also clarifies that he is still managed by Roc Nation. Wale is Ross’ biggest signing yet, and the hype surrounding Ross’s co-sign creates surge in popularity for Wale, who now seems overdue for a come-up.

Reconciles

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Reconciles With Kid Cudi Over Twitter

Date: February 28, 2011

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Complex says: Kid Cudi tweets directly at Wale to get his attention, and follows it up by tweeting, “It’s never too late to make things right.” Wale responds with, “We back cuz,” and “GOOD x MMG...Of course.” The two estranged friends then speak on the phone and make amends.

600 Benz

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Drops "600 Benz" Featuring Rick Ross And Jadakiss From The Maybach Music Compilation Album Self Made Vol. 1

Date: April 5, 2011

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Complex says: “600 Benz” is released and the song instantly becomes popular. The accompanying video is released in June. The song proves many things, demonstrating that Wale can adapt to Rick Ross's sound without sacrificing his own. The success of “600 Benz” builds anticipation for Wale's rebirth.

Interview

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Speaks On Kid Cudi Reconciliation, Regaining His Fanbase and Feeling Like The World Hates Him In Complex

Date: April 27, 2011

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Complex says: In an interview with Complex, Wale says Kid Cudi called him and the two squashed their beef like men. He speaks about being misunderstood, even going so far as saying, “Sometimes I wake up and feel like the world hates me.” It’s evident in the interview that his intense thirst for success has been causing him personal stress. But he promises that his next album, Ambition, will be a classic.

Self Made Vol. 1

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The Maybach Music Group Compilation Album Self Made Vol. 1 Is Released

Date: May 23, 2011

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Complex says: With all the new recruits firmly settled in, Maybach Music Group releases Self Made Vol. 1. The album debuts at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 58,900 copies in its first week. Two of the three biggest songs on the album belong to Wale.

he Eleven One Eleven Theory

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Releases The Eleven One Eleven Theory 

Date: August 17, 2011

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Complex says: With a new label and firm release date, Wale begins paving the road to Ambition by releasing The Eleven One Eleven Theory mixtape. The project is made available for download through Jay-Z’s Life And Times website and receives mainly favorable reviews.

That Way

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“That Way” Featuring Jeremih And Rick Ross Is Released As A Single And Video

Date: August 30, 2011

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Complex says: “That Way,” one of the most popular cuts off of Self Made Vol. 1, is finally released as a single with an accompanying video. The song peaks at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, building momentum for Wale just in time for his lead Ambition single to drop.

Lotus Flower Bomb

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Tweets That Ambition Is Finished, Releases The Album’s First Single “Lotus Flower Bomb”

Date: September 28, 2011

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Complex says: Wale tweets a picture of a few Ambition promo items and announces that the album is complete. He also debuts the album’s official lead single “Lotus Flower Bomb,” which cracks the Billboard Hot 100 at 87.

MMG XXL

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Covers October Issue Of XXL With The Rest Of Maybach Music Group

Date: October 2011

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Complex says: The deafening buzz surrounding the self-proclaimed "untouchable Maybach Empire" garners Wale his second XXL cover. The publicity keeps him visible on newstands until Ambition drops.

Ambition

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Ambition Is Released

Date: November 1, 2011

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Complex says: The D.C. native’s second album is released right on schedule. The album sells 163,000 units and is considered both a critical and commercial success. Wale tweets, “163K! I love my fans .. I'm so grateful.. Thank you Thank you... I'm speechless hip hop for life #mmg #boa”

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