Wale Folarin

      Many Hip Hop pioneers and enthusiasts have the opinion that “Hip Hop is dead”. The validity of such a statement has to be questioned with great lyricists like Wale. On December 24th, 2012 Wale released his brand new mix tape entitled Folarin. The mix tape includes 21 tracks with collaborations from 2 Chainz, Chrisette Michelle, Scarface, Rick Ross, French Montana and more.
     Wale’s management team has a good track record of choosing the perfect release date for Wale’s work. For example, in 2011 he used 11.1.11 as a great numerical tool to market his mixtape The Eleven One Eleven Theory. Now he is supplying a musical gift to his fans on Christmas Eve.
       I’ve always enjoyed the lyrical content of Wale’s projects, and his lyrical consistency was definitely maintained in this mix tape. One of my favorite songs from Folarin is “Bad”, which features Tiara Thomas. The two of them have previously worked together on a song called “The Cloud” from Wale’s More about Nothing mixtape. “Bad” discusses the common relationship issues of our generation; one issue in particular is the connection between commitment and sexual relations. In the Chorus, Thomas plays a woman who confesses to being a bad girl. There is a pun on the term “Bad” referring to the physical/sexual meaning, and the literal definition of being a “Bad” girl.
      Another great track from this mix tape is “Cool Off”, which features a rising artists Jhene Aiko. One of my favorite quotes from this song is “Spoil me with your consistency”; I find this to be a great way to start a song. This song talks about mutual respect in relationships, and it is definitely a tune that brings good vibes.
      Fans have watched Wale carefully to make sure he doesn’t water down his music lyrically, especially after Wale joined with Mayback Music group in 2011. Folarin doesn’t top my favorite Wale mix tape More About Nothing, but it is definitely good music.