Ralph Folarin
Wale introduced himself to the masses at an interesting time in Hip-Hop. While using the web wasn’t a new way for artists to break music, they were beginning to leverage online popularity and turning it into major label opportunities.
Wale joined Drizzy and Cudder on the trip from the farm league minors to the big show. Drake joined Lil Wayne’s Young Money collective while Cudi linked with Kanye’s Good Music team — both affiliations proved to be the fuel needed to kick both careers into high gear.
Mr. Folarin did it on his own and for the most part, on his own terms.
If phase one was internet assisted independence and phase two was signing on the dotted line, then phase three is joining the juggernaut movement that is Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group. Different platform but the same message delivered with invigorated enthusiasm.
As unlikely as it may have seemed at the time, Wale’s new partnership has proven to be as fruitful as it is exciting. ‘Play Your Part’, ‘Pandemonium’, ‘600 Benz’ and ‘By Any Means’ make it clear that Wale and friends, Meek Mill, Pill and of course Rozay, are on a quest to own the summer.
Maybach Music’s ‘Self Made’ due May 23rd
Wale invited me down to a studio session while in Boston where I interviewed him and Black Cobain for Karmaloop TV. Interview coming soon.
Black Cobain is up next.
Mr. Folarin in the hot seat
Follow: @BlackCobain
Check out Black Cobain ‘4am’ featuring Wale
Photos by: OHWRD
