Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, known as Wale, is an American rapper born on September 21, 1984. He rose to fame with “Dig Dug (Shake It)” in 2006 and later signed to Mark Ronson’s Allido Records. His debut album Attention Deficit (2009) featured Lady Gaga.
He gained further success with “No Hands” (with Roscoe Dash and Waka Flocka Flame) and joined Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group. Albums like Ambition, The Gifted, and The Album About Nothing brought chart-topping hits, including “Lotus Flower Bomb”, “Bad”, and “On Chill”.
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Wale Net Worth
Wale has a net worth of $4 million. He first gained fame in 2006 with his song “Dig Dug (Shake It).” After leaving Atlantic Records in February 2018, he released the surprise four-track EP It’s Complicated on March 13, 2018, followed by the EP Self Promotion on May 8, 2018, featuring Jacquees.
Signed to Warner Records in May, he dropped the EP Free Lunch on September 14, with Eric Bellinger and J. Cole. His sixth album, Wow… That’s Crazy, came out in October 2019, including the single “On Chill.” In 2021, he released Folarin II.
Early life
Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, born September 21, 1984, in Washington, D.C., is of Yoruba Nigerian descent. Raised in Brightwood before moving to Montgomery County, he graduated from Quince Orchard High School and attended Robert Morris, Virginia State, and Bowie State University on football scholarships, later dropping out.
He is a cousin of actor Gbenga Akinnagbe. His breakout came with “Dig Dug (Shake It)”, a tribute to Ronald “Dig Dug” Dixon, which gained heavy radio play and appeared on his first mixtape, Paint a Picture.
Career
In an interview, Wale said he incorporates go-go elements in his music. Cyril Cordor of AllMusic described go-go as a raw, percussion-driven offshoot of disco from Washington, D.C. Wale’s early singles heavily sampled 1990s go-go records and gained local play.
Reviewing Attention Deficit, David Jeffries noted Wale’s “post-Kanye, post-Lil Wayne, alternative-meets-hardcore style.” His single “Chillin'” featuring Lady Gaga samples the 1969 hit “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”, creating an instant floor-filler.
Personal life
Wale is a fan of the Washington Wizards and Washington Commanders. An avid professional wrestling fan, he often includes wrestling references in his songs.
He hosts the annual WaleMania during WrestleMania weekend and has appeared on WWE TV. In 2017, he hosted a rap battle between The New Day and The Usos on Smackdown Live, and in 2018, he was guest commentator on 205 Live. He escorted The Street Profits in 2019 and Big E at WrestleMania 37, also performing Big E’s theme song.
What happened to Wale the rapper?
In recent years, Wale took a brief hiatus but announced his return to music in 2023 with new projects, showcasing his enduring passion for the art form and his readiness to reengage with his fanbase.
Conclusion
Wale’s journey from a Washington, D.C., local talent to a nationally recognized rapper is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to one’s roots. With a net worth of $4 million and a discography that spans genres and themes, Wale remains a significant figure in the hip-hop community, celebrated for his lyrical ingenuity and the cultural richness of his music.
FAQs about Wale
- What was Wale’s breakout song?
- Wale’s breakout song was “Dig Dug (Shake It),” which became a hit in his hometown of Washington, D.C.
- Has Wale won any music awards?
- Wale has received several nominations and awards throughout his career, including BET Awards and a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song.
- What themes does Wale explore in his music?
- Wale’s music often explores themes of identity, social issues, and the complexity of relationships, all while paying homage to his African heritage and love for sports.
- How has Wale contributed to the music industry beyond his albums?
- Beyond his own discography, Wale has contributed to the music industry through collaborations with artists across various genres, and by bringing attention to go-go music on a national level.
- What is Wale’s latest project?
- As of 2023, Wale has announced his return to music with new projects, signaling an exciting next chapter for the rapper and his fans.
