Wale - Folarin II (Album)

Grammy-nominated rap star, actor and advocate Wale releases his long-awaited album Folarin II, a versatile, yet cohesive constellation of braggadocious bars, soul-baring romantic confessionals, and moving social commentary. Full of dynamic lyricism, stylish production, and studded with features from J. Cole, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, and more, Folarin II fortifies Wale’s status as one of the defining artists of his generation.

For his latest Warner Records album, Wale flips between sounds and moods, dipping into flirty wordplay and mid-2000s R&B samples one moment (“Poke It Out” with J. Cole and “Angles” with Chris Brown) and triumphant, yet reflective tracks the next (“Tiffany Nike” and “Light Years” with Rick Ross). On “Poke It Out,” he cruises over a sample of Q-Tip’s “Vivrant Thing” for a playful single, trading slick bars with Cole. Wale’s album-length balancing act is a testament to his skills as a writer and to his well-honed taste as a curator, qualities that helped him elevate to his place as one of rap’s premier tastemakers. It’s a position he’s maintained since bursting onto the scene over a decade ago and it’s one he’s steadily reminded fans of over the last few years.