#Repost BET.com: Wale’s ‘SHINE’ Is a Testament to the Importance of Weathering the Storm

Originally published here on BET.com. Reposted to Wale's 5.4M followers on Twitter. 

Wale is in a really good mood.

In fact, the D.C. native is so excited, he's practically doing the internet equivalent of shouting from the rooftops — no f**ks given — and the best part is, the neighbors don't even mind. Nope, not this time.

That type of feel-good energy is not only infectious, but it's littered throughout his fifth studio album, SHINE. In fact, Wale himself couldn't even contain his excitement; he chose to push up the project's release by a whole week, making  the bold announcement for fans during an exclusive preview of the project with Genius, much to to the eye-opening surprise of his label, Atlantic Records. Some way, somehow, stars aligned, emails were sent, assumingly no one was fired and the project dropped. He was sick of waiting. It was time. Luckily, in Wale's words, all went well, with the project officially arriving on Friday (April 28).

The 14-track collection of tracks has since been met with praise from the likes of Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Meek Mill and more, in addition to the unrelenting support from his ever-growing fanbase. In a music climate that is so deadset on pitting rappers against each other — i.e. the internet recently egging on Drake to beef with Kendrick Lamar — seeing such outward support is not only refreshing, it feels genuine. The reason why is simple: Wale is someone we all want to see win.

The recording artist has not always embraced the sky being this blue and the future so bright and has frequently keep it increasingly 100 with his fans. He even took to social media earlier this year to air his frustrations about the "fake" music industry and to admit he was entertaining the idea of quitting once and for all. While his unfiltered commentary was grim, pointing out how negatives always seem to garner more attention than the positives and how the industry will "kill you and then worship you when you're gone," somewhere along the way, Wale changed his mind. He's still here and his album is not only getting airplay, but it’s evident the project’s creator is really proud of this one.

With Wale finally enjoying the fruits of his labor a year and a half after the album was first announced, it's indisputable that every billboard advertisement, every stream, every purchase, has been earned. From releasing an onslaught of mixtapes in the late-2000s to his 2009 major label debut, Attention Deficit, to calling Maybach Music Group home two years later to achieving his first No. 1 debut with 2013's The Gifted to releasing a Seinfeld-inspired mixtape, a consistent theme throughout Wale's music has been him looking to find himself and constantly evolving every time he steps into the studio as a result.

Such a stubborn quest, both as a musician and an individual, paired with heavyweight collaborations ranging from working with the likes of Lady Gaga, Gucci Mane, Bun B, John Mayer, Kid Cudi, Rick Ross and dozens of other artists throughout the past ten years, have resulted in Wale, for lack of a better term, being an absolute wild card musically, and one with a soft spot for go-go music at that. Such versatility and welcomed chaos has resulted in the fact that many fans simply don't know where to place Wale in their mind or in their playlists alike. Somehow, though, he fits. Although it has been far from easy, he's long proven that he's much more than just another rapper, and in that, has been met with mixed reception, all while fighting his way to the top determined to find his footing in the music industry.

Considering he previously stated how he was stabbed in the back, lied to and taken advantage of the entire climb, this album feels as though it was not only released on his terms personally, but was created with him in full control artistically. That alone is enough to make each and every spin feel that much more enjoyable and celebratory.

On SHINE, Wale dances between crafting radio-friendly pop-leaning singles (“MY PYT,” “My Love,” “Running Back”) and using treated vocals to wax poetic over lavish trap beats (“Thank God,” “Columbia Heights (Te Llamo),” “Mathematics,” “Fish N Grits”). There's not a sole direction he's going in on this album, with each track dictating its own vibe reminiscent of a non-committal playlist simultaneously designed for long drives, the club and the summer months ahead. Additionally, the producers he tapped for this project weave between up-and-coming and old school talents, such as Cool & Dre, 808-Ray, Don Cannon, Christian Rich, Mike Dean, Rio and Nez, among others.

With a star-studded array of appearances from the likes of Weezy, Chris Brown, G-Eazy, J Balvin, Travis Scott, Major Lazer, WizKid, Dua Lipa, DaVido, Olamide and Phil Adé, Wale lets each featured guest do what they do best, giving off the feel that when it came time to collaborate, the process was a very open one. Such a pretense results in the strongest collaborations, with Wale playing up to everyone's respective talents and having some fun himself.

While some of the tracks may not take off on the charts the way they are designed to, the hooks are still written in gold and the diverse production is immensely engaging. Such qualities, however, may result in the album disappointing some of his harder-to-please fans, with the main critiques being the scattered direction (and therefore lack of identity) of the project or that Wale sacrificed his indie roots to appease a Top 40 listener. Regardless of those choices, it's without a doubt that the project was executed well. As evidenced on SHINE, despite having spent over a decade to arrive to this very point in his career, Wale will never lose any points for creativity or for experimenting with a plethora of styles.

In fact, it’s beyond commendable that while he has shared he’s tired at this stage in his career, SHINE proves the exact opposite to be true.

Wale also covers singer-rapper ground with his songwriting. Utilizing a wide variety of melodies and stretching the adaptive skill of his veteran pen game, it becomes evident he's been a student of the mainstream perhaps now more than ever. In many ways, one cannot fault Wale for this, but the industry at large. Ironically, much like the artist himself has previously challenged, SHINE poses the question of how an artist can find success in winning over an increasingly disengaged audience accustomed to loosie singles while arguably delivering just that.

Though he's created a project designed for light-hearted listening, Wale is still exposing his heart, and this helps to separate him from the cookie-cutter pack. The passion found within this project is its strongest suit; something that he has proudly attributed to the birth of his baby girl, Zyla Moon, who also makes her official debut on the project's outro, "Smile."

"I wear my heart right on my sleeve in real life and I'm super open wit my feelings," Wale shared back in September 2016, when he first introduced the world to what he now calls "the best thing [he'll] ever create," his daughter.

"I got to do better, I got to make changes..." he continued. "Maybe I lost all my faith in humanity. Maybe I got to work on being happier... I'm gonna fix what gotta be fix one way or another.. I have to DO BETTER. SHINE is what I have to train myself to do .. And God willing I will. If not for me.. For Her.."

Now that SHINE has been set free into the wild, it's safe to say that this album marks a full circle moment for Wale, and as a result, the music is that much better.

After all, what's dope art without the come-up?

#Repost XXLMag.com: 7 Rappers Who Think Kendrick Lamar Is One of the Best Rappers Alive Read More: 7 Rappers Who Think Kendrick Lamar Is One of the Best Rappers Alive

Originally published here on XXLMag.com.

With the release of his highly anticipated and already critically acclaimed fourth studio album, DAMN., Kendrick Lamar is increasingly finding himself at the center of conversations discussing his rightful place in the best rappers of all-time category.

When it comes to the heated debate regarding who the GOAT is in hip-hop, ardent rap fans can lose friendships over such deeply personal subject matter, so it’s not a title to be taken lightly. However, as the Compton rapper is consistently proving with each release, he’s more than worthy to be in the running for best rapper alive.

As fans, fellow artists and critics alike continue to digest Kung Fu Kenny’s latest creative offering and sing the rapper’s praises, many can’t help but build a sturdy argument that he is one of the best to ever do it. When it comes to such a coveted crown, there are a variety of factors to consider, ranging from lyrical content to vocal delivery to technical skill to consistency to chart performance to timelessness to cultural influence, with each an integral part of what makes one MC rise above the rest to secure the status of a legend. Like many debates, criteria is subjective, but K. Dot has continuously cemented his hard-earned prominence as one of rap music’s ever-evolving pioneers with each album he’s dropped.

While the MC’s most recent magnum opus, DAMN., is elevating his career and legacy to new heights, rappers such as Wale, Vince Staples, Travis Scott and more have been putting more and more respect on K. Dot’s name—before DAMN. even saw the light of day. Regardless of whether he may already be a permanent fixture in fans’ top 5 DOA or still has work to do to claim his rightful position on the throne, the argument denying his legacy is growing incredibly thin; it’s something that a handful of today’s rappers themselves are admitting as they discuss his artistry and role in contemporary hip-hop.

With solid bars and a creativity that knows no bounds, XXL takes a look at an inevitably growing list of rappers who have hailed Kendrick Lamar as one of the best rappers alive.

#Repost Billboard.com x Spotify New Music Friday: April 21

Originally published here on Billboard.com. 

Every week, Spotify updates their "New Music Friday" playlist, featuring 50 of the freshest new tracks hitting the service that week.

On the heels of Billboard's partnership with the streaming giant, we'll be tapping Spotify's editors to sift through the soon-to-be-hits and highlight the best of the bunch.

Check out the picks and listen to the entire "New Music Friday" playlist for April 21 below.

Charlie Puth - "Attention"

25-year-old singer-songwriter Charlie Puth has been experiencing a nonstop whirlwind of success since first gaining viral exposure on YouTube. With his 2016 debut album, Nine Track Mind, certified gold and birthing platinum-selling records such as "Marvin Gaye" featuring Meghan Trainor and the Selena Gomez-assisted "We Don't Talk Anymore," it is safe to say he's come a long way in a short amount of time -- even scoring three Grammy nominations for his Furious 7 collaboration with Wiz Khalifa, “See You Again.”

Now that the pop singer has spent several years navigating his way past the challenges that come with first breaking out into the music landscape as a young artist, he's showing how he's now further coming into his own, with his latest offering, "Attention," a polished display of his talents. As he continues to refine both his songwriting and his vocal delivery with each release leading up to his sophomore album, he also will be testing the waters of a demanding tour schedule again, joining Shawn Mendes' Illuminate World Tour this summer. While Puth had to previously cancel a slew of tour dates this past October and November due to being sick, these new tour dates and the building anticipation surrounding his sophomore album further proves how all too often taking a step back is integral to being able to take two tremendous leaps forward.

Pairing his new single with a trippy pop-up art installation in Los Angeles called The Attention Room, the singer explores the phenomenon surrounding receiving attention, an element of the human experience that everyone can relate to, process and handle differently. When talking about the inspiration behind the bass guitar riff-laden pop ballad "Attention," Puth explained the importance of countering the addictive aspect of social media with walks in nature, all while encouraging his fans to put their phone away from time to time. "It’s so important to realize your surroundings," the singer shared in a recent interview with People. "If we’re going on a hike and you’re running around trying to get in shape, smell the air in nature. You don’t have to always look in your phone. That’s the main thing." As he sings in the track, "You just want attention / You don't want my heart," there's a wisdom that comes with knowing the difference types of attention and their intentions, as well as when to walk away, shut the phone off and get lost in the real world.

Paramore - "Hard Times"

While Paramore has danced between their own variations of rock-infused pop-punk over the years, the consistency that remains is their infectious high energy and ability to always make it be about the music first and foremost. As they experiment with their sound, their personality never strays far from the picture, and their youthful demeanor is impossible to ignore. Paramore in the year 2017 is just as refreshing as ever, as exemplified by their new single, "Hard Times."

The group plays with polar opposites lyrically, pairing the somewhat somber nature of the song's concept with a drastically contrasting 80s-inspired midtempo feel-good soundscape. The song at times feels like a beautiful marriage between the Talking Heads and Blondie, with Paramore updating their sound effortlessly as they continue evolving over time. With "Hard Times" marking the group's first new material in four years, pairing the single with the announcement of their forthcoming fifth studio album, After Laughter, out May 11, Paramore is treading new waters with veteran skill and adolescent attitude. With the infectious quality of "Hard Times" inspiring a jump-on-the-bed and use a hairbrush as a microphone type of vibe, Paramore's new chapter is a testament to what can happen not only when you weather the storm, but when you let yourself dance in the rain as well.

Big Boi - "Mic Jack" featuring Adam Levine

Big Boi knows exactly what this year could use: a little disruption from the Boomiverse. With the announcement of his third solo project (titled Boomiverse), the rapper -- best known for his involvement in the iconic hip hop duo Outkast alongside Andre 3000 -- is gearing up to cause a problem, make a scene and get the dance floor moving simultaneously. The first single off off Boomiverse features none other than Maroon 5's beloved frontman, Adam Levine, and together the two expertly combine their talents, with "Mic Jack" as ruthless as it is polished and as funky as it is fierce.

With production handled by DJ Dahi and DJ Khalil, the powerhouse collaboration is a likely contender to climb the charts, with its catchy hook further seasoned by an onslaught of synths, commanding kick-drums and deliciously weird robotic effects, all tied together by Big Boi's familiar flow and commanding presence. The song also features a subtle nod to Michael Jackson, both lyrically and in its beat, with the Southern general and the pop veteran's chemistry together the song's strongest suit. As we've witnessed with Daddy Fat Saxxx's previous collaborations, such as with Phantogram and throughout the course of his two decades making music, his creativity truly knows no bounds and arguably is strengthened by whom he selectively chooses to work with and build off of. This track is no different, with Big Boi and Adam Levine both shooting for the moon and instead, happily landing on a dance floor showered by a disco ball's timeless shimmer.

Lana Del Rey - "Lust For Life" featuring The Weeknd

Lana Del Rey has finally broken her featureless streak, with The Weeknd being invited as the first official guest collaborator to appear on her discography. With the exciting news of her upcoming fifth studio album Lust For Life and her new single of the same name, the 31-year-old is gearing up to cast a spell on listeners once again. With her hypnotic and mesmerizing voice, the beloved singer draws inspiration from the 60s, as she and the Weeknd come together for an intermittent, layered duet.

The sensual track transitions lyrically from being a self-declared anthem offering sound wisdom to the likes of a fantastical daydream, with the song's storyline melting all together as it finds balance simultaneously. With Del Rey a master of stylistic quirks, with her idiosyncratic methodology arguably her strongest creative suit as a performer and a songwriter, "Lust For Life" invites that nostalgic-yet-futuristic quality she has long been reputed for as indie pop's hopeless romantic. With the Weeknd's skillful falsetto whimsically woven along with Del Rey's distinctive emotive vocal delivery, the charm their individual talents hold is amplified whenever they join forces. As details regarding Del Rey's album continue to reveal themselves, this captivating duet has us eager to see where the near-future will take us next, both for Lana and for the bigger picture alike.

Jillian Jacqueline - "Reasons"

While many are fondly referring to emerging country singer Jillian Jacqueline as a representative of the New Nashville, a pioneering title she is owning as her own with each new release, it'd be an injustice to not point out that she has been in it for the long haul. First exploring her interest in the arts at the age of 9, acting on Broadway as part of the Kenny Rogers' "Christmas From the Heart," Jacqueline later went on to score her first charting single in 2001, further securing her passion and destiny to pursue a career in music.

Since moving to Nashville in 2010 to pursue music full-time and begin establishing her career as solo artist, Jacqueline has been developing her artistry and perfecting her live show ever since. With the release of her first single of the new year, "Reasons," picking up where she last left off with her 2016 self-titled EP, as we get to know Jacqueline more through her music, it's undeniable she is not only a singer wise beyond her years, but also is only just getting started. As she consistently raises her own bar higher, with a dedication to only releasing songs of top-tier quality, her ability to balance her blatant honesty with unshakeable optimism -- as well as her knack for tackling themes we all can relate to with an utter coolness -- is helping separate her from the pack of the next class of country mainstays. Existing happily in lane all her own, drawing inspiration from her classic country roots and today's pop music landscape alike, Jillian Jacqueline's new single gives us plenty of reasons why we can't wait for her to release her long-awaited full-length debut album. Watch this space!