Attention Deficit
With his wit and old-school rhyme influences, Wale resembles his contemporaries Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco, both of whom embrace innovation and tradition with equal regard. Still, *Attention Deficit* is less insular than *The Cool* or *Man On the Moon*. Even though Wale is interested in changing rap, he is a rapper to the core, and for all its dazzling sonic detours, his major- label debut is ultimately a showcase of rhyme skills. He has the swiftness and enthusiasm of a rookie, and his boasts in “Triumph” are marvelous: “Me against you the movie of the year / ‘Cause you slum dawg and I\'m the millionaire / Their buzz internet and mines in her net / Should know I\'m winnin’ that Chanel fitted cap.” The cross-genre appeal of *Attention Deficit* is confirmed by its guest list. Southern street-rap heroes Bun B and Gucci Mane appear alongside the pop stars Pharrell and Lady GaGa and modern-day divas Chrisette Michele and Jazmine Sullivan. Best of all, “Pretty Girls,” “Prescription” and “Shades” seamlessly incorporate the go-go rhythms of Wale’s native D.C., a nice hometown touch.
After three mixtapes-- highlighted by 2008's triumphant and savvy The Mixtape About Nothing-- Wale finally issues his debut LP.
Underground hip-hop reveres A Tribe Called Quest, but in a post-Kanye West world, there’s no longer any shame in both blowing up and going pop. Take Washington D.C.’s Wale, for example. After building a serious buzz through mixtapes like 100 Miles & Running and the vaguely Seinfeld-themed The Mixtape About Nothing—and…
A quick-witted and diverse rapper able to deliver punch lines at breakneck speed, Washington, D.C.'s Wale debuted and then thrived in the underground mixtape world, releasing a handful of well-received full-lengths before getting to work on his official major-label debut.
Attention Deficit may be one of the best rap releases of the year, even while it lacks the focus of a central persona.
Wale - Attention Deficit review: A successful, albeit uneven major label debut.