XXL’s Sneak Preview of Wale’s ‘The Gifted’

On Monday (June 3), Wale hosted an intimate listening session at the movie theater level of Bryant Park Hotel, located in Midtown Manhattan. Three weeks away from The Gifted's June 25 release date, the D.C. native invited journalists and hip-hop’s influential figures to preview the album. D’USSE was served in red MMG-labeled cups, and comfort food ranging from chicken fingers to turkey burger sliders added to the event's casual ambiance.

Wale was ecstatic to show off his latest body of work, which he referred to as his version of Jay-Z's Blueprint. Sway, Angie Martinez, DJ Khaled and Giants’ wide receiver Victor Cruz were just a few of those who came to show their support, in addition to his MMG cohorts Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Stalley and Rockie Fresh.

Before opening up to The Gifted’s intro, Rozay described Wale’s tireless work ethic to the audience, explaining "He went into the bat cave. Didn’t speak to my homie for a few months.” Then, Wale took center stage and thoroughly talked about his direction of the genre he deems "new black soul" for The Gifted. Focusing on live instrumentation and unique sounds, the MMG rapper seemed set to prove his evolution as an artist. “I’m challenging the listener to get into it,” he says.

Wale didn't play The Gifted in it's entirety, though we certainly heard enough to report back to you on what to expect. Here's a look at 10 of the 16 songs on Wale's third studio LP.—Eric Diep (@E_Diep), with additional reporting by Emmanuel C.M., (@ECM_LP)

"The Curse Of The Gifted"

Wale aimed to set the tone of his new album with a bang. Before playing the intro, he explained the inspiration behind the album cover designed by Mister Cartoon. Nowadays, he says, fans vandalize the greats and don’t appreciate artists who are progressing. “The Curse Of The Gifted” introduces what Wale called "New Black Soul." The song’s production plays off loud horns and pulsating percussions, while Wale serves up his most provocative rhymes yet. “You only fuck with my old shit because I’m on shit,” he raps.

"Sunshine"

After “The Curse Of The Gifted,” Wale decided to inject just about everything that makes a summery record. Once again, he toys with intricate sounds and big basslines that uplift the listener. The plan works as if it was done to evoke feeling of “when things are good,” he tells us. It’s also dedicated to his late cousin who passed away.

"Heaven's Afternoon" ft. Meek Mill

In one of two tracks that feature his MMG compadres, Wale and Meek Mill go off on “Heaven’s Afternoon.” Folarin builds upon the concept of coming from nothing to something. “Started from the bottom/Now, I’m rich and it’s a problem.” The two trade back and forth bars and the chemistry's on-point.

"Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece)"

Inspired by Nas' "God Love Us" Wale taps into his religious side on "Golden Salvation," using faith as a beacon for all the hardships he faces now. On this track, you want to pay attention to the lyrics since he hits on touchy subjects worthy of further analyzation. A lyric of note: “Stone me for my sins, and now they stone me for my oohs and ahhs.”

"Vanity"

“Vanity” is one of the main focal points of Wale’s album cover. The track itself is the polar opposite of “Golden Salvation,” in that he embraces his success. Although Wale played the first half of “Vanity,” he says it goes deeper than the song’s strong hook: “Look at me, look at me/look at how much vanity you see.” Judging from his emphasis on the line (“Chain so big I can’t pop my collar”), this song aims to provoke.

"Gullible" ft. Cee-Lo Green

Wrapped around a groovy bass line, the soulful "Gullible" is one of the album's finer moments. Here, Wale takes on the media, and the public's infatuation with celebrity gossip. During the event, Wale shared a story about being cyber-bullied by the work of some Photoshop experts, which led to him having to address misleading stories in the media.

"Clappers" ft. Nicki Minaj & Juicy J

This wouldn’t be a Wale album without a bit of Go-Go. Not one to shy away from making strip club hits, Wale grabs Juicy J and Nicki Minaj for “Clappers.” The thumping track steps into booty-popping territory and accelerates with fiery verses by both of his guests. You’ll definitely be hearing this in the clubs soon.

"Bad (Remix)" ft. Rihanna

Wale released the remix to his “Bad,” which is his second highest-charting single as a solo artist since “Lotus Flower Bomb,” yesterday. Wale and Rih Rih go back and forth about their attractions for the opposite sex. He also tells listeners about the creative process behind writing all new verses for the revamped version. Take note of Wale’s second verse because he wrote it with Rihanna in mind. Interestingly enough, Wale and Rihanna made the remix during a late night studio session after going clubbing.

"Rotation"

A slow-burning record featuring 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa. The hypnotic production sees each MC drop their own signature blend of braggadocio and Shawn Corey, a.k.a. Jay-Z gets a shout out here, with Wale stating that they made millions together.

"Simple Man"

Wale wrapped up the listening session with "Simple Man" the song he claimed to be most proud of on The Gifted. Dabbling in production for the first time, “Simple Man” is a boom-bap affair, a song he said was heavily influenced by Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt, adding that it “changed his life.” Paying homage to golden era hip-hop, the record displays sharp lyricism over basic production.