Indra Aziz
In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, Wale, a DMV-bred artist renowned for his lyrical prowess, consistent output, and artistic evolution, has once again captured the attention of both critics and fans with his eighth studio album, "Everything Is A Lot." This deeply personal project, released just over five months ago, delves into themes of emotional overload, success, doubt, and profound reflection, showcasing a maturity and introspection that has become a hallmark of his nearly two-decade-long career. The album not only solidifies Wale’s position as one of hip-hop’s most consistent writers but also highlights his growing engagement with the vibrant sounds and visual artistry emerging from the African continent, most notably through his collaboration with Lagos-based alté pioneer Odunsi (The Engine) on the visual for "YSF."
A Career Defined by Longevity and Evolution
Wale’s journey in the music industry began with significant acclaim during the blog era, laying the foundation for a career that has seen him evolve from underground darling to a Grammy-nominated artist. His discography is a testament to his ability to navigate the complexities of identity as a first-generation Nigerian artist, blending introspective storytelling with mainstream success. This latest release, "Everything Is A Lot," represents a significant chapter in this ongoing narrative, offering an 18-track exploration of nuanced emotional landscapes rather than overt sonic aggression. In an era saturated with fleeting trends, the album serves as a potent reminder of Wale’s sharp lyricism and his commitment to artistic substance, proving that evolution does not necessitate a sacrifice of core identity.
"Everything Is A Lot": An Album Born from Collective Experience
The genesis of the album’s title, "Everything Is A Lot," stems from a deeply relatable sentiment that emerged in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Wale explains that the phrase was a genuine response to the complex emotional state many found themselves in as society began to re-engage. "Coming out of the pandemic was a weird time," Wale reflects. "We had to resubscribe to our friends, re-adapt to society. We had to constantly check in on each other. ‘How are things? How’s everything?’ It was hard to answer. ‘Everything is… a lot.’ It was a genuine answer." This sentiment, he notes, resonated universally, making the title a fitting encapsulation of the collective experience and the album’s thematic core. The album’s reception, despite the crowded market, has been overwhelmingly positive, with listeners connecting deeply to its personal nature. "Everyone I talk to has a different favorite song," Wale shares. "I feel I’ve evolved as an artist and my fans have evolved with me. I’m grateful for that."
Bridging Continents: "YSF" and the Power of Pan-African Collaboration
The album’s thematic exploration extends beyond personal introspection, reaching out to embrace a global diasporic identity. The visual for "YSF," a collaboration featuring Odunsi (The Engine) and visual artist Fadekemi Ogunsanya, exemplifies this bridge-building. Shot in Lagos, the video is deeply rooted in Nigerian heritage and the broader concept of global diaspora identity. Odunsi, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s alté movement, is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend genre, art, and direction. The collaboration between Wale, Odunsi, and Ogunsanya creates a shared creative language that honors tradition while looking towards the future of African art and music.
Odunsi, speaking on the genesis of the "YSF" video, notes the natural progression of the collaboration. "It was just a matter of time, to be honest," he states. "We share the same manager, Kazz. He hit me up about the video around two weeks before we shot it and asked if we could make it happen in Lagos. I said yes, put together a plan within a few days, and we made it happen." This swift execution underscores the synergy between the artists.
The visual’s conception was a deliberate act of cultural celebration. "The video was inspired by Adire, which is a traditional Yoruba dyed cloth made in the village," Wale explains. "Any Nigerian can see that and recognize that print, regardless of where in the world you are. Our culture unites us, sometimes that’s through music, other times through textiles." The choice to involve Fadekemi Ogunsanya, a London-based artist, further emphasized the global reach of Nigerian creativity. "Fadekemi has always inspired me because she reminds me of how much I’ve always loved the colour blue, and I see a lot of that same colour in Wale too," Odunsi adds. "So it was a perfect blend of everything my mind was already imagining long before I even thought to bring her work into it."
The Nuance of Success and Fulfillment
Wale’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including platinum records and high-profile collaborations. However, the pursuit of artistic fulfillment remains an ongoing dialogue. In the track "Where To Start," a poignant lyric states, "everything a lot, but not enough though." This sentiment speaks to the inherent tension between achieving external markers of success and the internal drive for further growth and recognition. "I’m always looking to achieve more," Wale admits. "I’ve had platinum records, collaborations with artists that I’m proud of, but, as an artist, you still get the feeling that it’s not enough. I’m ready for my Grammy, and I’m not afraid to say that." This candid expression of ambition underscores his dedication to refining his craft and pushing creative boundaries.
A Shifting Musical Landscape: From Radio Dominance to Algorithmic Fragmentation
Reflecting on the reception of his work across different eras, Wale contrasts the current music landscape with that of his earlier albums like "Ambition" (2011) and "The Gifted" (2013). "Back when ‘Ambition’ and ‘The Gifted’ dropped, it was a different time in music," he observes. "Pop and rap were moving in sync, and what was popular was more centralized through the radio. Now it’s fragmented, different audiences, different algorithms." Despite these shifts, Wale believes that his current audience connects with his music on a deeper, more substantive level. "I think the people who rock with me now understand the music on a deeper level," he posits. "Obviously the sound will always be important, but it’s about the substance too, and I think audiences are re-engaging with how much they missed substance and depth in popular music." He emphasizes that core elements of his artistry – "Writing. Poetry. Musicality. Soul. R&B. Love. Loss." – have always been central to his appeal and continue to resonate.
The Art of Curation: Crafting Live Experiences from an Expansive Catalog
With an extensive catalog encompassing mixtapes, albums, and numerous features, curating a live performance presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Wale likens the process to "playing Tetris," where the goal is to select pieces that best represent his current artistic standing while honoring his past and satisfying fan expectations. "It’s cool to have the ability to edit your own story and pull out different parts of the journey," he notes. "You can’t give them everything, so it’s about discernment, and performing what best represents where you are and still respects where you’ve been, and what you know the fans love." This meticulous approach ensures that each live performance is a dynamic and cohesive narrative, weaving together hits and deep cuts with equal measure.
Navigating Creative Droughts and the Power of Patience
The concept of writer’s block is something Wale approaches with a nuanced perspective. He refrains from labeling it as a "block," instead viewing it as a need for the right context and timing. "I don’t really call it writer’s block, but sometimes you need to wait until you are in the right place to say it," he explains. This philosophy led him to step back for a few years, allowing him to consciously shape the narrative of "Everything Is A Lot." This intentional pause contributed to the album’s profound vulnerability and honesty. He shares instances of working on songs for extended periods, returning to them months later to complete verses, emphasizing that authentic expression cannot be forced.
The Intangible Connection: Odunsi’s Approach to Collaboration
Odunsi (The Engine), a key figure in the burgeoning alté scene, has also cultivated a diverse collaborative discography, working with artists across various genres. He describes his selection process as intuitive, relying on a "healthy gut" and an intangible connection with fellow creatives. "I have a very healthy gut – it helps with that," he states. "I’d be honest and say it’s very intangible. I used to think I could define it, but now I’m realizing it’s probably just more divine than anything else." This approach has allowed him to forge meaningful artistic partnerships that push creative boundaries.
Embracing Multidisciplinarity: Odunsi’s Artistic Philosophy
Reflecting on his early days in groups like LOS and DRB LasGidi, Odunsi emphasizes the transferable nature of creative skills. He advises his younger self, and others, that "there’s no one form of expression." He elaborates, "If you can express yourself one way, you can probably channel that into another medium. If you play the trumpet really well, there are things about playing the trumpet that would make you an amazing janitor. The skill of mastery transfers." This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of artistic disciplines and the value of embracing a multidisciplinary approach.
His early experiences crafting beats on his mother’s computer instilled a profound understanding of dedication, rather than discipline. "Honestly, it didn’t teach me anything about discipline," Odunsi recalls. "What it taught me is that when you really love or want something, things that might not seem fair can become fair to you. It makes me think about war and love in that way – both demand everything from you, and somehow you give it willingly."
The "YSF" Video: A Tapestry of Global Nigerian Identity
The visual for "YSF" is a powerful testament to the collaborative spirit of globally dispersed Nigerian creatives. Shot in Lagos, the video was a harmonious blend of influences and perspectives. Odunsi credits his community in Lagos for fostering an environment where ambitious creative endeavors are possible. "Every day I wake up luckier than I was the day before because of my community in Lagos," he says. "I have people around me that make me feel like I could do anything." He specifically highlights the contributions of his Director of Photography, Carlos, and the collaborative energy with Fadekemi Ogunsanya and Wale.
The visual’s intentionality is evident in its deliberate close-ups and carefully curated color palette. Odunsi clarifies that the goal was not to be cryptic but to openly celebrate African textile art. "I think it’s pretty clear that we are celebrating African textile art," he states. "I didn’t want to hide anything – this wasn’t the kind of piece I wanted to be cryptic with, because I know it’s time we celebrate African textile art out loud." The film "The Color of Pomegranates" also served as an inspirational touchstone for the visual’s aesthetic.
As both artist and director, Odunsi navigates the balance between his visual instincts and the song’s emotional core by identifying what the music has yet to express. "I don’t try to navigate it. I just look at what’s missing – what the music hasn’t said yet – and I put it in the visuals," he explains. "It’s like filling up a pocket. Twenty candy wrappers can fill the same pocket that only two phones will."
"Everything Is A Lot": A Status Update in Wale’s Artistic Narrative
Wale views "Everything Is A Lot" as a definitive "status update" in his artistic journey. Each project, he explains, serves as a timestamp of his life at that particular moment. This album offers his audience another intimate glimpse into his mindset and his ongoing experiences. The widespread resonance of the album, from his long-time supporters to new fans, underscores its impact. "This album is like a status update," Wale concludes. "Every project I put out is like a time stamp of where I was at that point in my life. ‘Everything Is A Lot’ represents my latest chapter. It gives people another glance into my mind and what I’ve been up to. And a lot of people have resonated with it, from my day ones to new fans, so I appreciate all of the love."
The release of "Everything Is A Lot" signifies not just a new collection of songs but a deepening of Wale’s artistic voice and a powerful demonstration of his commitment to authentic storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration, further solidifying his enduring legacy in the music industry.
