DMV'S Unappreciated Rap Savior

Writer’s Note: I originally started writing this a year ago. For some reason I didn’t have it in me to finish so I kept it in my drafts. These are old thoughts and have nothing to do currently with my opinions on the state of music in the DMV area.

Is it possible to be the most accomplished and underrated at the same time? If so, rapper Wale would hold that title as far as the DMV rap scene pertains. 

The number of rappers from the DMV area who have gained national prominence has grown tenfold since the beginning of the last decade and the success of Wale has much, if not all to do with it. 

The DMV doesn’t have the legends or history of cities the like of Los Angeles or New York when it comes to rap. DC, Maryland and Virginia north of Richmond never had a Scarface, Uncle Luke or Eminem to represent and introduce the rest of the nation to the culture and music scene like those mentioned above did for their cities. It’s not like rap didn’t know about DC, Biggie & Bad Boy were all up and running through Howard homecoming. Jay Z was down in Georgetown with a Hoya chick, loyal chick moving weight all throughout the DMV before it was nationally referred to as such. 

To hear a DMV rapper played on the airwaves outside of the DMV area doesn’t seem strange today but that wasn’t always the case. Wale was the first person in the area to become a household name while representing the DMV. The beginning of his major label career, when he signed to Interscope Records in 2007, wasn’t just a reflection of his talent as a rapper but a representation of a whole region. He was the face of rap in one of the largest markets in the country and in his own words treated like a sixth man.

Competition I ain’t winning but admit it, I’m still in it though

Should’ve been an all-star, I’m Crawford for Interscope

Em starting, 50 starting, Gaga, Game starting

And Will.I.A. and the Peas, the sixth man I am, yall;

- The SOUP (2010), Wale  

All of this surely played a part in the lack of commercial success for Wale’s debut album, Attention Deficit, which sold 28,000 copies the first week it was released. 

For many of rappers this could’ve been the end. A flop on your major debut album, with features at the time from some of the hottest names in music - Gaga, Bun B and Pharrell to name just a few.

It’s important to remember that DC’s rap scene during this time was minuscule in comparison to neighboring major cities such as Philly & New York. The DMV didn’t have the collective energy and unity of Atlanta or Houston. Wale was essentially the rapper for streets, the backpackers and the creatives. Due to that it felt at times Wale could never do or be enough for all those that he represented.

He pushed through and whether it was questions about whether he was from DC proper or whether he was doing enough to advance the local music culture nationally as his fame rose, Wale kept pushing forward and bringing the DMV along.

Wale was able to do that though, he brought UCB to perform with him as his House band during the 2009 VMA’s. He cosigned upcoming local rappers the likes of Fat Trel & Shy Glizzy. The number of videos shot in and around the DMV.

The fortunes of the rapper who would come to be the defining sound of the district and surrounding areas would change when he signed to Rick Ross label, Maybach Music late 2010. Wale may not have been the first rapper thought of when complementing Rick Ross & Meek Mill, but his differing style both rap and lifestyle wise made them the perfect trio for the age of backpack and trap rap blending.

It was a beneficial relationship for all. Wale after signing with MMG in 2010 would go on to release two number one albums under the label (The Gifted & The Album About Nothing) and another album, Ambition which peaked at no. 2 on the billboard charts. 

Outside of his own success, Wale also has done his part to bring shine to local artists. Since 2012, Wale has held his annual Wale and friends new year day gig at the Fillmore giving local rappers and artists a chance to perform in front of a sellout crowd

In 2020 you probably have heard a Cordae or Q Da Fool song and that is in large part a testament to what Wale has been able to accomplish over the past 15years.