We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
Though the writing has been on the wall for a few months now, Rap Radar reports (via Wale‘s Twitter, naturally) that Wale has officially inked a deal with Rick Ross‘ fledgling Maybach Music labe. Let’s briefly consider the ups and downs of this situation:
Pros: Wale now has more direct access to Southern-style production where, as we’ve mentioned before, he’s actually very comfortable—-the prospect of a Wale x Lex Luger collab is exciting; Wale now has a formal and significant co-signature within the hip-hop nation—-Ross will be able to promote him to actual rap fans as opposed to Mark Ronson and Jimmy Iovine, who often pushed him as a dance/pop crossover act; Rick Ross doesn’t have Lady Gaga‘s phone number; Rick Ross does have Meek Mill‘s phone number.
Cons: Wale’s music will likely move even further away from anything resembling a DMV aesthetic; the high likelihood that Wale will never actually release an album under an imprint that barely exists; the potential involvement of DJ Khaled; the fact that Wale is still Wale.
The Maybach Music Group is currently being courted by major labels and Wale’s seemingly tenuous co-management situation with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation remains in place.
This isn't a paywall.
We don't have one. Readers like you keep our work free for everyone to read. If you think that it's important to have high quality local reporting we hope you'll support our work with a monthly contribution.