Wale Speaks On His Long-Awaited Album, “Folarin II”

Wale is “saying a lot of things with [his] chest” on his new album.

BYHayley Hynes
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It’s been nearly a decade, but Wale has finally come through with the highly anticipated album Folarin II. The 15-track project includes features from J. Cole on “Poke It Out,” Rick Ross on “Light Years,” and Chris Brown on “Angles.”

The 37-year-old also brought Jamie Foxx, Boyz II Men, Sauce of Backyard Band, Lil Chris of T.O.B., Yella Breezy, Maxo Kream, and Ant Clemons on board to assist, while showing off his own lyrical expertise on seven solo tracks.

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Recently, the Washington, D.C. born star sat down with Nadeska from Apple Music 1’s Rap Life Radio to discuss the new project. When asked why he felt like now was the right time for Folarin II, Wale responded, “The hunger is there, you know what I'm saying. I mean, and I never wasn't hungry, but I'm just saying it's just hitting a little different now.”

He went on, “I'm saying a lot of things with my chest out and I think you can hear in the way that I'm delivering some of the raps, I'm just talking to you. I'm not rapping at nobody, I'm just really talking to you, the listener.”

The “Lotus Flower Bomb” artist also shared his thoughts on his own personal evolution throughout his career, and how it reflected into his work. “You're going to constantly become a bigger critic of yourself and I think that whole idea manifests itself on this project,” he told Nadeska.

“When I say I'm one of the greatest rappers all the time, I strongly believe that. It might not be a popular take but I strongly believe that,” Wale said, letting his confidence shine. “You got to give yourself them flowers and be man enough and confident enough to give your peers them too when they do well.”

Have you streamed Folarin II yet? What are your initial thoughts on the long-awaited album?

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About The Author
Hayley Hynes is the former Weekend Managing Editor of HotNewHipHop, she stepped down after two years in 2024 to pursue other creative opportunities but remains on staff part-time to cover music, gossip, and pop culture news. Currently, she contributes similar content on Blavity and 21Ninety, as well as on her personal blog where she also offers tarot/astrology services. Hayley resides on the western side of Canada, previously spending a year in Vancouver to study Fashion Marketing at Blanche Macdonald Centre and Journalism at Mount Royal University in Calgary before that. She's passionate about helping others heal through storytelling, and shares much more about her life on Instagram @hayleyhynes.