Music Review : Wale -Ambition

Mr. Folarin released his highly anticipated 2nd album Ambition a few weeks back to mixed reviews. Some people like it, others say it doesn't even compare to his debut Attention Deficit, and honestly I would have to agree. Wale is missing something with this project, and although I can't put my finger on it, it's evident that the ball was dropped somewhere during the process. Say what you want, but I didn't like his move to Maybach Music Group. Yes they may be running ish now, but is MMG really the right place for an artist like Wale? I say no, but that's my humble opinion......Now for the review:

1.) Don't Hold Your Applause - The intro track is ok, there is nothing that will really make you say "Wow he went in!!" I actually like the production on the track but the lyrics are nothing to get excited about.

2.) Double M Genius - Again I like the production on this song, the lyrical content is better than the previous song, but I was still left wanting more, especially since the song is less than 3 minutes. He gets a thumbs up for mentioning Stabler and Benson from Law & Order : SVU though because I love that show

3.) Miami Nights - The title says it all, very South Beach-ish sounding. I've never been to the MIA-YO, however I know enough about it to tell that this song embodies the night life there

4.) Legendary - "I'm just tryna be legendary" is what Wale repats throughout the song. He doesn't want the money or the fame he just wants to be legendary. He coulda went harder.... moving on

5.) Lotus Flower Bomb (f. Miguel) - Have to say this is my favorite song on the album. All the aspects of the track mesh well together. I love the smooth production, Wale's flow over the beat is perfect and then Miguel's voice only adds to it. This one def gets a lot of play on my iPod

6.) Chain Music - This was on the Eleven One Eleven mixtape. I don't know if this would be considered a filler since we heard it a few months ago, but it was one of the songs I was realy feeling of the mixtape

7.) Focused (f. Kid Cudi) - Reunited and it feels so good....... Who can forget the infamous "We don't f*ck with you musically" quote Kid Cudi made a while back in reference to Wale. But back to the track..... i'd probably skip it.

8.) Sabatoge (f. Lloyd) - Here we have the relationship song of the album..... these happen to be the songs Wale is typically very good it and this is no exception. This is a song I would love to hear with a live band

9.) White Linen (f. Ne-Yo) - Another track I'm sure the ladies will like. It's the usual "I'm a boss baby we do what we wanna do"

10.) Slight Work (f. Big Sean) - To be honest I can't get with the beat, so getting into the song was a struggle. I enjoyed Sean's verse more though

11.) Ambition (f. Meek Mill & Rick Ross) - For the title track Wale recruits fellow MMG labelmates Roazy and Meek Mill. Meek Mill delivers (i'm starting to get past how much his voice annoys me by the way.) Rick does his usual grunting and spits a decent verse. Last up is Wale gives us one of the better verses i've heard thus far off the album. After listening to this track for the review I can say that I like it a lot better the 2nd go round

12.) Illest B*tch - Wale, so is this you new name for all the "Ambitious girls"??? If so, I do not approve. How are you applauding me but calling me a b*tch at the same time? Don't get me wrong I admire the fact that Wale always does a little uplifting for his female on all of his projects, but I'm sure he could have picked a better term..... Nice poem at the end though

13.) No Days Off - If you need to get amped up to play a game, workout, or even pitch an idea in the board room play this song.

14.) DC or Nothing - Ralph Folarin pays homage to his hometown. My head was bopping to it, its the usual "i'm putting on for my city" track... I Dig. He gives us a little poetry at the end as well. I want Def Poetry to come back and he be featured on the 1st episode.

15.) That Way (f. Jeremih) - This song was originally on the MMG compilation album..... then the Elelven One Eleven mixtape. It's a good song and I've realized that he has really gained a lot more fans (mostly female) off this song. I'm sure anyone reading this review has already heard the song a dozen times due to how much radio play it still gets.

Overall, I expected more from this album. Maybe my expectations were set to high, but I loved his debut and More About Nothing mixtape still gets played in my car every now and then. I don't think this will be the case with this album. A lot of the songs seem like fillers or songs better suited for a free mixtape, not an album I have to pay for. I'm still a fan because I know how talented he really is..... to bad this Ambition just doesn't display it