HYPER NOTED The Definitive Guide to Wale’s ‘The Gifted’ Album Credits

The D.C. native is rolling with Rick Ross, and from the looks of it, straight to No. 1. But he didn't get there alone. Get to know the team that helped push the project to the top of the charts.

It took Wale three tries, but he’s on top. After stirring up buzz with critically acclaimed mixtapes (100 Miles and Running, Mixtape About Nothing), the Washington, D.C. rapper debuted back in 2009 with his first album Attention Deficit (Allido/Interscope). The LP was a bid for mainstream success—Wale even tapped a fresh-on-the-scene Lady Gaga for his first single, “Chillin.” But Folarin faltered: the project only sold 28,000 copies in its first week, bowing at No. 21 on the charts and drawing lukewarm reviews from critics.

But Wale didn’t give up—the title of his sophomore album, Ambition (Warner Bros./Maybach Music), said it all. Undeterred by Attention Deficit’s reception, he vented about his struggles on his More About Nothing mixtape and gave away tracks for free as part of his “Throwback Thursday” series. And in February 2011, the outspoken MC announced his signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group, putting the wheels into motion for his next studio effort.

The hard work paid off. Ambition, released in November 2011, entered the charts at No. 2, selling 168,000 copies in its first week. If there were any fears that signing with Ross would derail his focus, the LP proved otherwise. “Lotus Flower Bomb” featuring Miguel, the project’s first single, became his biggest hit to date, scoring a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song and earning gold certification.

Now, after keeping the streets hot with his December 2012 mixtape Folarin and contributing to MMG’s Self Made Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, Wale will hit No. 1 with his third album The Gifted (Atlantic/Maybach Music, June 25), and unseat Kanye West’s Yeezus (Def Jam) from the top position. But Wale didn’t get there on his own. Here’s an extensive breakdown of the team behind The Gifted.

THE STAR

WaleMyspace // Official // Twitter

Contribution: Writer and Performer, all songs; Executive Producer; Producer, “Simple Man”

Native to Washington, D.C., the rapper, born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, has released three solo albums including his most recent, The Gifted. He got his start on a more mainstream level after signing with Mark Ronson’s Allido records in 2007, later inking a deal with Interscope to release his debut Attention Deficit in 2009. Two years later, he signed with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group and participated in the group album Self Made Vol. 1 and its sequel. His sophomore album Ambition was released the same year as the first MMG compilation.