Wale drops a short EP, “The Imperfect Storm,” that shows his true form. Intricate lyrics, head bopping beats, smooth tracks, impeccable flows and melodies all while sharing a message, Wale is showing you why he is a top tier artist.
Starting with, “Movin’ Different,” a smooth track speaking on the current state of the country, staring off with, “I done seen a white riot get a black man shot,” he is sharing a powerful message over a catchy beat. “America is gone, and here are the results, I’m trying to move different but to where ‘casue I’m lost.” Not many artists can take a smooth dance track and give you knowledge and introspective at the same time. Wale has proven over the years to be one of a few stand alone artists that can give you a story with perfect imagery over a track that if you are not listening to the lyrics, you would completely miss the message. (remember “CC White”) A strong opening that easily corresponds with the album artwork of a dark sky, burning car and an abandoned store front.
“Empty Wishing Well,” featuring Eric Bellinger is Wale doing what Wale is know for, rap/R&B girl records. “Time will only tell if it’s real or if it’s love.” “We’ll be feeling like outer space ‘till we feeling like we probably need our space.” While still keeping the introspective of the times we are living in, he speaks on a relationship, trying to figure out if the relationship is real or fake. This is a great intertwining of Wale’s introspectiveness and his relationship songs.
Dance songs are a staple of a Wale project, so it makes sense “Blue Yellow Green Pink White” is the half way mark of this six song EP. Again, being able to have double meanings, speaking on what you would expect of these yellows (the different colors of pills) but also stating that it doesn’t matter what color you are live your own life. The “Turn it up” sample he uses as part of his lyrics is a great choice too.
“Who black who not, I know you mad, who mad they not, we the sports and the music, do the math, we the culture and I gotta ask what have you brought?” The opening lyrics on, “June 5th,” is his way of begging another introspective song about what is going on in this country. From his daughter seeing a murder on social media, to the infamous line, “Shut up a dribble.” Finishing with the story of, “Karen” the example of a white female using the police as a weapon against black people, the entire song is a prime example of the issues the country is currently facing. With so much being taken from black culture, his question, “What have you brought?” Is a great question that most of the country wouldn’t be able to answer. Coupled with “QueenZnGodZ,” Wale is showing his appreciation and love for the black woman, these two songs are a great perspective of what is happening and asking questions in song form.
“Still here cause somebody probably prayed for me, hard to move but I know this shit won’t stop,” is a simple few line song (that sounds like it was recorded in the control room on quick thought) that shows power of a few lines, and the appreciation people need to have. A soulful song with a singer crooning in the background while Wale is praising his backgrounds, this song is a quick “interlude” type track that still holds a purpose, and other than the sound fits perfectly in the EP.
Finishing this 18 minute six song EP with, “Maajo,” Wale give you yet another introspective record over an uptempo dance acoustic drum track. Ending this project on a high note (meaning due to the nature of the topics the choice to end with an uptempo dance track) Wale stills gives you a full perspective of what is currently going on in this country.
Even with a short concise EP, Wale doesn’t disappoint. He shows why he is still one of the best lyricists out. Being able to give such introspective records, while keeping the tone light his choice of beats, is perfect for getting his point across. I encourage everyone to listen to the EP (it is only 18 minutes, you can spare the time) because this is a true perspective of what is going on in our country at the moment, while still being able to have a lighter hearted emotional feel. Music is supposed to make you feel, and Wale makes you feel both happy and sad at the same time, all while delivering a meaningful and important message.
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