MTV Buzzworthy Blog › Wale

Welcome to Buzzworthy's The Week In Pop, where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests and appearances, TV appearances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

While the Grammys gave us plenty to discuss around the ol' watercooler to start the week (Nicki Minaj's pope friend, Adele winning EVERYTHING, etc.), but there's a lot to look forward to in musical happenings this week, y'all. The Kills release their "The Last Goodbye" single with The Velvet Underground, Patsy Cline and Marilyn Monroe covers, "Glee" pays homage to the late Whitney Houston on their Valentine's Day episode Tuesday, Sleigh Bells are gonna kick the "Saturday Night Live" stage's ass, and Hollywood Week continues on "American Idol."

Check out this week's album releases and talk show music guests below.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES
Tuesday, Feb. 14
+ The Kills, "The Last Goodbye" four-song single release: Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince package their lovely "The Last Goodbye" waltz single with three covers.

+ Johnny Cash, Live From Austin TX: The Man in Black lives on through his immeasurable body of work. The 180-gram vinyl release comes with a DVD of the performance.

+ Band Of Skulls, Sweet Sour: The English trio return with a sophomore album wrapped in delicious female-male vocal interplay indie rock with a bluesy stomp. Check out their single "Bruises."

Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.

Read more...

Related Content Follow Buzzworthy on Twitter

Tags Adele, Band Of Skulls, Bon Iver, Brandy, Cake, Christina Aguilera, Christina Perri, Dierks Bentley, Erykah Badu, Foo Fighters, Heartless Bastards, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Lopez, Johnny Cash, Kasabian, Kid Rock, Lana Del Rey, Lenny Kravitz, Marc Anthony, Marilyn Monroe, Mark Ronson, Monica, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, Patsy Cline, Richard Marx, Ricky Martin, Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Shearwater, Sinead O'Connor, Sleigh Bells, Tennis, The Civil Wars, The Cranberries, The Dap-Kings, The Fray, The Kills, The Velvet Underground, Wale, Yelawolf, Young Jeezy

Welcome to Buzzworthy's The Week In Pop, where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests and appearances, TV appearances by your favorite pop stars and more (so you don't have to).

Die Antwoord releases their 'Tension' album, Katharine McPhee stars in 'Smash' and The Fray release their new album.

Hopefully y'all are recovered from your chicken wing overload (or your group clap-along to Madonna's "Like A Prayer" during the halftime show), but there's a ton of music happenings to pay attention to this week! So listen up! The Fray's back with their third studio album, Scars & Stories, Die Antwoord is hitting nighttime TV (I'm scared), the NBC show "Smash" FINALLY premieres and HELLLOOOOOO, THE GRAMMYS ARE SUNDAY!

Check out this week's album releases and talk show music guests below, and tune in to MTV tonight for the exclusive premiere of the the Black Keys "Gold On The Ceiling" video, followed by a 30-minute interview with the band on MTV.com.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES
Tuesday, Feb. 7
+ A Place To Bury Strangers, Onwards To The Wall: The "loudest band in New York" is back with their special blend of noise rock, featuring the single "So Far Away."
+ Die Antwoord, Tension: The South African Zef lords are more than ready to terrify you again with their second LP, Tension, released on their own label, featuring "I Fink U Freaky."
+ The Fray, + Scars & Stories: The brooding piano rockers drop their third studio album, Scars & Stories. Check out their lead single, "Heartbreak."

Check out more new album releases and upcoming TV appearances and performances after the jump.
Read more...

Related Content Follow Buzzworthy On Twitter

Tags 50 Cent, A Place To Bury Strangers, Alabama Shakes, Andy Grammer, Anthony Hamilton, boyz-ii-men, Bruce Springsteen, Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo Green, Coldplay, Die Antwoord, Dierks Bentley, Estelle, Far East Movement, Jaci Velasquez, Jack's Mannequin, Jessie Baylin, Katharine McPhee, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland, LeAnn-Rimes, Miguel, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, Primus, Rihanna, Shaggy, Sharon Van Etten, Taylor Swift, The Band Perry, The Black Keys, The Cranberries, The Darkness, The Fray, The Kills, The Wanted, The Week In Pop, Tony Bennett, Van Halen, Wale, Walk The Moon, Weird Al Yankovic, Ziggy Marley

Rapper Wale may be one of the longest "overnight successes" in the history of hip-hop. The 27-year-old released "Paint A Picture," his first of seven mixtapes, in 2005 and aligned himself with the resurgence of go-go music, a regional funk subgenre popular in his native D.C. After teaming up with Mark Ronson and Lily Allen in 2007, releasing his Seinfeld-obsessed Mixtape About Nothing in 2008 and only then releasing debut album Attention Deficit in 2009, the rapper joined up with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group earlier this year. Later this week, Wale is set to release Ambition, his disparate follow-up featuring "Lotus Flower Bomb" and "Slight Work," and melding dark, ominous synths, R&B hooks and club-friendly anthems.

We've been big Wale fans for years, and this week we've got no lack of Wale interviews and videos with the MTV PUSH artist that'll make you an instant Wale expert. In the first video, the rapper discusses what he learned from the marketing and promotion of 2009's Attention Deficit that he hopes to avoid for Ambition. As the subsequent videos show, the mixtape veteran born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin has always been confident about his abilities, stating, "I could always steal the show with music," before listing what hip-hop albums influenced him growing up.

Thanks to Sucker Free, we also get to hear about the importance of touring -- "You never really know how hot or not hot you are until you go on tour," Wale says -- and how the experience helps the rapper decide on his next single (democracy in action!). Finally, learn about all the guest spots on Ambition -- think Wale's Maybach Music peers for a start -- and check out the video for mixtape standout "Bait" to get hyped for the official album.

Ambition is out Nov. 1 on Maybach Music/Warner.

+ WALE ON WHAT HE LEARNED FROM HIS FIRST ALBUM:

+ WALE ON HIS CONFIDENCE IN MUSIC:

+ WALE ON HIS MUSICAL INFLUENCES:

Watch more Wale videos and interviews after the jump.

Read more...

Related Content Video Premiere: Wale 'Bait', Follow Buzzworthy on Twitter

Tags MTV Push, MTV PUSH: Wale, PUSH, PUSH: Wale, video, Wale

Credit: Getty Images

Put a siren sound in just about any song and we're basically obsessed (HELLO, Beyoncé's "Ring The Alarm"). Put a siren sound in a blazing hip-hop record and we're insta-ready for the club. "Slight Work," Wale's Diplo-produced new jam, features Big Sean and of course, some real-life siren noises. The rest of the track is sparse, leaving ample room for us to try to memorize the swagged-out verses from both Big Sean and Wale.

Wale's verse is up first, and it illuminates all the amazing qualities Wale believes he possesses: "Ain't nobody checking for your garbage/Lot of intuition, I ain't even finish college/Never hit the mall and forever get it all." And no, we're not going to interpret this verse as a narcissistic blackout episode. In fact, we're all about self-confidence up in here so if dude wants to rhyme on all his special gifts, so be it.

Big Sean's dapper, smooth flow mellows Wale's vibe but like his cohort, Sean chooses to rap about all the good ish his celeb status now affords him: "You make 25 a year/I make 25 a night, woah.../Probably in your girl's dreams/Probably in your daughter locker.../I’m one hell of a guy, looking down on a cloud/That's one hell of a high." OK, so maybe he could have slipped in a line or two about world peace. But the the truth is he probably could steal your daughter. Dads, watch yo backs!

"Slight Work" is slated to appear on Wale's forthcoming release Ambition, out Nov. 1.

+ Listen to Wale featuring Big Sean,"Slight Work."

Related Content Follow Buzzworthy On Twitter

Tags Beyonce, Big Sean, Wale

Maybach Music Group rapper Wale still has a few weeks before the Nov. 1 release of his second album, Ambition, but we've got the video premiere of mixtape standout "Bait" to whet your appetites until then.

Directed by Dre Films, this version is safer for work than the rapper's earlier, unofficial video. (We can't link to that one, but it was filmed at King of Diamonds Gentleman's Club, so...) In the new version, there is decidedly less raining of money -- no doubt a tribute to the country's leaner economic times -- and more group of guys mugging for the camera.

Similar to fellow Maybach rapper Meek Mill's "Ima Boss" video, Wale assembles everyone in the city to assist with the vid, replacing Meek's Philly with his hometown of D.C. After the requisite rapper shots in front of a car and on the basketball court, Wale turns away from serious pursuits to hit the club, showcasing his live band and multiple dancers. If there's any place "Bait" needs to be blasted, it's there.

The Tone P-produced track appeared on the rapper's "The Eleven One Eleven Theory" mixtape released this past August. Ambition is out Nov. 1 via Maybach Music/Warner.

+ Watch Wale's "Bait" video.

Related Content Follow Buzzworthy on Twitter

Tags video, Wale

Miami MC/professional wrestler look-alike Rick Ross and his Maybach Music Group have been making some big moves recently, and we've got the video premiere of "Pandemonium," the latest single from the group's upcoming Self Made Volume 1 compilation.

Maybe it's longer than your average hip-hop video, but Ross, Washington D.C.'s Wale and Philadelphia's Meek Mill need time to both establish their lyrical dominance and hang out by their rented car and girl. The video, directed by Spiff TV, sees the rappers show off stacks of loot and, more important, may mark the first time anyone's seen Ross not wearing sunglasses. But we gotta give it to Wale, who successfully name-drops actor John Lithgow and football player Eric Crouch in the same sentence.

While Rick Ross understandably dominates the red-and-black themed video -- it's his label after all -- "Pandemonium" serves as a fitting reminder that Maybach is hardly just one famously bearded rapper.

Rick Ross isn't wasting any time pushing out projects from his stable of rappers. Wale and Meek Mill were only signed earlier this year, and the Teflon Don is already looking to release another solo album, a Meek Mill solo album and an album by hip-hop group Triple C's later this year. Self Made Volume 1, Maybach Music Group's first compilation, will be released on May 24.

Tags Maybach Music Group, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, video, Wale

+ Update: Watch K'Naan and Wale's MTV.com live performance here!

That's a wrap. What a blistering night of hot beats, fly mixes, globetrotting rhythms and serious hip-hop as K'naan and Wale kicked off their tour in New York City at the Filmore East.

Washington, D.C.'s Wale opened up the night with some Go-Go-infused hip-hop flavor. Did you catch that "Amelie" mix? Damn, that was hotness. Emerging star J. Cole joined the rapper for "Beautiful Bliss" and Wale performed hit tracks like "Nike Boots," "Chillin,' " "Pretty Girls" and plenty more.

Global rap phenomenon K'naan followed and gave a soulful set of rhymes, songs and spiritual hymnals, plus some pretty amazing special guest surprised the sold out crowd. Wale joined the poet-artist for "TV In The Radio." Mr. Illmatic himself Nas dropped by for a rendition of "N.Y. State of Mind" and Damian Marley was featured on "I Come Prepared" and "As We Enter." It was a tremendous night.

Don't forget: Stop by next week for more photos and OnDemand performances for all those who may have missed the show (how unlucky of you!). Thanks for all the dedicated fans who stopped by to chat, too. We had a blast.

Tags K'Naan, video, Wale

Global hip-hop sensations Wale and K'naan will be kicking off their tour on Wednesday, March 31 in New York City, and you'll be able to follow every minute live on MTV.com. Don't forget to set your alarm so you can watch the exclusive livestream of Wale and K'naan's concert from the Fillmore at Irving Plaza, which will be broadcast on March 31 at 9:30/8:30c on MTV.com.

Check out a teaser video of the concert below -- and see you at 9:30/8:30c on Wednesday!

Click here to RSVP for the MTV.com livestream with Wale and K'Naan on Facebook and don't forget to invite your posse.

Tags K'Naan, video, Wale

Here's a little-known hip-hop rule of thumb: The more, the merrier. Rap jams tend to sound better when an MC brings along a friend ... or two ... or five. (They're called Wu-Tang Clan not Wu-Tang Man, right?)

Washington D.C. rapper Wale knows all about this unsaid rule. His ability to collaborate and make great music with a wide variety of artists is one of the reasons he's so successful.

In honor of Wale's upcoming livestream on Wednesday, March 31 at 9:30 p.m. ET -- when you'll be able to watch the first night of Wale's tour live at MTV.com -- we thought we'd dig through the vaults and dazzle you with Wale's Top 5 best collaborations. We think you'll be pretty surprised to see the breadth of people he's worked with.

Click here to RSVP for the MTV.com livestream with Wale and K'Naan on Facebook and invite your posse.

Now here are the best collaborations:

5. Wale, featuring Lady Gaga, "Chillin'"
Lady Gaga was still an up-and-coming pop newbie when she sang the hook on this track from "Attention Deficit." Nice bangs, Gaga!

4. Wale, featuring Gucci Mane, "Pretty Girls"
Go-Go bands and soul singers are great, but you really hear Wale in his element when he's going toe to toe with another MC. Here's a great example of that. On "Pretty Girls," Wale trades verses with the hottest thing in the Dirty South, Gucci Mane.

Click below to see the top three collaborations.

Read more...

Tags 9th Wonder, Dave Sitek, Duffy, Gucci Mane, K'Naan, Lady Gaga, Little Brother, TV-on-the-Radio, U.C.B., video, Wale, Wu-Tang Clan

As Phil Collins is prone to say, I can feel it coming in the air tonight. The leaves are falling, the college football is being played, the hayrides are being taken; it's mtvU Woodie Awards season, pumpkins.

In honor of mtvU's annual award show, honoring the music the rocked college campuses the hardest, we thought we'd get some of these nominees used to the fierce competition they will face when the show will airs on MTV, MTV2, mtvU and Palladia on Friday, December 4, at 10 pm.

Today we're pitting the D.C. rapper (and this year's MTV Video Music Awards in-house entertainer) Wale against Brooklyn dream-poppers Passion Pit. Both acts are nominated for the Breaking Woodie Award.

Arbitrarily (and vaguely), let's say we're judging on the basis of dopeness. It's something you can't define, but you know it when you see it.

The Wale video has swagger. A swooping opening shot, a Lady Gaga feature, a dope beat, and it was most people's introduction to the lovable Chocolate City emcee.

Passion Pit is all indie innovation and art. And it's gorgeous. A beautiful, lush tune full of swelling keyboards with a unique video, givinng an impressionistic snapshot of a night in the life of a young lady; tearing that snapshot up in the process.

The winner? Well the nice part is, it's up to you! Let us know who you like in the comments, and go vote for your favorite at the mtvu Woodie site (where you can vote in any of the categories being awarded at the show!).

Tags Lady Gaga, mtvU-Woodie-Awards, Passion Pit, video, Wale