All eyes are on Wale with new album "Attention Deficit"

"DC chillin', PG chillin', my name Wale and I came to get it..." These lyrics that are imprinted in the minds of many belong to rapper Wale's first single "Chillin'."

It has been a long journey to success for the Washington D.C. and Maryland native.

After numerous mix-tapes were released and Internet popularity was gained, Wale's first album Attention Deficit came out earlier this month. A deficit of attention may have been where Wale started, but now all eyes and ears are glued to him.

"I'm sorry Hip-Hop, it took me so long to get on/ But so long that I'm on it is on," lyrics from "Mama Told Me," show that it was been a long and persistent fight for Wale, a battle to make it in the industry.

"Chillin'," a party-like song with hit pop singer Lady GaGa is followed by his second single, "Pretty Girls," which features rapper Gucci Mane along with the UCB band.

The song showcases the popular go-go band, shedding light on the popular Go-Go culture in the D.C, Maryland and Virginia area. The band performed with Wale during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

Attention Deficit has had difficulties; constant push backs and leaks may have created a sense of doubt for listeners. The doubt was proven wrong when the album was released Nov.10.

"We all know the album has been super hard to find...It was either under ship the album or push my album back AGAIN...so I chose to roll with it," Wale said on his Twitter account in regards to his album.

The lack of hard copies may trouble fans, but people had fallen in love with Wale's debut album. The album's first song is titled "Triumph," a celebratory track with powerful lyrics introducing Wale, "I ain't trying to be politically correct/ But I won't rest until I'm given my respect/ And my vision isn't set on the money I get/ But more or less the vets/ I'm coming for y'all next."

The transition of songs is extremely key to the level of creativity that Wale holds. The transition from songs beginning with "Triumph" to "Prescription" is amazing. "Prescription" is the drug that hip-hop fans needed.

Along with vocals from Lady GaGa to Gucci Mane, Attention Deficit includes a variety of guests, including: Bun B, Pharrell, K'Naan, Jazmin Sullivan, Marsha Ambrosius, Chrisette Michele, J. Cole and Melanie Fiona.

Each artist provides a great balance to the songs. Besides a great list of featured artists, producers on the album include Mark Ronson and mega hit producer Pharrell Williams.

Wale stays true to who he as an artist, representing where he is from. It is safe to say that the Washington D.C. and Maryland area is officially put back on the map.

There was a long period of time in the hip-hop genre where listeners have had to actually listen to digest lyrics. Recent songs have been watered down to create an ease for the listening experience, but Wale breaks barriers with his unique sound and lyrics.

The hypnotizing beats and story-like lyrics make Attention Deficit one of the great hip-hop albums of 2009. Songs like "Shades" featuring Chrisette Michele and "Diary" featuring Marsha Ambrosius are examples of where listeners must truly listen to understand the song.

This album's variety of producers, lyrics and guest artists are a great introduction to the type of music audiences can expect from Wale.
The final track on the album,"Prescription" leaves fans with a sense of who Wale is as an artist, "I am Hip-Hop/ Past/ Present/ And future.../ I'm Wale/ Prescription."

The album is a must have for hip-hop fans. The love for Wale is going to build after a listening session. The deficit in attention is no longer existent; now there is a surplus of attention heading the rapper's way.