I underestimated how much I miss Wale.

It might sound unexpected, but Wale was ahead of his time. His introspective, vulnerable style of rap wasn’t fully appreciated when he was consistently dropping music, but in today’s landscape—where substance in hip-hop feels increasingly rare—his artistry resonates more than ever. Last night, the DMV rap icon made his long-awaited return with “Blanco,” his first single of 2025.

In “Blanco,” Wale explores the duality of liquor as both an escape and a crutch. On one hand, he paints it as a source of temporary joy, but on the other, it accelerates time and numbs problems instead of solving them. The track carries a drowsy, melancholic tone, with Wale’s signature melodic raps blending seamlessly with the atmospheric production. As a comeback song, it’s a thought-provoking choice—one that reminds us exactly why his music still matters.

I drown my issues out with IPAs, so I can definitely relate with Wale here.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.