We rank the top 5 Wale albums thus far.

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TOP 5

5. Wale – Wow… That’s Crazy (2019)

Let me say this right off the top: Wow… That’s Crazy is a terrible album title. Unless there’s some hidden, profound meaning I’m missing, I never want to hear it again.

But title aside, this project truly showcased Wale’s eclectic range. Sure, he’s always been versatile, but here he leans into it harder than ever—delivering bold commentary on Black issues in “Sue Me,” tapping into his Nigerian roots on “Love & Loyalty,” embracing neo-soul textures on “Cliché,” giving a standout vocal performance on “BGM,” and dropping a full-fledged club smash with “Poledancer,” which, in my opinion, officially put Megan Thee Stallion on the map. This album is solid, Joe.

4. Wale – The Gifted (2013)

Growing up in the DMV, The Gifted always felt like an album tailor-made for us. It carried that familiar soul, that honest talk about struggle, and that grounded perspective Wale built his name on — but it never boxed itself in.

Wale stretched out in every direction: we got the go-go–inspired bounce of “Clappers,” the hazy, smoke-ready vibe of “Rotation,” and the massive hit “Bad,” delivered both in its intimate Tiara Thomas version and its star-powered Rihanna remake.

And then there’s the outro — easily one of my favorites in his catalog — where Jerry Seinfeld pops into the studio, jokes with Wale, and casually tees up what would eventually become The Album About Nothing. It’s a perfect wink to the future.

The Gifted might not be Wale’s single best album, but it’s undeniably one of his most eclectic — a panoramic snapshot of everything he was capable of in that era, and a reminder of why the DMV claimed him so proudly.

3. Wale – The Album About Nothing (2015)

I feel like every major artist who debuted after 2007 had that ONE mixtape that blew them up before their official debut even dropped. Drake had So Far Gone, J. Cole had Friday Night Lights, Wiz Khalifa gave us Kush & Orange Juice, and Wale had The Mixtape About Nothing.

This album isn’t quite The Mixtape About Nothing, but it absolutely carries its essence.

With The Album About Nothing, Wale took things a step further, bringing in the very person who inspired the series: Jerry Seinfeld himself. Seinfeld appears throughout the project, delivering intros, anecdotes, and interludes that give the album its unique voice and identity.

Between those moments, you get a hungry, introspective, MMG-removed version of Wale — the version of him that feels like he’s rapping purely for the love of the craft. You could argue it’s his most lyrical project, and easily his least gimmicky.

And let’s be real: one of the best songs of his entire career is on here — “The Matrimony” featuring Usher. That song still hits in a way only Wale can deliver.

2. Wale – everything is a lot. (2025)

Is it too early to call this Wale’s second-best album? Probably. Do I care? Not at all. When you hear great music, you know it within a week — especially if you’re like us, spinning albums five times in that same span.

A few things make this album such an exceptional listen. First, it feels like one of the most pivotal projects of Wale’s career — the kind that forces people to step back and appreciate what he truly brings to the game. Second, there’s a level of comfort, ease, and carefree confidence here that’s genuinely refreshing.

And the raps? Razor-sharp. Wale’s pen is as honest, blunt, and dialed-in as ever. In an era where artists lazily recycle samples, his use of nostalgia throughout the project is tasteful and intentional, elevating rather than distracting.

All in all, this might be the most grounded, principled, and ethical Wale album we’ve ever gotten.

Favorite Tracks: “Belly,” “Power and Problems” & “Watching Us.”

1. Wale – Ambition (2011)

While Ambition may not have captured the purest essence of Wale’s artistry, it still delivered some of the standout tracks in his catalog — including his most-streamed record to date, the Miguel-assisted hit “Lotus Flower Bomb.”

What makes this album memorable is its incredible range. From introspective cuts like “Don’t Hold Your Applause” to quirky, left-field moments like “Focused,” silky R&B-rap blends such as “Sabotage,” rowdy club bangers like “Slight Work,” and heavyweight MMG posse records like “Ambition,” there’s a lot here that showcases Wale’s versatility. Trim a few tracks, and this could have easily been a no-skips project.

The guest list is equally impressive — Big Sean, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Miguel, Jeremih, Lloyd, Kid Cudi, and Ne-Yo all contribute, each elevating the project in their own way. For anyone exploring Wale’s catalog, Ambition is a prime example of his ability to balance introspection, swagger, and club-ready energy while leaning on a star-studded roster.

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