Wale, 'Attention Deficit'

Release date: November 10, 2009
Record label: Interscope
Official Web site: http://www.walemusic.com/

The buzz: The rapper Wale (whose Nigerian-born parents named him Olubowale Folarin) has been touted as the hottest thing to ever come out of Washington, D.C.’s hip-hop scene, and “Attention Deficit” is his long-awaited first album.

The verdict: Despite the title, “Attention Deficit” is quite the strong and focused debut. Nothing feels like filler material, which is no easy feat considering that it could have been a disastrous choice to feature so many guest stars (including Pharrell, Lady Gaga, Gucci Mane and Chrisette Michele) on an introductory album. Wale holds his own with those more famous collaborators, most impressively with Pharrell on “Let It Loose.” His sense of humor shines through as he smartly skewers stereotypes on songs like “90210.” And there’s a pleasing lilt to Wale’s articulate flow on “Triumph,” “Contemplate” and “Prescription,” while the beats throughout keep a steady, head-nodding pace.

Did you know? Talent runs in Wale’s family: His cousin, Gbenga Akinnagbe, played gang lieutenant Chris Partlow on the dearly departed HBO series “The Wire.”