The Gifted cover

The Gifted

Wale · 2013

70 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A vibrant tapestry of introspective lyrics and polished production that reflects Wale's artistic evolution.

Why this album works

The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Wale's growing influence in the mainstream hip-hop landscape. Its standout track 'Bad' received widespread acclaim and further solidified his presence in the genre, leading to multiple remix versions and a notable radio presence.
Best for
steady pacing for thoughtful reflection introspective lyrics for personal connection consistent flow with satisfying resolution
Context
By the time 'The Gifted' was released in June 2013, Wale had established himself as a prominent figure in hip-hop with his previous album, 'Ambition', achieving commercial success. This project marked his third studio album and came after a period of intense scrutiny regarding his identity and authenticity in the rap scene, positioning him to explore deeper themes of self-reflection and cultural critique.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Curse of the Gifted 4:31
  • 2 LoveHate Thing Standout 4:27
  • 3 Sunshine 3:44
  • 4 Heaven’s Afternoon 4:41
  • 5 Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece) 3:40
  • 6 Vanity 4:38
  • 7 Gullible 4:42
  • 8 Bricks 4:42
  • 9 Clappers Standout 5:16
  • 10 Bad (remix) Standout 3:58
  • 11 Tired of Dreaming 3:54
  • 12 Rotation 5:00
  • 13 Simple Man 3:12
  • 14 88 4:42
  • 15 Black Heroes / Outro About Nothing 4:40
  • 16 Bad 4:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata