Wale
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Olubowale Victor Akintimehin Folarin, known professionally as Wale, is an American rapper and songwriter who rose to prominence by bridging the gap between Washington, D.C.’s local go-go scene and mainstream hip-hop. Born on September 21, 1984, in Washington, D.C., to Nigerian immigrant parents, Wale’s music is characterized by its lyrical complexity and the frequent use of live percussion and soulful samples.

Wale spent his early years in Northwest D.C. before moving to Largo, Maryland, as a teenager. A standout athlete, he attended several high schools, eventually graduating from Quince Orchard High School in 2001. He attended Robert Morris College and Virginia State University on football scholarships before transferring to Bowie State University. In 2004, he decided to leave university to pursue a career in music full-time, working various retail jobs while building his reputation in the local rap scene.

Wale’s entry into the music industry began with local radio play in 2004. His single "Rhyme of the Century" caught the attention of Source magazine, which featured him in its "Unsigned Hype" column in 2005. His early mixtapes, such as Paint a Picture, helped establish his "street-smart" persona and technical rapping ability.