18.
The Gifted
Wale
MMG/Atlantic
This album was probably the most polarizing album for 2013, including Wale, himself. Each track came off as a personal journal entry from Folarin, covering a personal issue or view in detail. Of course some topics got two entries, like that one bad chick every guy wants in his life. The significant increase in control over the production is apparent as Wale’s flows meshes with the beats more smoothly than ever. Instead of one album that runs from one track into another, the album serves better as a collection of vignettes from the DMV emcee.
Top Tracks: “Bad,” “LoveHate Thing,” “Heaven’s Afternoon”