While this can make for a scattered approach in some respects, The Gifted succeeds in most fronts as a step forward for the talented D.C.-based rapper, whose success should continue to grow this year with this eclectic release. One track can resemble a summer breeze in its R&B-studded smoothness, while the next can resemble a cavernous experiment in atmospheric dub. Regardless, the rapper shows a bold approach on The Gifted, which features a number of moments with shocking stylistic risk. It’s his most stylistically virtuous yet, even if it becomes sporadically over-dependent on superfluous cameos from everyone ranging from Nicki Minaj to Jerry Seinfeld. It’s hard to deny his agility as an MC.Despite some hiccups along the way, Wale shows a new-found maturity on The Gifted, his third album. And even with a star-studded guest cast, Wale outshines them all, the ‘gifted’ artist that he is.

Song after song, he brings something worthwhile to the table. Of course there’s the thoughtful “Bad,” which should be relable to women but also men with ‘relationship’ issues. Wale generally eschews club bangers, but manages one that’s not completely shameful or desperate on “Clappers.” Still, “shawty got a big ole butt” isn’t the most profound, poetic line ever.

This continues on a second consecutive standout “LoveHate Thing,” where he stopped “giving a f*ck about opinions,” and is “Temporarily out of fizzucks / so tell the post to leave propaganda to the politicians. “And y’all don’t even gotta love us / but you will respect this motherf*ckin’ hustle.” On opener “The Curse of the Gifted,” Wale opens with a bang referencing jealous haters. On this particular effort, he benefits from meaningful rhymes and soulful production work. His third album, The Gifted is consistent and exceptional throughout. Wale is definitely a standout, which should go without saying. That’s amazing considering his first album, Attention Deficit (2009), wasn’t a commercial smash Despite a ‘loss in game one,’ he came back to take ‘game two’ with Ambition (2011). , released on the ever growing, popular He ascended from nothin’ to somethin.’ Wale definitely achieved the come-up he deserved, given his skill. Yep, that’s Wale! He’s quickly risen in the rap ranks. “I go hard, I’m ballin’, I’m globetrottin’ / And my flow art my n*gga, I’m Mozart with it.” His third album, The Gifted, is consistent and exceptional throughout.

Wale the gifted deluxe