1.2 2007–09: National attention and major label signing.1.1 1984–2007: Early life and career beginnings.His second Billboard number one album The Album About Nothing was released on March 31, 2015. His third studio album, The Gifted, was released on June 25, 2013, to mainly positive reviews it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. His second studio album, Ambition was released November 1, 2011, with mixed reviews. In early 2011, Wale signed with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group, where members of the label released a compilation album, Self Made Vol. The album, although under-shipped, received positive reviews from critics. In 2008, Wale signed with Interscope Records for $1.3 million, and his debut album Attention Deficit was released in 2009 with the singles 'Chillin', 'Pretty Girls', and 'World Tour'. A song called 'Ridin' in That Black Joint' was featured in the popular video game Saints Row 2's soundtrack in 2008. While signed to that label, Wale released several mixtapes and appeared in national media including MTV and various Black-American-focused magazines. Producer Mark Ronson discovered Wale in 2006 and signed him to Allido Records in 2007. Wale became locally recognized and continued recording music for the regional audience.

He first rose to prominence in 2006, when his song 'Dig Dug (Shake It)' became popular in his hometown. Olubowale Victor Akintimehin (born September 21, 1984), better known by his stage name Wale (/ˈwɔːleɪ/ WAW-lay), is an American recording artist, record producer and actor.

Wale the gifted interview