Wale - Shades (featuring Chrisette Michele)

First of all, I'm absolutely blown away by Wale's new album, "Attention Deficit". It truly exceeded my expectations and it has definitely changed my perception of Wale as a rapper. Beyond the fashion, sneakers and Hollywood lifestyle, is an incredibly deep thinker, that isn't afraid to speak his mind. The track I'm posting, "Shades", is by far one of the most daring songs on the album. Throughout the song, Wale speaks about how he grew up seeing lighter skinned African American being treated differently than those with darker complexions. He takes the issue one step further by asking his listeners, "What if Barack's skin was all black… would he be a candidate". I think Wale is 100% on point with everything he says in this song. I grew up in a predominately black neighborhood and I seen the insecurities that many people had with their skin, whether it was, guys that avoided the sun, or girls that never showed anyone their real hair. Everything he says is real, and its happening everyday. But the message that Wale places in his song is that it doesn't matter what shade of brown that you are, because at the end of the day, it's what's on the inside that counts.
Wale and his production team, Best Kept Secret, are simply impressive and they definitely deserve to win an award for this song; it's remarkable!
"Shades"
Artist: Wale
Featuring: Chrisette Michele
Produced by: Best Kept Secret
Album: Attention Deficit
Year: 2009
Location: Washington DC
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/wale
Twitter: http://twitter.com/WaLe

November 6th, 2009 at 7:30 am
I love Wale sooo much, I didn't even realize his album leaked, his music is so good!!!!
November 6th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
this photos is bananas
November 7th, 2009 at 10:37 am
real shit Wale…not only in the U.S…I'm form Trinidad in the Caribbean
November 9th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Deep dopeness…chrisette michele's vocals only add to the greatness of the track
November 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
music with a message! Thank you Wale for sharing the feelings of a Black man-thoughts that usually rattle around in brains and go unsaid. It doesn't happen often, seldom authentically, that we hear from the heart. Chrisette Michele's vocals have a lightness that christens Wale's poetry with sweetness and the teeniest bit of humor. Thank you both. Now where do I find this CD. I want to buy it!!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
the message/meaning of the songs blows my mind. the vulnerability that he shows is commendable by far. chrisette michele's voice is like honey to my ears, ever so soothing. love wale. blessings
November 14th, 2009 at 11:29 am
for everything praising it, it sure didnt do to well. I love it, but Im wondering if half these people bought the album. Only on pace for 28k…..Disappointing for DC's ambassador.
November 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I'm blown away as well. Gorgeous, true, real.
November 26th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Who is the photog on this photo?