Wale "Ambition" Review

M-MMMMMaybach Music!

“Ambition” Wale's first release under the MMG umbrella and second overall album after the semi-disappointing and forgettable “Attention Deficit” is a record where Wale seems to have finally found his grove and a sound that is unique to him.

A more mature sounding record, “Ambition” is more cohesive than “Attention Deficit” and has much better direction. Featuring a nice mix of radio songs like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and skill songs such as “Legendary”, Wale is able to show his versatility throughout the album and keep the hour long record interesting.

As part of MMG, Wale's beat selection has greatly improved as Rick Ross' ear for top production seems to have rubbed off onto Wale. The best sound on the record by far, comes from the T-Minus produced “Ambition” featuring MMG family members Rick Ross and Meek Mill. Having produced some of 2011's biggest hits including “She Will” and “I'm On One”, T-Minus graces “Ambition” with a daunting yet inspiring beat for MMG to ride over.

Lyrically, “Ambition” is the most uplifting song on the record with Meek Mill providing my favorite bar, “Now I move with aggression, use my mind as a weapon, Cause chances are never given they tooken like interceptions.”

Having songs for the ladies, Wale enlists Miguel for the albums first mainstream single “Lotus Flower Bomb” and Lloyd for “Sabotage.” While “Sabotage” is a song about a destructive relationship, due to its unique sound and Lloyd's crooning it had to be mentioned. “Lotus Flower Bomb” on the other hand is perfect for the radio and will help break Wale through to a wider audience. With a smooth old school vibe, Wale creates a banger while Miguel murders the hook.

Speaking of singles, the next potential radio hit could be “Focused” featuring Kid Cudi. After a brief falling out, Wale and Cudi team up for one of the most infectious tracks on “Ambition.” With Cudi providing one of his best chorus' of all time, Wale does the rapping and gives us a feel good song which is sure to be in heavy rotation.

Overall, Wale proves he is here to stay for the long run with “Ambition.” A much better record than his debut, Wale signing with MMG and Rick Ross was the right move for his career despite the initial backlash. Lyrically above most, Wale made a record with a little bit of everything without changing too much of his style to accommodate MMG. From radio hits (“Lotus Flower Bomb”) to straight bangers (“Ambition”) to soul (“DC Or Nothing”) “Ambition” is a solid record and will help push Wale into mainstream superstardom.

Ranked on the Beavis And Butt-Head Scale:
4 Beavis' out of 5 Butt-Head's

Songs I Recommend:
Lotus Flower Bomb, Focused, Sabotage, Ambition, DC Or Nothing

Tracklist:
1.Don't Hold Your Applause
2.Double M Genius
3.Miami Nights
4.Legendary
5.Lotus Flower Bomb ft. Miguel
6.Chain Music
7.Focused ft. Kid Cudi
8.Sabotage ft. Lloyd
9.White Linen (Coolin') ft. Ne-Yo
10.Sight Work ft. Big Sean
11.Ambition ft. Meek Mill & Rick Ross
12.Illest B****
13.No Days Off
14.DC Or Nothing
15.That Way ft. Jeremiah & Rick Ross