Wale hasn't released much music in 2016, but he's keeping busy. Speaking to Complex during SXSW, the MMG rapper says he has plans to deliver not one but two solo albums this year. The first of which, S.H.I.N.E (Still Here Ignoring Negative Energy), is 80% done. Kehlani is the only guest he chose to name, while Nez & Rio will have production credits.
"Sonically, I always want to push myself as an artist and I think S.H.I.N.E. is a big example of me pushing myself and trying new things," he says about the album. "My fifth album is a reason to celebrate, and a lot of the music I’ve been making is very chill. I’m singing—and I’m not singing to be the next Brian McKnight—I’m singing to enhance my songwriting ability and to evolve as an artist.”Aside from his solo work, Rick Ross has entrusted Wale with executive producing the long awaited Self Made 4 compilation. Wale's hope is to showcase the lesser known artists from the label like Fat Trel and Rockie Fresh, while also displaying MMG's unity. Considering their rocky history, will he reach out to Meek Mill for some verses?
Watch the full interview below.
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