(Los Angeles, CA) – Today, D.C. rap star Wale returns with the nostalgic, J. Cole-assisted new single “Poke It Out.” This new track’s buoyant, electrifying instrumental serves as the backdrop for lyrics full of overtures and effortless confidence, which makes it fit right in with all the breezy cuts Wale has released this year, and further sets the table for his seventh and most personal studio album to date, Folarin 2, on October 22. Listen to “Poke It Out” on Warner Records HERE.
Floating over the same electric bass sample Q-Tip used for his 1999 hit “Vivrant Thing,” Wale mixes quippy one-liners with easy charm for a verse that spills out like a cascade of pick-up lines. J. Cole continues his streak of stellar guest verses, pairing tight rhyme schemes and deft wordplay for a swaggering, flirtatious verse of his own. It has been a long-awaited reunion between these two friends and collaborators, since the release of “My Boy” (Freestyle) in 2018.
“Poke It Out” is just the latest in a string of robust singles that Wale’s delivered the last few months. In August, he joined forces with Maxo Kream and Yella Beezy for “Down South,” a brash track that samples Mike Jones’ anthemic 2004 song, “Still Tippin.” And of course, before that, he linked up with Chris Brown for “Angles,” an airy summer smash.
All of which is further evidence of Wale’s dynamic songwriting and taste as a curator, qualities he flaunts on his anticipated forthcoming album, Folarin 2. Back in 2019, his sixth studio album, Wow… That’s Crazy, spawned the #1 single “On Chill” featuring Jeremih, which received a 2020 BET Award nomination for “Best Collaboration.” The Grammy-nominated artist’s list of accolades and accomplishments grows every year. He co-starred in the drama series American Gods (Starz), covered magazines such as Complex, Billboard, XXL, and Vibe, and has received honors at the BET Awards, BET Hip-Hop Awards, Soul Train Awards, and more.
To date, Wale has achieved four Platinum or multi-Platinum singles, three Gold singles, and two Gold albums. With a bevy of memorable new songs at his back, Wale is in top form as he gets ready to release Folarin II. And with cleverly charming lyrics, a timeless sample, and a hook that’s easy to repeat, “Poke It Out” is proof that Wale is ready to make his next, his best. Stream Poke It Out below:
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