Wale

With a voice that is rough, passionate, sly and ready to take on anyone daring question the Nations Capitol's place in the hip-hop firmament, Wale has been a force in pop and R&B since 2006 when his "Dig Dug (Shake It)" became a ubiquitous hit in his hometown. Born in Washington, DC of Nigerian descent, Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known as Wale (pronounced Wah-LAY, as he likes reminding you), has matured sonically, lyrically, and in overall reach since those days, thanks in large part to extensive touring that brought him to his African roots. His third studio offering, 2013's ÒThe Gifted,Ó debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and demonstrated that Wale not only possesses an ear for slick production and pop hooks, but also a heck of a Rolodex.