Well, the past month has been quite an exciting one in the world of hip hop. We've had releases from multiple popular artists including Wale's long-awaited The Album About Nothing. This release is the conclusion to a trilogy that began before Wale's first mainstream album with The Mixtape About Nothing and More About Nothing. With both tapes considered to be some of Wale's classic work, it only makes sense for him to continue further with a studio album for the series.y
The trilogy is inspired by the classic television series Seinfeld, with the title of each track similar to the title of every Seinfeld episode. This is why every track starts with 'The' as a tribute to Wale's favorite show. What makes this release extra special is the inclusion of Jerry Seinfeld playing the role of narrator throughout the album. On top of this, lines and situations within Seinfeld episodes help set up the context for many songs.
Standout songs include "The God Smile," "The Success," "The Bloom" and "The Pessimist," which features J. Cole. These tracks, however, are not ones you'll likely hear on the radio all too often. These are not songs that fit the description of a mainstream single. Is this a problem? Absolutely not! Throughout the years, Wale's best work has come from album tracks that go unnoticed from the average hip hop fan.
With that said, the singles on this album are easily the most underwhelming tracks. For example, the Jeremih-featured "The Body" is a basic R&B meets hip hop track that feels like a promotional single that accidentally ended up on the final track list. This is a major flaw, because it is the concluding tune, and sticks out like a sore thumb. "The Girls on Drugs" is another track that looks like it was merely put on the album to make the label happy. Overall, Wale needs to be left alone here. His most passionate work is what makes fans want to listen to him in the first place.
Other solid tracks include "The Glass Egg," "The Middle Finger," and "The Helium Balloon." The explanations Jerry Seinfeld gives on these songs helps listeners understand what Wale is trying to communicate to his fans. Sometimes, these messages are much deeper than they seem.
With an album that has such dedication and a theme, one may feel there is no arc to the album. Then again, how many long story arcs did we see on Seinfeld? Besides a few, each story is its own individual piece of work when it comes to the show and to this album.
So what's to say of The Album About Nothing? It isn't an album that will satisfy everyone on the first listen, but that second or third listen can give one a better understanding of this album at the end of the day. If you're a fan of Wale (especially his older work), the deep tracks will become some of your favorites. If you're into Wale for his bangers with Maybach Music, you may want to skip this one... Although a lacking in MMG bangers makes this a much better piece of work.
Grade: B-
