So, you hear the title Ambition, and you automatically assume the entire album will be about his ambition, right? In a sense, it is. However, the unexpected twist, for me, is just listening to it in its entirety inspired me to re-evaluate how I approach my goals.
No one song stands out, because they are all successful in their own way. Wale raps with a sort of confidence that is felt throughout the entire album.
“Legendary” has a hook that says enough. For anyone who wants success minus the fame and the money, it’s easy to relate to this one.
“No Days Off” should be played every morning on the way into the office. Every hard worker, no matter the field, can relate. This track takes the phrase “rise and grind” to another level. If you have no days off, it’s that much easier to be one step ahead of the competition, right?
“Focused” just reminds you that you can’t slow down and have to keep going when it comes to your dreams.
Then, you have “White Linen,” “Lotus Flower Bomb,” and “Sabotage” that take the project in a different direction while elevating it at the same time. The “love” songs all feature an R&B artist (NeYo, Miguel, and Lloyd). It’s interesting to see him maneuver back and forth between the different sounds, which he does quite well.
Purchasing an album that can be played from start to finish without skipping a track is every music lover’s dream. While this doesn’t happen very often, it’s like you hit the jackpot when it is possible. While his first album, Attention Deficit, was good, Ambition shows a great amount of growth just because of the lyrical content and his blatant disregard for mainstream Hip Hop. Even if you’re not a fan, you have to respect him for this contribution alone to Hip Hop.
