Wale Drops Surprise It’s Complicated EP
After completely wiping out his Instagram profile, Wale shocked fans, Tuesday (Mar. 13) in the
early hours of the night with a surprise EP entitled, “It’s Complicated.” The EP is only four
tracks and contains only one feature, Jacquees. The project comes swiftly after the DMV native
teased new music yesterday on his Instagram story joined by none other than Mr. Skateboard P,
Pharrell. “DMV! He’s trying to do that cool, artsy sh*t, but that’s Pharrell yall,” Wale said,
referring to P who jokingly hid his face as Wale recorded. “This me! I’m dropping something
tonight, ah,” continued Wale.
The new project follows Wale’s fifth album, Shine. Since then, Wale has been calmly dropping
gems such as, his rendition of SZA’s “The Weekend,” his hot anti-Valentine’s Day track, “All
Star Break Up,” and the braggadocios “Staying Power.”
It’s Complicated further peels back yet another layer to the lyricist as shares more of his flaws
and insecurities. The EP’s first track, titled after the project shows Wale breaking down
“relationships” in this time and age.
“It’s complicated to find a lady in my generation that’s not preoccupied with social clout / We
almost phasing out from the high we get from love and conversation // And go on IG gallivanting
for likes and sh*t // Oh, it’s complicated.
From there Wale describes the type of woman he desires but he also acknowledges his faults and
insecurities that stop him from being in that great relationship. The song tells a story that
practically both men and women will be able to relate to. It addresses how both genders think
and act when it comes to being in a relationship in this age, while also giving fans an ever deeper
look into the mind and heart of the young rapper. The production is smooth and calm as Wale
tells a story on the canvas of our minds. He paints this vivid, fresh picture of what it means to be
in a relationship now and… It’s complicated.
Black Bonnie contains the project’s only feature, Jacquees. The production is very vintage. It
delivers much 90’s nostalgia. Wale begins the track longing for someone to come up with him.
He wants the Bonnie to his Clyde (hence why… Black Bonnie).
With poetic lines, imagery, and raw lines, Wale delivers a more, “let’s live in the moment, let’s
not wait” type of vibe. It is clear he is looking for a down chick, willing to do whatever with him
and not care because they have each other and that is all that matters. Jacquees’ vocals escalate
the song to even higher levels as he sings about this “Black Bonnie” who he can hide his fears
and chase his dreams with. Wale’s delivery is outstanding yet again, as he simply has a way with
words and forming those lines that stick with you on the first listen and those that even make you
rewind to fully grasp what he just said. The song that makes for a great listen and sing-a- long.
The EP’s third song, “Effortless” is funkier in its production. It gives off 80’s vibes with the bass
an instrumentation. The production plays on Mary Jane Girls 1983 hit, “All night long.” The vibe
is melodic and continues right where “Black Bonnie” leaves listeners. Wale talks about this
mystery woman that basically has him shaken up. He misses her when she’s gone, when she’s
there she gives him a headache but it is something about her that he simply cannot drop about
her. Her love is effortless. He admits his heart his cold from previous experiences but begins to
wonder if this new-found woman could be the first to peel that away hurt and essentially teach
him to love painlessly. This woman is changing him. I feel that personally the record praises
women in a sense. While they can be headaches, be spoiled, and even childish sometimes they
are a beauty both inside and out. They do it effortlessly every time. At the end of the day, they
are great.
We reach the end of the EP with the last track, “Let It Go.” This record again ushers in that 90’s
nostalgia even more and ultimately loops the project’s beginning and ending full circle. The song
focuses on truly letting that hurt go to further build one’s self. I’m not sure who Wale called on
for the vocals but they are truly mesmerizing. With metaphors and clever phrases, Wale begins
focusing on his cold heart.
“Ok, my heart been cold / Ok, my watch is cold / But I know what time we on, cuz only one of
them broken. / Hey love, they say all good things don’t last / Hey love, how can I blame you for
my past.”
Wale goes through an internal conflict asking himself would you rather hurt, or not feel anything
at all. He even discusses his recent issues with management and having to be signed yet again.
He acknowledges the struggle with his heart and his mind. Wale addresses that he might just be
more insecure than he thought, but he has to shake it in order to keep growing, maturing and
essentially, “securing the bag.” The track relays the message that, we all insecurities that we try
to hide and not deal with, but at the end of the day, we have to drop them at the door.
“It’s Complicated,” while relatively short, is an amazing project. It is real, raw, and relevant. Not
only does it tell a story, but it lets listeners further explore who Wale is while connecting his
personal struggles to theirs. Wale has been on fire lately, continuing to put on for the DMV, and
this project simply adds fuel to the flame. Great job, Wale! HustleTV
It’s Complicated is available on all platforms now!
Written By Joseph Gaither