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Wale

How the DMV and Virginia Beach made rap safe (and profitable!) for eccentrics

The Clipse, Missy Elliott, Rico Nasty & Wale. Collage by Jackie Lay / NPR. Scott Gries / Roger Kisby / Michael Loccisano / Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Gries / Roger Kisby / Michael Loccisano / Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images

Hip-Hop 50: All Rap Is Local

How the DMV and Virginia Beach made rap safe (and profitable!) for eccentrics

From one little resort town came some of weirdest, boldest changes to hip-hop's sound. A few hours away, flowery backpack raps and a splash of mambo sauce helped the nation's capital break through.

New Music Friday: The top 8 albums out on Oct. 22

K-pop singer CL's debut solo album, ALPHA, is one of our picks for the best releases out on Oct. 22. Courtesy of Very Cherry hide caption

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Courtesy of Very Cherry

All Songs Considered

New Music Friday: The top 8 albums out on Oct. 22

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out today include new ones from the K-pop singer CL, rapper and producer Wale, a new project from Tricky called Lonely Guest, Grouper and more.

New Music Friday: The top 8 albums out on Oct. 22

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Wale: From Free Mixtapes To Billboard Hits

Wale performs during the 2012 BET Awards in Los Angeles. Michael Buckner/Getty Images hide caption

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Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Music

Wale: From Free Mixtapes To Billboard Hits

Born to Nigerian parents in Washington, D.C., Wale calls himself the "Ambassador of Rap for the Capital." Music journalist Danyel Smith says she plays Wale's chart-topping "Lotus Flower Bomb" every day.

Wale: From Free Mixtapes To Billboard Hits

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Review

Song Of The Day

Wale: A D.C. Rapper Finds His Thoughtful Side

After releasing a popular mix tape last year, D.C. rapper Wale signed a major-label deal. Known for rapping over beats from unlikely sources (including French electronic duo Justice and English singer Lily Allen), Wale is a blogger favorite, and the song responsible for much of the buzz is "Nike Boots."

'Nike Boots' by Wale

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