Preview: Wale Makes Artistic Leap With 'The Gifted' LP

Wale has finally learned to let his music speak for itself. As of late, the passionate rapper born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin hasn't been ranting about how underrated he is or how his third LP, The Gifted, should be in the conversation with time-tested classics like Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt. Yet as he chases the acclaim of his excellent MMG debut Ambition, he's poised to pole vault to the next level; his recent Tiara Thomas-featured single, "Bad," is already the most successful, to date. Set for a June 25 release date, The Gifted will likely convert skeptics into lovers, no diatribes necessary. VIBE heard a sneak peek of the album (which features Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, and Rihanna) at Atlantic Records' Manhattan HQs. Here's a taste of what to expect, our gift to you. —John Kennedy (@youngJFK)