Jay-Z’s and Kanye West’s brands, Roc Nation and G.O.O.D. Music, teamed up with Heineken to feature several of their artists on the 2011 Red Access Concert Series. Wale served as the headlining act as the tour made its way to Atlanta on Aug. 16.
Held at the Compound, Heineken provided free alcohol for guests as partygoers listened to DJ Mick Boogie and DJ Holiday spin on the one’s and two’s.
Wale entered the stage shortly before 11 p.m. and opened his set with his recently released freestyle, “Ambitionz.” He then performed several tracks form his debut album Attention Deficit. A few of the crowd favorites included “Pretty Girls,” “Chillin,” and “Nike Boots.” Wale later performed a few songs from his Maybach Music Group debut and he brought his labelmate, Pill, to performed his underground hit, “Pac Man.”
Wale captured female fans’ ears with his take on college relationships on the heartfelt, “The Break Up Song.” However, the crowd nearly went into a frenzy as Wale introduced 2 Chainz, formerly of Playaz Circle. 2. Chainz performed his single “Spend It.” Wale closed the show by rapping his verse from Waka Flocka’s provocative hit song, “No Hands.”
Wale spoke with rolling out magazine shortly before he hit the stage.
Thoughts on performing in Atlanta:
“I have a lot of family in Atlanta. The city supported me when I didn’t have a deal so its always great to come back.”
On what can be expected from his mixtape and new album:
“The new album is high fashion all the way. The mixtape is just a lyrical exercise to get fans prepared for the album.”
What he learned from his experience with Maybach Music:
“I’m more self-made, no pun attended. I have my own team and we’re studying the great rap empires that came before us.” –amir shaw
