Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, known as Wale, is an American rapper who rose to prominence in 2006 with his breakout local hit "Dig Dug Shake It" in Germantown, Maryland. After building a regional following, he signed to Mark Ronson's Allido Records and later entered into a joint deal with Interscope Records. Wale released his debut album Attention Deficit in 2009, earning critical praise and his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with "Chillin" featuring Lady Gaga. He gained major mainstream recognition with the hit "No Hands" alongside Waka Flocka Flame and Roscoe Dash, and went on to sign with Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group. Wale's second album, Ambition, included the Grammy-nominated single "Lotus Flower Bomb" featuring Miguel, and reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart. His next two albums, The Gifted and The Album About Nothing, both debuted at number one, with singles like "Bad" becoming some of his biggest hits. Known for his mix of poetic lyricism and commercial appeal, Wale continued to chart with albums like Shine, Wow That's Crazy, and Folarin II, delivering popular singles such as "My PYT," "On Chill" with Jeremih, and "Poke It Out" featuring J. Cole. After Folarin II, he departed Maybach Music Group and signed with Def Jam Recordings. Wale remains recognized for his versatile style, blending hip hop with elements of go-go, soul, and contemporary R and B.