1. 600 Benz Feat Rick Ross & Jadakiss Self Made 1
Production: 10 Lyrics/Flow: 10 Message: 10 Notable Lyrics: Wale, real ni**a, where the totem, blowin' bomb haze/I just tell CJ keep on rollin that's my shorty/Tinted out, you ain't seeing through/All black everything, this s**t like a HBCU/Maybach music, major moves/Im saving major loot/I make my old b**ch buy me all the latest shoes/One whip just ain't enough, I just seen 33/You only half a W without a second V 600 Benz is the definitive song for Wale at this point in his career. This is where the production, lyrics, and message of Wale all met up to create something that will be celebrated long after he hangs his microphone up.Cardia - one of hip-hops fastest rising producers - gave Wale one of the preeminent beats of 2012. At this time, it was questioned how Wale would fit in the ranks of Maybach Music, where it was basically crime on record - 600 Benz was the answer. This song continues Wales tradition of having song titles that would insinuate one subject while rapping about something else when one looks deeper. He has his usual sports metaphors and eyebrow-raising punchlines, but they are part of his larger message; which is the grind and struggle to acquire his first 600 Benz. In the interview linked, Wale says Anyone 23-29 can relate to this song. Speaking as a member of that age group, he is absolutely correct. 600 Benz saw Wale unleash a new level of confidence (and beat selection), while maintaining what people loved about him in the first place. Wale has numerous other great songs that were not covered in this list including World Tour, F*ck You, LaceFrontin, Bait, Focused, and more. Let us know what your favourite one is in the comments!