Wale, the self-styled “ambassador of rap for the capital,” was born and raised in Washington, D.C. The city fostered his musical career in the early 2000s, when he performed ’80s go-go disco, a genre that originated in the capital. By 2007, with guidance from renowned producer Mark Ronson, Wale began to gain national acclaim with widely accessible hip-hop. Since then, he’s worked with some of pop music’s biggest names, such as Rihanna, Usher and Jeremih, on chart-topping records. Wale’s latest album, Shine, is due out Friday, May 5. In anticipation of the album’s release, the musician is embarking on a national tour. He’ll stop at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center on Thursday, April 20, at 8 p.m. $27.50 floor/$22.50 arena in advance, $32.50 floor/$27.50 arena day of show. ramsey.wcu.edu. Photo courtesy of Wale
Smart bets: Wale
![Wale (2)](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Wale-2-1100x660.jpg)
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