Wale Drops Final Single “City On Fire” Featuring Odeal Ahead Of November Album
Multi-platinum, D.C. rapper Wale released his poignant record “City on Fire” featuring British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Odeal. This marks the final single release from Wale’s highly-anticipated album everything is a lot. (EIA), dropping on November 14 via Def Jam Recordings.
LISTEN HERE
“City on Fire” is a powerful collaboration that bridges cultures and celebrates Nigerian talent on a global scale. The record connects American-Nigerian icon Wale with one of R&B’s fastest-rising Nigerian stars, Odeal. Wale’s signature, introspective lyricism follows Odeal’s smooth and delicate vocals on the chorus, creating a complementary fusion of sound. “City on Fire” paints a vivid picture of love and loss – one where a relationship is slipping out of reach. Throughout Wale’s second verse, he weaves in the Nigerian Pidgin English word, “wahalla” – translating to trouble, suffering, or a chaotic situation, further underscoring the emotional turmoil of the song.
The record is co-produced by P2J (Doja Cat, Beyoncé, FKA Twigs), the producer behind WizKid’s megahit “Essence,” and Cole YoursTruly (Blxst, Odeal, FLO). It is the latest of Wale’s singles to arrive, following his deeply introspective track “Mirrorronnabenz” with BNYX, which dropped earlier this month. Both unveil a candor and emotional openness from Wale, offering a glimpse of what can be expected on the upcoming album. everything is a lot. captures the heavy weight of life’s challenges and the emotional complexities that come with it.
Wale and Odeal have been hinting at their collaboration since earlier this month. Wale popped out as a surprise guest at Odeal’s sold out D.C. show at 930 Club, joining him on stage to perform his hit classic “Lotus Flower Bomb.” Later that night, the pair debuted “City on Fire” at Odeal’s afterparty in D.C., providing fans with an exclusive first listen.
A cornerstone of the DMV rap scene, Wale returns with EIA at a pivotal moment for hip-hop, one defined by a renewed hunger for authenticity and unfiltered expression. Positioned at the intersection of legendary and misunderstood, this album reaffirms Wale’s rightful place on the throne while revealing the inner journey of the man behind the music. The music draws from over a decade of cultural influence, reflecting Wale’s personal evolution and legacy. In this album, he’s also honoring his African roots, bridging continents through collaborations with global artists such as Odeal. EIA stands as a testament to Wale’s growth, resilience, and the enduring power of self-discovery.
In celebration of the release of everything is a lot., Wale is set to return to the stage for a special, one-night-only show on November 14th at The Anthem in his hometown of D.C. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.walemusic.com/.
“City on Fire” is available now on all streaming platforms. For more information and updates on EIA, follow Wale on Instagram.
About Wale
Wale has been one of rap’s most versatile and enduring artists since his breakout 2008 mixtape, A Mixtape About Nothing. Blending striking social commentary, confident lyricism, Seinfeld-inspired irony, and anthemic storytelling, he helped merge backpack rap with mainstream success, earning Platinum and Gold plaques along the way. Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin to Nigerian immigrant parents in Washington, D.C., he pursued football in college before shifting to music, scoring his first local hit with 2006’s “Dig Dug (Shake It).” His critically acclaimed A Mixtape About Nothing solidified his reputation for tackling complex themes with nuance, paving the way for a major-label debut, Attention Deficit (2009), and later success with Ambition (2011), The Gifted (2013), The Album About Nothing (2015), and more. Aligning with Rick Ross’ MMG, he delivered Platinum hits like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “My P.Y.T.,” proving his staying power. After a brief hiatus following Folarin II (2019), Wale returned in 2023 with a new deal at Def Jam, a #1 Nigerian hit, and a Kennedy Center headline show celebrating The Gifted. Now, with his highly anticipated eighth album on the horizon, he’s ready to begin his next chapter as one of hip-hop’s greatest writers.
About Odeal
Born in Germany and raised across Nigeria, Spain, and the UK, Odeal’s life has been a whirlwind of cultural influences. With over 4 million listeners, his fanbase spans vibrant cultural hubs across the globe. Odeal’s artistic journey is marked by a steadfast dedication to his craft and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Drawing from a rich palette of experiences, his music weaves a compelling narrative that reflects his multicultural upbringing and artistic sensibilities. With a captivating blend of soulful melodies and evocative rhythms, Odeal has become a leading figure in the Afro/R&B music scene in the UK. His artistic endeavors reflect a deep-seated passion for musical exploration and a commitment to creating a lasting impact through his art.
