Albuquerque, New Mexico emcee Wake Self combines observant social commentary, complex rhyme patterns and uplifting rhythms for his most recent album, Malala, which was released Wednesday, August 24. 

From the orchestral feel of the impactful title track to “Change the World” featuring Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab, the 15-track album bursts with original content unparalleled by most modern day emcees.

“There are concepts inside of every song,” Wake explained in a recent interview. “Each song has its own mood, atmosphere and anatomy. The way I feel about life and my experiences, beliefs, perception, and emotion is everything. As humans we are not the boxes and generalizations or short description we are forced to fit in. Everything we are is constantly expanding and deepening. Malala is an illustrated soundtrack to my journey and faith for a brighter future.”

With lush contributions from Miles Bonny, Belgium artist Blu Samu, partner-in-crime Def-i, and of course, Gift of Gab, Malala comes at a time when complacency has littered Hip Hop’s landscape. 

“Making this album has already changed my life,” he says. “I am deeply connected to every word, syllable, rhyme patter, feeling, concept, and idea that came through me on this project. I try to make music that can heal, inspire, bring love, awareness, happiness, and clarity. I want people to feel alive, and clear—to not only envision a new world, but to also start materializing it with our actions, and continue cleansing ourselves from the wounds of our past social patterns.” Check it out on Bandcamp. 

The post Wake Self Releases New Album, ‘Malala’ Ft. Gift of Gab and Production From Oldominion’s SmokeM2D6 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

New Mexico Hip-Hop staple Wake Self has teamed up with the illustrious Gift of Gab from the Oakland duo, Blackalicious. Together, they execute one of his most important songs yet, “Change the World.”

Produced by SmokeM2D6 of Oldominion, “Change the World” was a dream collaboration for the budding emcee. While on tour with Gab in 2014, the two talked about doing a track together. One particular night after a show in Durango, Colo., a fan asked, “When is a Wake Self and Gift of Gab song coming out?” The timing was finally right.

“This was actually the first beat I sent Gab from Smoke and he immediately said he wanted to use it,” Wake explains. “He actually did his verse first and I heard it and bounced of the content he had put together. It’s always a blessing when you can rock a track with artists who’ve inspired you over the years.”  

The track takes aim at several culture trends in society that Wake believes are damaging for our souls, including social media, vapid entertainment, celebrity worship, and other things that distract us from truly living our lives.  

In addition to the unveiling of “Change the World,” Wake has also announced his sophomore album, Malala, which is due out August 24, 2016, Wake’s mother’s birthday.

“My main focus with music is to share my ideas with the world, to bring awareness, help heal and inspire people with music, and make my mom proud,” he says. 

Wake has been working on Malala for the past two years and it’s an album he’s proud to share with the world.

“I love this album,” he says. “The journey up to this point has been amazing. I really feel like making this album has already changed my life. I healed and found myself again.” 

Wake Self Online:

www.wakeself.com

www.soundcloud.com/wakeself

@wakeself

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The post Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab and Wake Self Drop “Change the World” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.