Wale Talks Career, "Blanco," & Dreamville Ties at Fest 2025

At Dreamville Fest 2025, Wale sat down for an engaging conversation, reflecting on nearly two decades in a storied career that has shaped the culture of modern hip-hop. With seven albums, multiple mixtapes, and platinum singles under his belt, Wale continues to thrive, leaning into both his talent and vulnerability.

Wale spoke fondly of his ties to Dreamville, calling label head J. Cole and the Dreamville crew his family. Their connection goes back years, including their time together on the Blueprint 3 tour. According to Wale, performing at Dreamville Fest feels like coming home to “cousins,” highlighting the bond between his home roots in the DMV and the Carolinas.

The conversation shifted to Wale’s latest single, “Blanco,” which he described as a testament to his passion and openness. “Vulnerability is key for me,” he shared, noting that singing on a track is one of the most intimate ways to connect with the audience. He even treated fans to a playful live vocal snippet, drawing a smile and applause.

One standout moment came when Wale reflected on the song that makes him emotional every time he hears it: Stevie Wonder’s “These Three Words.” The song resonates deeply, emphasizing the value of love and familial connections. He passionately discussed his admiration for music legends like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, naming Thriller as his all-time favorite album.

Wale also mentioned his Hollywood venture, recounting his memorable experience filming Ambulance alongside Jake Gyllenhaal under director Michael Bay. Shot during the pandemic, Wale described the process as impactful and surreal, signaling his multidimensional talent.

Balancing humor, heart, and wisdom, Wale left fans inspired with his candidness and charisma. With “Blanco” offering a glimpse of his current artistry and promises of a new album on the horizon, he continues to remind fans why he’s a mainstay in music and culture. “I love everybody, and everybody don’t love me, but it’s cool,” he concluded with a laugh, leaving those around him both entertained and moved.