Wale Releases New Album and Tells His Mom: “I’m Still Not a Doctor or Lawyer… But I Hope I Did OK”

Wale Releases New Album and Tells His Mom: “I’m Still Not a Doctor or Lawyer… But I Hope I Did OK”

Wale is celebrating the release of his new album and getting vulnerable about what success looks like in his family’s eyes.

The rapper shared a screenshot of a text he sent to his mother, Emilola, writing:

“Mommy my album just released. This is my 8th one! I’m still not doctor or lawyer or engineer but hope I did ok. I love you”

He posted the message on X with the caption, “To impress our parents ..so they can impress their friends…”, capturing a feeling many children of immigrants and first-gen kids relate to — chasing creative dreams while still wanting to live up to traditional expectations.

The proud text comes as Wale rolls out his eighth studio album, everything is a lot., his first full-length project since 2021’s Folarin II and the latest entry in a catalog that now spans eight studio releases. The new album, released November 14, 2025, features 18 tracks and arrives via Def Jam Recordings. The record includes collaborations with artists such as BNYX, Leon Thomas, Teni, Seyi Vibez, ODUMODUBLVCK, Odeal, Andra Day, Ty Dolla $ign and Shaboozey.

By sharing his text to his mom on the same day he marks a major career milestone, Wale links his latest musical chapter to something deeply personal: the lifelong urge to make your parents proud, even when your path doesn’t look like the one they imagined.