Attention Deficit

With his wit and old-school rhyme influences, Wale resembles his contemporaries Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco, both of whom embrace innovation and tradition with equal regard. Still, Attention Deficit is less insular than The Cool or Man On the Moon. Even though Wale is interested in changing rap, he is a rapper to the core, and for all its dazzling sonic detours, his major- label debut is ultimately a showcase of rhyme skills. He has the swiftness and enthusiasm of a rookie, and his boasts in “Triumph” are marvelous: “Me against you the movie of the year / ‘Cause you slum dawg and I'm the millionaire / Their buzz internet and mines in her net / Should know I'm winnin’ that Chanel fitted cap.” The cross-genre appeal of Attention Deficit is confirmed by its guest list. Southern street-rap heroes Bun B and Gucci Mane appear alongside the pop stars Pharrell and Lady GaGa and modern-day divas Chrisette Michele and Jazmine Sullivan. Best of all, “Pretty Girls,” “Prescription” and “Shades” seamlessly incorporate the go-go rhythms of Wale’s native D.C., a nice hometown touch.