Wale is back and making waves again, this time with a fresh song and a splashy new collaboration with Nike!
The Washington, D.C. rapper, known for his love of Nike showcased in his 2008 hit “Nike Boots,” has just previewed his new track “Ghetto Speak.” This sneak peek comes as part of his long-anticipated collaboration with the sportswear giant.
Featured in the DMV Cherry Blossom Foamposite One campaign, Wale not only stars in the commercial but also provides the soundtrack. The song is a heartfelt homage to his hometown, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of D.C.’s streets. He raps, “From a land that far too well comprehends universal madness / Not too far from the symbolic architecture that masks it / But all is fair, I guess / ‘Cause broken glass, cherry blossoms, them bullet fragments don’t look as fantastic on the pamphlet.”
Adding to the local flavor, the ad includes a cameo from underground legend Big Lordy. However, it’s unclear if “Ghetto Speak” will hit the commercial streams or stay exclusive to this campaign.
Wale’s passion for Nike is no secret. Back in 2018, he humorously spoke about wanting a deal with Nike during an Instagram Live. Holding a Nike Air Mag like a phone, he joked, “When is Nike going to play fair, man? Just call me. Hello? They ain’t on the phone; they givin’ everybody else deals and shit.” This collaboration seems to be the answer to his call.
Interestingly, Wale isn’t alone in his quest to work with Nike. Just recently, the Wu-Tang Clan hinted at the return of their fan-favorite sneakers. An Instagram post from late June showed bees swarming a hi-top shoe, teasing the re-release of the legendary “Wu-Tang” Nike High Dunks from 1999. Though only 100 pairs were initially released, the collab has reached mythical status among fans.
This exciting partnership between Wale and Nike is a testament to the rapper’s love for the brand and his persistent hustle. Meanwhile, fans are left eagerly waiting to see if “Ghetto Speak” will be available for everyone to enjoy.
Wale’s collaboration with Nike and the release of “Ghetto Speak” highlight his deep connection to his hometown and his enduring passion for the brand. Whether the song will get a commercial release remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Wale’s got everyone talking.
