Wale Uses Groundhog Day To Show J. Cole He Walks In No One’s Shadow (Video)

In the closing days of 2016, J. Cole shocked the Hip-Hop stratosphere with his song “False Prophets (Be Like This).” While not included in the final cut of 4 Your Eyez Only, the music video did first appear in the album’s corresponding documentary. Within, the Roc Nation star, approaching his fourth consecutive #1 album, apparently criticized several Rap peers. Although he did not name specific targets, Wale was quick to respond to the jabs. Within 48 hours, the #1 MC in his own right dropped “Groundhog Day.” That became the first of several records and freestyles that seemed to greatly appease his many fans.

While the Cole matter remained quiet through January, Wale patiently waited for the actual February 2 holiday to drop his own visual to the Jake One-produced track. In the video, Wale accepts his own transgressions. From a famous NBA court-side awkward moment to flipping on one magazine staff to earning “Donkey of the Day,” Wale owns his tantrums. Then, he gets to new business. Just as J. Cole took the bus for his visual, Wale rides a double-decker mass transit through Hollywood. This location, the epitome of “fame,” may be symbolic, given Cole’s lyrical criticism that this particular rapper wanted acceptance. It opens with a shot of Wale’s “Nike Boots,” his breakthrough single from more than a decade ago, long before he toured with J. Cole, or the North Carolina MC/producer had a sizable following. Also in the video, Wale is portrayed taking himself lightly, as he dances with a Hollywood Boulevard street performer, and catches an assortment of flicks with the fans, and swigs liquor. Wale seemingly wants his critics, including Cole, to know that he is still a man of the people.

Wale Channels Nas & Shows Other MCs What He’s Really Like (Audio & Video)

The visual eventually fades to colorful static, putting full attention on Wale’s addition to the song. He extends the track to go into a Spoken Word piece (with some rhymes), that explains just why he spazzes off the mic, just like he does in the studio. He rolls out his resumé, from going platinum (and giving Rick Ross his plaque), making moves with Rihanna and Lady Gaga, and putting Washington, D.C.’s Hip-Hop scene on the global map. The battery is in Wale’s back, as he makes a case for his greatness and his actions.