(Allido/Interscope)

They keep sayin' "Whale" but his name's "Wah-lay". On the heels of fellow freshman class all-star and Cleveland native Kid Cudi's debut record and also coming off of the Jay-Z Blueprint III Tour, DC's Wale comes out swinging in his highly anticipated debut album, Attention: Deficit. This go-go infused, diverse hip-hop record features collaborative efforts from top-tier talent such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Mark Ronson.

Wale is the truth and that is exactly what you get the very second AD starts pouring through your speakers. As an artist, he has never been bashful in criticizing today's hip-pop or, as he more acurrately refers to them as, "ringtone rappers". Make no mistake, however -- this kid is smart and far from cocky, but this next big thing's plan is simple and straightfoward: improve the hip hop game. There is no flash needed from Wale as his substance is just as prevelant as his style. After releasing 2008's Mixtape About Nothing and this year's Back To the Feature, Wale has been fondly compared to supreme acts like Jay-Z by national hip-hop media outlets in regard to talent as well as potential status in the rap game. His response? Utmost modesty and an endearing discomfort.

On Attention: Deficit, Wale hits on subjects that run all across the spectrum, from race ("Shades") to relationships ("Contemplate") to the sadness of fame and fortune ("90210"). Gladly, nothing on the record is overdone nor repetitive. Each track is well thought-out and have the same cleverness that I've come to expect from this artist. Admittedly, though, it did take me a couple listens through to really appreciate everything that was going on with it. Even with that being said, "Let It Loose (Inhibitions)" feat. Pharell is still one track I can do without. The beat is boring and just doesn't sound like a Wale song. Despite this one minute shortcoming, I can't get enough of this record. Powerhouse anthem "World Tour" feat. Jazmine Sullivan is still my favorite, but "Triumph", "Pretty Girls", "Mirrors", "Shades" and "Chillin" are all tracks that makes Attention: Deficit already sound like a Greatest Hits record.

The album drops in stores and iTunes everywhere November 10, so cop this thing at 12:00:01 AM if you are at all able. Wale is the fresh new face of the hip-hop scene and I'm already excited to find out what's next from this promising young budding star.