The music of Wale Oyejide, a.k.a. Science Fiction, is not what you’d typically expect to find in the hip-hop/rap section of your record store (or at HipHopSite for that matter). You see, this Nigerian-born, now stateside musician sings instead of raps and his production is a lot more than emotive than your typical boom-bap. And even as Wale (pronounced Wah-lay) may sound more like Sting (during his days with The Police) than any MC, his societal battle cries on One Day, Everything Changed are right in line with his inspirations, like KRS-ONE.

    The reason Wale has probably avoided being lumped into the neo-soul category thus far is because he doesn’t try to hit any high notes or mourn lost loves–he just coolly croons on his observations of the world over his self-described “broken jazz.” This vocalist is merely taking the art of rap down a different road. Take the infectious anti-war anthem, “There’s a War Going On”, in which Jay Dee joins Wale for a righteous call to the people to unite over an alluring afro-beat production. Here, Wale’s understated vocals are complimented well by Jay Dee’s contrasting grimy delivery.

    Much of this album also takes the listener on a journey back to Wale’s homeland (see “Third World Anthem” and “Ibadan Sunrise”). But on “This Is Dedicated To”, featuring MF Doom, Wale exposes his love for early-90s hip-hop like KRS, A Tribe Called Quest and Pete Rock–artists that obviously changed his life upon reaching America.  

    Tracks like “Keep Pushing” may be as simple as can be lyrically, but they’re damn uplifting. These are truly songs for the people. While Wale may not posses the intensity of KRS or Immortal Technique, his message of determination rings loud and clear. On his debut as Wale Oyejide this producer/vocalist will slickly remind you of the world we live in through his clear-cut observations and soothing “broken jazz.”