“A million album reviews, 15 minutes the album’s out” - Wale claims "hyperbole" has done severe damage to hip-hop discourse

Rapper Wale recently shared his thoughts on how online exaggeration has shaped discussions around hip-hop and music overall. In a chat with Complex News’ Jordan Rose, he talked about the fast-moving opinions, the impact of streaming platforms, and how content creators play a part in changing the way people talk about music today.

Looking back at the past 15 years, Wale said internet platforms have made it simpler for people to share their opinions, but often in over-the-top ways.

“The past 15 years, everybody’s had an opinion a the internet, you know?” he said. “I think they’re so loud now. We’re just in a room full of like a gazillion people screaming. A million album reviews, 15 minutes the album’s out… Hyperbole [has] done irreparable damage to discourse on anything. Sports, football, basketball… Some people only understand hyperbole; it’s either a classic or the worst. I think it’s cooked us a little bit.”

He highlighted how exaggerated statements can change views on long-standing reputations. He brought up the example of Kobe Bryant to explain how social media gives space to challenge even respected individuals. Wale said this kind of criticism happens more often in music since it relies on personal opinions.

“They do it a lot more with music, because it’s subjective,” he said. “That might be one of my most frustrating things about music, or art in general, but especially Black music. People will be like, ‘That’s trash.' Just because they don’t like the person.”

Wale shared that measuring success in sports is simpler because it relies on clear wins like championships. He gave an example with LeBron James, saying people might debate their opinions about him, but his achievements are undeniable.

Wale speaks on the state of online music discourse:

“It’s so loud now. It’s like we’re just in a room full of a gazillion people screaming, a million album reviews 15 minutes after an album is out, a lot of hyperbole…It’s either a classic or it’s the worst...”

He’s 100% right pic.twitter.com/TdvKLvDccU

— Joey (@gothamhiphop) July 30, 2025

Wale highlights how streamers and social media are reshaping hip-hop recognition and discourse

In hip-hop, Wale thinks clever lyrics or deep songwriting often get ignored if popular creators do not bring attention to them. Wale admitted that streamers have power in today’s music world despite these difficulties. He said their role now feels similar to how shows like 106 & Park used to shape the scene. Wale noted how streamers rose to prominence fast. However, he wondered about the lasting effects of their involvement, questioning if people like Kai Cenat view themselves as long-term voices in music culture.

Wale talked about a recent moment with Cenat that went viral at the 2025 BET Awards. Cenat called him “Wally” and didn’t know who he was. Wale mentioned online that they had met before at a celebrity football game, and he found it odd that both moments ended up being recorded.

The conversation touched on how things like social media streaming platforms and the rise of influencers are changing how people experience and talk about music today.