Wale wastes no time whatsoever on Florian II, getting at the heart of his frustration with critics, superficiality of his peers and asserting his status within the hip-hop scene—all while packing punch after punch, track after track. In the follow-up to his 2012 mixtape of the same name (coming after his 2019 album, Wow… That’s Crazy) Wale delivers a diverse selection of sounds with many notable guest features and samples certain to please.

Success really is the name of the game, and is certainly the defining theme of the album. Wale sings about how success informs every aspect of his life. It’s incredibly introspective as he analyzes his past, present and future in the context of success; while also observing how his relationships are informed by that success.

The album opens with light, washed-out backing vocals and percussion as piano chords gently lead into booming bass with claps setting the tempo. “New Balance” see’s Wale shrugging off casual flings and other ladies who’ve drawn his attention, as his ambition keeps him too fixated on what’s coming up ahead. The track is followed by “Name Ring Bell.” A prominent snare and rattling tambourine percolate alongside the string melody. Wale rolls his shoulders to shake off the arbitrary hatred of detractors as he reflects on his overwhelming winning streak—particularly his break out moments.

It’s followed by lead single “Poke It Out,” sampling Q-Tip’s classic “Vivrant.” On the sone Wale and J. Cole boast about getting around with the ladies. “Tiffany Nikes” returns to more serious matters with horns paired with crooning backup vocals. Wale rips into his critics while also taking shots at white silence in the face of racism: “I do not fuck with white people who silent/ I do not fuck with white people who quiet/ I do not fuck with white people who see it/ Don’t say it, they racist compliant.”

We get another great sample on “Caramel” with Wale drawing from Faith Evans’ hit “Caramel Kisses” for quite the unconventional love song. At first it appears to be the standard affair, but as the song goes on, it’s clear that Wale is rapping not about a woman but about his devotion to his music and career as a whole. “Fluctuate” injects some more social commentary into the mix, as Wale raps about the selective nature of people’s loyalty when the chips are down—especially when money is involved. The sonic motif of washed-out background vocals appears again over the piano-led instrumental.

That same ambient quality is extended to the strings on “Light Years,” where Wale confronts the superficial facades some rappers put up when trying to act harder than they truly are. Rick Ross appears on this track, delivering a more solid verse than usual. Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and Hot Sauce deliver the electrifying chorus on “More Love,” which features an ambient synth melody and muffled snares. Wale opens up about struggling to maintain a positive outlook, as he grapples with his own internal criticisms compounded with those he receives from others.

The final sample comes on “Down South,” with Maxo Kream and Yella Breezy. The track draws from “Still Sippin” by Mike Jones. Wale returns to criticizing MCs for putting up fake fronts. Another sobering moment shows up on “Extra Special,” with Ant Clements belting distorted vocals to highlight the emotional insecurity of the song’s subject matter. Wale is speaking to his ex-girlfriend, someone whom he broke up with after realizing he couldn’t provide for her emotional needs. It’s a complex meditation on how even being able to recognize the failings of a relationship doesn’t always mean there’s a clean break. Wale closes out strong with the bold and prideful “Beverley Blvd” as he reasserts his status, dedication and ambition to hop-hop.

Follow editor Tim Hoffman at Twitter.com/hipsterp0tamus.