Durant stated he spoke to Wale “the other day,” referring to him as “Ralph,” a familiarity that signaled simply how far again their relationship goes. For Durant, their bond predates arenas and major-label rollouts.

They are merchandise of the identical D.C.–Maryland–Virginia panorama, a spot Durant described as constructed on ambition, craft, and the strain to outwork circumstances. That historical past formed the best way he sees Wale’s new chapter.

“To see people in this industry — we’re all in the entertainment business, I feel, sports, music, movies, and all that stuff — to see people still have that energy to work on their craft every day. That’s who Wale is: he’s a craftsman,” Durant stated.

Kevin Durant Loves Wale’s New Album ‘Everything Is A Lot’

That phrase — craftsman — echoed all through his reply. Durant related Wale’s artistic self-discipline to the identical repetition and refinement that outline NBA greatness.

Just as Durant evolves season after season, he sees Wale pushing his pen, sharpening concepts, and manufacturing. The eighth venture was launched on November 14 by way of Def Jam after a four-year hiatus.

The album dives into psychological well being, strained relationships, and the burden of fame. Tracks like “Blanco” confront alcoholism, whereas “Where to Start” flips SWV’s “I’m So Into You” right into a meditation on progress. With manufacturing from Salaam Remi, Kel-P Vibes, BNYX, and others.

The album’s collaborations span R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. Wale builds a textured, globally knowledgeable sound nonetheless anchored within the DMV.

Durant known as him “another OG out here in the game setting the tone.” The nod to Wale’s endurance in an trade fast to discard its veterans. He ended with the only sentiment: “I’m just grateful to know him.”

For Durant, the album is greater than a launch — it’s a testomony to endurance, evolution, and the tradition that raised them each.