Wale on ‘The Album About Nothing’ with Jerry Seinfeld, The Idea of Gay Rappers & Dealing With Harsh Online Criticism

Grammy-nominated rapper Wale sits down for an in-depth interview with Larry King on the Emmy nominated series “Larry King Now”  and opens up about his friends Jerry Seinfeld and Rick Ross, depression and internet trolls.

The popular ‘The Album About Nothing’ artist filled Larry in on his new collaboration with “Seinfeld” star Jerry Seinfeld, “It was the proper next step after ‘The Gifted’. I think I had to take it to where it is right now.” On his unusual friendship with Seinfeld (who is featured on every track), Wale said, “It started about six, seven years ago. I did a mixtape, called ‘The Mixtape About Nothing’. I don’t even remember what made me want to do it, but I did have an affinity for the show and I’m a big Larry David fan. I just think those guys are super great writers, and I aspire to be a great writer in my field. So, I guess that’s kinda how it started. He invited me to a show in Baltimore, we kept in contact ever since then. And now we got the album.”

Washington, D.C. native Wale spoke to Larry on the idea of a gay rapper in today’s society, “I think 2015 is another world as compared to ’95. I mean everything is different. I’m talking about—we have a black president. I would think there would be a gay rapper before a black president.” Wale affirmed that a gay rapper would be accepted, stating “It used to be taboo to be a part of the gay community, now it’s taboo to speak bad on the gay community.” (clip below)

The rapper also opened up to Larry about the stress of making an album and the effect negative internet trolls have on him, “Nobody’s skin is as thick as they portray. Some people are good at pretending it doesn’t bother them, but some time in the day it penetrates.” On which criticism gets to him, Wale said, “Sometimes it’s people from the media, a popular blogger, it feels like the general consensus. Psychologically, it feels like the world is at your back.” (clip below)

Plus, what was Wale’s craziest encounter with a fan? Hint: it involves a sex toy. Watch to find out! (clip below)

The episode is now LIVE on Ora.tv (episodes premiere daily 2pm EST)

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