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Attention Deficit
by
Attention Deficit Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut album for the Washington, D.C. rapper features Lady Gaga, Pharrell, Bun B., Chrisette Michele, K'naan, Marsha Ambrosius, J.Cole, Melanie Fiona, Gucci Mane, Jazmine Sullivan, and Weensey as guest artists.

Top Track

Chillin'
Na Na Na Na... Na Na Na Na... Hey Hey Hey... Goodbyeeeeee... Hey! Lookin at, lookin at, lookin at me Look at that, look how they lookin at me Eyes... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Urb
    90
    The production offers great instrumentation and paints moods very well for Wale and his expertly-picked guest appearances.
  2. The A.V. Club
    83
    Attention Deficit offers the best of both worlds; it’s pop music with integrity and brains. And, in the parlance of American Bandstand, you can dance to it!
  3. AllMusic
    80
    The biggest complaint has to be that the early single 'Nike Boots' is missing, but otherwise, this unique debut does not disappoint.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    He often lives up to that promise on his major-label debut, tossing out deep thoughts and show-offy puns over beats that pay homage to the go-go of his native D.C.
  5. Spin
    70
    Straddling the line between street and pop, Attention: Deficit doesn't quite capture the pop zeitgeist. But it sheds light on Wale's evolving personality, and his circuitous story raps reward deep listening.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    70
    Overall, Attention: Deficit should be considered a successful debut, albeit mildly uneven.
  7. Delusions of Adequacy
    40
    A shock in the uttermost worst way because Wale has suffered from the over-production, guest-crammed, lack-of-ideas style that usually follows with a major label release.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. tevin_pa9551
    May 9, 2017
    9
    Maybe his only and ever good/great debut album from him. I'm the fan of his early mixtapes and this here. At the time I had just turned 18 andMaybe his only and ever good/great debut album from him. I'm the fan of his early mixtapes and this here. At the time I had just turned 18 and he was one of the artist at the time in hip hop I was loving. I remember Nike Boots and that was a sleeper of a hit... but a buzz worthy track. I just felt it was different just from the "Seinfeld" angle along with just the concept "about nothing". When he dropped the featured song with GaGa, I kinda liked it but when you hear the entire album it sorta gets play only if I hear the whole album. But this album had down moments and high but not in a way to harm the album. I love it and still love it. I just wish even to this day that he never signed with MMG who in my opinion ruined him and his appeal in rap.

    Favorites: Mama Told Me, Mirrors, Shades, Contemplate and Beautiful Bliss (J. Cole personally)    … Expand
  2. rpetty23
    Jun 27, 2013
    9
    Truthfully, the song that stuck out to me the most was definitely 90210, which I found to be just different from many of Wale's peers. WaleTruthfully, the song that stuck out to me the most was definitely 90210, which I found to be just different from many of Wale's peers. Wale is definitely on the come up and Attention Deficit was a great start. Especially with songs like Girls and Chilling, Attention Deficit is an album that you can listen to many times without getting bored.… Expand
  4. NicoDaFlagburna
    Feb 18, 2011
    8
    What makes this record stand out is that there is something special hidden within the fabric of Wale's personality. Sure his lyrics areWhat makes this record stand out is that there is something special hidden within the fabric of Wale's personality. Sure his lyrics are average at best but his attitude feels relevant in comparison to the Lil' Wayne's and Kanye West's of today. The production is top-notch and sounds awesome and Wale doesn't disappoint but bear in mind this is a real mainstream record, so for some it will be a turn off. I don't listen to the record much but when I do I love it. 81/100… Collapse

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