Wale Says Future Is In His “Top 10” Rappers And Is Essential To Hip-Hop

Wale has expressed his belief that fellow rap star Future is among the best artists in Hip-Hop’s current landscape, if not all-time.

On Monday (Sept. 30), Wale took to social media to voice his admiration of Future and his artistry, citing his importance to the culture. “Future means so much to Hiphop,” the DMV native wrote. He then went one step further, deeming the hitmaker as one of the premier artists in the game. “A top ten,” Wale wrote in reference to Future’s placement within the rap hierarchy, adding, “Im not debating that one.”

Wale’s disinterest in defending his appraisial of Future didn’t deter fans from chiming in with their own thoughts, some positive and others negative.

While the former MMG artist didn’t clarify whether he considered Future one of the ten greatest rappers of all-time or one of rap’s current top artists, his reasoning resonated with a sizeable contingent of fans who expressed their agreement.

“Future’s influence on hip hop is undeniable,” one social media user wrote in response. “Top ten, no doubt. But where are we placing the pioneers who built the foundation? It’s all about perspective.” Another questioned the legitimacy of Folarin’s statement, writing, “He’s not the top 10 seller, doesn’t have the top 10 tour, and no one’s gonna put him as a top 50 lyricist. What is you talkin bout, Wale?”

Hours later, Wale would address the polarizing reaction to his comments regarding Future, pointing to his eclectic taste in music as further reason for his opinion being unpopular to some. “I got some folks fired up today,” he jokingly wrote in a subsequent post. “I seen.. excuse me for havin a diverse palette … art is subjective. Im listening to The Beach Boys right now and then Devin the dude. Yall like what yall liked…see yall on the road.”

Future is currently riding high on the strength of his latest project, Mixtape Pluto, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The release marked his third album to debut atop the album charts in 2024 alone, giving him 11 No. 1 albums in total, tying him with Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand, and Kanye West for the fourth most Billboard album chart toppers in music history.