were weak...

Yes, Sam Smith got the machine behind him, big time, I've been a fan for a while and was shocked at how relatively unknown he was when he got SNL, then performed stay with me and the song really took off. People loved the SONG though, that is still always the key, the song has to be good, it's a great song (even tho I never want to hear it again)

Double O obviously has a lot more experience with the "politics" of the game to me, but I think Sam Smith was a good example of the advantages of a record label even today. We hear about how good the indy hustle is but the machine really got behind Sam (after a few years of grinding his way up on his own) and pushed him to a huge level. Their job is to make money, not sure these record exec's care who's the one making them the money

I make the argument all the time *if so and so made this song it wouldnt get spins* but I don't think it's necessarily a black/white thing...

If Ester Dean releases a single as an artist it may get no spins on "urban radio" same record goes to Rihanna it's top 10. Joe Budden released a single a few years ago "NBA" with Wiz and French. If Kid Ink releases that same record it gets play, joe budden it doesnt, thats just the way it is. So saying "if Tank wrote this song" no shit, I mean, when ur around for 10 plus years u get pigeonholed, I love Tank, but his crossover into top 40 obviously ain't happening ever.

Sam Smith blows up, and here comes Jessie Ware, basically the female version, releases two beautiful singles "tough love" and "say you love me" in that same vein (same song writing team and everything) and it doesnt even make a dent in America.

Sam Smith just hit the right way, it happens for some white artists, it happens for some black artists... race is a big issue in a lot of things, but using it the way Wale is here is lazy in my opinion.

And this all stems back to my main point, which is Wale comes off a little ungrateful. Be happy you're in that proverbial "second tier" that Charlamagne brings up.