Multi-platinum rapper Wale has dropped the official music video for “Watching Us” featuring Leon Thomas. Originally arriving in November 2025 via Def Jam Recordings, “Watching Us” emerged as a standout from Wale’s eighth studio album ‘everything is a lot.’, instantly cementing its status as a critic and fan favorite. The song’s romantic vibe is anchored by a nostalgic sample of Goapele’s classic song “Closer”, providing the perfect canvas for Wale’s introspective lyricism and Leon Thomas’s buttery vocals. Directed by Hidji, the cinematic visual juxtaposes the stillness of relationship intimacy at home with the glare of the nightlife scene, capturing the complexities of maintaining a private connection while in the public eye.
With Leon Thomas fresh off his two Grammy wins at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards and Wale continuing to cement his status as one of hip-hop’s greatest storytellers, the music video serves as a victory lap for two of music’s most essential voices. Upon its initial release, “Watching Us” was met with fan love and critical acclaim, with Complex calling the track “a cuffing anthem that reimagines Goapele’s classic and could rank among Wale’s greatest hits,” and VICE declaring it “a vibe-heavy romantic tune… that you will definitely want to add to your date night playlist.” The track showcases why Wale has been one of rap’s most versatile and enduring artists since his breakout 2008 mixtape ‘A Mixtape About Nothing’.
Wale has blended striking social commentary, confident lyricism, and anthemic storytelling throughout his career, helping merge backpack rap with mainstream success and earning Platinum and Gold plaques along the way. Born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin to Nigerian immigrant parents in Washington, D.C., he pursued football in college before shifting to music. After aligning with Rick Ross’ MMG, he delivered Platinum hits like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and “My P.Y.T.”, proving his staying power across albums including ‘Attention Deficit’, ‘Ambition’, ‘The Gifted’, and ‘The Album About Nothing’. Following a brief hiatus after ‘Folarin II’ in 2019, Wale returned in 2023 with a new deal at Def Jam, a number one Nigerian hit, and a Kennedy Center headline show celebrating ‘The Gifted’.
With ‘everything is a lot.’ representing his highly anticipated eighth album, Wale continues his next chapter as one of hip-hop’s greatest writers. The “Watching Us” video arrives as another testament to his ability to craft songs that resonate both critically and commercially while maintaining the nuanced perspective that has defined his career. The visual proves that nearly two decades into his career, Wale remains one of rap’s most compelling voices.