He also explained that he would be taking his time on the album, saying: "It’s not coming as quick as like a lot of other projects. This new project I’m working on is definitely allowing me to do that." I haven’t had an opportunity to stand on my own sonically as an artist as much as I would like. Kinda like when I was in my best pocket…Just for being swarmed in my own stuff and doing Self Made and all those things. I proved a lot to my peers and to myself and to my fans so I just wanna take it back to something a little more exciting. In November 2012, during an interview with MTV, Wale explained he would be taking a new approach with his third studio album, saying: On November 25, 2011, shortly after the release of Ambition, Wale announced on Twitter that he had already begun working on his third album. In June 2016, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 158,000 copies in its first week. The album received generally positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success.
The Gifted was supported by four official singles- " Bad", " LoveHate Thing", " Bad (Remix)" and " Clappers". The album also features guest appearances from Meek Mill, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz among others. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Just Blaze, Jake One, Kane Beatz, Cardiak, The Runners and Lee Major among others. The album was released on Jby Maybach Music Group, Allido Records, and Atlantic Records. The Gifted is the third studio album by American rapper Wale.