The PLLRS Series host powerful & intimate conversation with Grammy-Nominated artist Wale and his manager Kazz Laidlaw

Short N Sweet Ent

Photography Credit: David Choute

On August 18^th, 2025, at Soho Woks in Dumbo Brooklyn, Little Engine Media presented another powerful installment of the PLLRS Series, featuring an intimate conversation with DC’s own Grammy-nominated artist Wale and his manager, Kazz Laidlaw.

As fans gathered on the edge of their seats, journalist Keith Nelson Jr. brilliantly elevated the conversation by spotlighting what happens behind the scenes of Wale’s career while giving him his flowers for his contributions and impact on the sports, sneaker, and music culture.  

Wale’s catalogue is fire, and he is considered to be one of the greatest lyrical rappers to hit the mic. His smooth and conscious flow makes him a force to be reckoned with. Whether you hear it or not, his combinations of metaphors and analogies move the culture in a way that fans personally gravitate to.

During the conversation, Keith asked Wale about some of his challenges in the industry, and in his response, he spoke about the sacrifices he has had to be successful, “it’s a lot of isolation. I spent 3 or 4 Thanksgivings and Christmases by myself. I was in the studio or at home writing, and I couldn’t shower or couldn’t do much. You have to be comfortable with being dolo and losing people. All the new artists that are coming out, they be 40 deep but, by the time they get to their 3^rd album, it’s one other person and their security because that’s how the game goes”.

 Photography Credit: David Choute

When asked about how he balances his personal and artistry life, manager Laidlaw stated, “I think the cornerstone of my work as a manager is understanding that they are humans first. I think that fans think they are entitled to your life, to tour time, and to your access. It’s our job to make sure there’s a buffer there – a boundary”.

We know that Wale has been in the studio cooking up some heat, and we can’t wait until his next project comes out. Wale stated that this new music, “it’s honest – it’s a rollercoaster”. If you have, Lotus Flower Bomb, My PYT, Angles, The Matrimony, or Coffee on your playlist, then you already know Wale is about to drop some bangers soon. In June, he dropped his newest single, “Where To Start,” so strap up because we know we are on this together to witness greatness.  

Make sure to follow The PLLRS Series to stay updated with more events.

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

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