Long before his major-label breakthrough or iconic collaborations with Kanye West on "Flashing Lights" and Slum Village on "Tainted", Andwele Gardner (Dwele) recorded this raw, independent project in his bedroom. Spanning a blend of jazz chords, hip-hop rhythms, and silky R&B melodies, the multi-instrumentalist pressed roughly 100 physical CD copies to sell out of the trunk of his car around Detroit. The tape caught the ear of local icons and global scouts alike, ultimately landing him a deal with Virgin Records.
Originally recorded in his bedroom between 1998 and 1999, (also referred to simply as Rize ) was a collection of demos that Dwele sold out of the trunk of his car. The project's raw, unhurried energy caught the attention of local legends like Slum Village and J Dilla, eventually leading to Dwele's breakout vocal feature on the track "Tainted". Understanding the "32" Keyword
Let’s address the elephant in the search query:
wasn't originally intended to be a soul masterpiece. At the time, Dwele considered himself a Dwele- Rize full album 32
Tracks like "Valerie" and "Red Clay" (a brilliant vocal reimagining of Freddie Hubbard’s jazz standard) demonstrated an artist who wasn't just chasing radio trends. Instead, Dwele was archiving the sounds of his city and reinterpreting them through a modern, youthful lens. The Slum Village Connection and the Underground Buzz
To help clarify:
A deep cut fan favorite. A critique of superficiality in the music industry and romance. The bassline is claustrophobic and tense, mimicking the pressure of fake friends. Originally recorded in his bedroom between 1998 and
: Typically featured 19 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 45 minutes.
Funky, syncopated mid-tempo rhythm focusing on relationships. A smooth ballad layered with lush vocal harmonies. Flywun Short, experimental jazz-fusion instrumental interlude. Whoomp Heavy hip-hop bassline with a soulful hook. Angel (Original)
: A vibrant, understated standout that showcases Dwele's silky tone. At the time, Dwele considered himself a Tracks
The underground success of Rize became the ultimate proof of concept. Executives at Virgin Records recognized that Dwele had a fully formed vision. When he signed his major-label deal, Rize served as the direct blueprint for his 2003 breakthrough album, Subject .
Tracks like "Find a Way" and early versions of "A.N.G.E.L." showcase his ability to blend vulnerable lyricism with infectious, mid-tempo grooves. The songwriting centers on themes of everyday romance, creative ambition, and the daily grind of an independent artist trying to "rise" above his circumstances. The Legacy and Evolution into Subject
: A shorter, groove-heavy composition driven by deep basslines and jazz-infused electric piano keys.
Released in 2006, "Rize" is the third studio album by Dwele, and it features some great tracks like "Makin' Good Love", "Get On Up", and the title track "Rize".
The demo served as a "blueprint" for his 2003 major-label debut, Subject , with many of the Rize tracks being re-recorded or polished for that album.