The album received generally positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success.
It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 100,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.
I just poked a lot of fun at society and the industry ‘cause what was hot at the time was ‘snap your fingers’ and all that.
"[4] "The Body" featuring Jeremih, was released as the album's lead single on September 9, 2014.
[9] Julian Kimble of Billboard said, "The Album About Nothing is his most personal piece of work to date, and also his best.
wrote that the record is a "refreshing transparency of Wale's internal thoughts and future plans," further noting that "Wale's confidence shines through; rather than trying to live in his past or live up to his star-studded MMG cohorts, he's sincere and unapologetic here.
With mostly positive vibes built off a period negative experiences—Wale said in a recent interview he was depressed for much of the time he was crafting the album—it also causes one to wonder if Wale has to come into a new chapter along with the material.
Although there were some skepticism about the two joining together at first, after giving this album an invested living, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if Wale and Seinfeld were to hook up on a project once more.
"[18] Marcus Dowling of HipHopDX said, "On The Album About Nothing, Wale audaciously attempted to once again create poignant social commentary via combining his takes on his existence with those of Jerry Seinfeld doing the same.
When Wale showcases his growth in being able to link his classic skillset with modern content, the album unequivocally succeeds.
However, in attempting to placate current mainstream tastes, he falls short of the album being the unique and iconic success of the mixtape that truly launched his career to another level five years ago.
[19] In its second week, the album dropped to number 11 on the chart, earning an additional 33,000 units.
[21] In its fourth week, the album dropped to number 32 on the chart, earning 15,000 units.