Dwele Performing Live at the City Winery in NYC Jan 2016

For this edition of our artist Top 10 List feature series we take a look at the discography of Dwele.

Born Andwele Gardner, Dwele is a Grammy-nominated R&B and neo-soul singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Detroit, Michigan. His musical journey began in his childhood, where he was exposed to jazz and gospel music. By the time he was in high school, he was playing trumpet and keyboard and singing.

Dwele’s career took off after his demo tape, *Rize*, began circulating in Detroit in 2000. This led to a record deal with Virgin Records. He gained widespread recognition as a featured vocalist on the song “Tainted” from the group Slum Village’s album, *Trinity (Past, Present and Future)*.

His debut album, *Subject*, was released in 2003 and received critical acclaim for its blend of R&B, jazz, and soul. The album featured the hit single “Find a Way,” which reached the top 50 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

Dwele has also had notable collaborations with other artists, including J Dilla, Common, Kanye West, and Wale. He contributed to the Grammy-nominated song “Flashing Lights” with Kanye West. His music has been praised for its poetic lyrics and soulful delivery. He is also known for being a “one-man band,” often writing, producing, and playing all the instruments on his tracks.

Click Here to check out all of our Top 10 Lists. Click any of the song titles to hear that song.

Without further ado, here is our list in chronological order:

Find a Way (from the “Subject” album)


The first time we heard from Dwele in the mainstream was “Find a Way” and the song really set the tone for what was to follow.
Dwele Find a Way

Hold On (from the “Subject” album)


One of the few songs Dwele didn’t write on his debut album, but it was fun to hear the contributions and background vocals from a young Eric Roberson.
Dwele Hold On

Let Your Hair Down (from the “Subject” album)


A smoothed out uptempo jam in contrast to many of the soulful low tempo songs on his debut album.
dwele subject

I Think I Love You (from the “Some Kinda” album)


The first single from Dwele’s second album proved he was among the elite with his generation of soul artists.
Dwele I Think I Love You

I’m Cheatin (from the “Sketches of a Man” album)


A lyrically fun and adventurous track that also packed plenty of soul.
Dwele Sketches of a Man

What’s Not to Love (from the “W.ants W.orld W.omen” album)


Quite possibly our favorite Dwele song. Super smooth, melodic and musical; another gem courtesy of Mike City.
Dwele-Whats-Not-To-Love

Detroit Sunrise (featuring Monica Blaire & Lloyd Dwayne) (from the “W.ants W.orld W.omen” album)


Dwele always goes out of his way to rep his hometown of Detroit, and this is the anthem.
Dwele Wants World Women Album Cover

What Profit (from the “Greater Than One” album)


Dwele and producer Mike City always seem to cook up magic when they come together, and “What Profit” was no different.
Dwele What Profit

Obey (from the “Greater Than One” album)


This album cut almost certainly took inspiration from “50 Shades of Grey” but the vibe of the song is undeniable.

Going Leaving (from the “Greater Than One” album)


The head nodding groove of the song has made this one a favorite Dwele album cut of ours.

Honorable Mention:

-Subject (from the “Subject” album)

-Money Don’t Mean a Thing (from the “Subject” album)

-Without You (from the “Subject” album)

-If You Want to (from the “Sketches of a Man” album)

-Body Rock (from the “Sketches of a Man” album)

-Dodgin Your Phone (featuring David Banner) (from the “W.ants W.orld W.omen” album)

-Special (from the “Greater Than One” album)

-What You Gotta Do (featuring Raheem DeVaughn) (from the “Greater Than One” album)