Watching Us
| "Watching Us" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Wale featuring Leon Thomas | |
| from the album Everything Is a Lot | |
| Released | November 14, 2025 |
| Recorded | 2023–2025 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 3:49 |
| Label | Def Jam Recordings |
| Songwriters |
|
| Producers |
|
| Music video | |
| "Watching Us" on YouTube | |
"Watching Us" is a song by American rapper Wale featuring American singer Leon Thomas from the former's eighth studio album, Everything Is a Lot (2025). It samples "Closer" by Goapele[1] and was produced by Mike Hector, D. Phelps, Nile Hargrove and Freaky Rob.
Composition
[edit]The song is built on a sample of "Closer". It features "reflective storytelling" from Wale, while Leon Thomas performs with a "smooth, soulful delivery."[1]
Critical reception
[edit]Shawn Grant of The Source wrote that the song "The romantic tone gives the record an intimate feel that has resonated strongly with listeners."[1] Lemarcus of Shatter the Standards opined that Thomas was "stealing the show" on the song.[2]
Music video
[edit]An official music video was directed by Hidji and released on February 3, 2026. It depicts quiet, intimate moments of a relationship in a home setting, contrasted with scenes of nightlife a city.[1]
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2025–2026) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100[3] | 76 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[4] | 14 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)[5] | 1 |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | January 13, 2026 | Rhythmic contemporary | Def Jam | [6] |
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Grant, Shawn (February 3, 2026). "Wale Releases "Watching Us" Video Featuring Leon Thomas". The Source. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
- ↑ "Album Review: Everything Is a Lot by Wale". Shatter the Standards. November 13, 2025. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
- ↑ "Wale Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Wale Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Wale Chart History (Rhythmic Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved April 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Your Radio Add Recaps". www.hitsdailydouble.com. Retrieved 2026-06-25.