| "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 |
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| Producers |
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| 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 Goapele1 and was produced by Mike Hector, D. Phelps, Nile Hargrove and Freaky Rob.
Composition
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
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
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
| Chart (2025–2026) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 1003 | 76 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)4 | 14 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)5 | 1 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | January 13, 2026 | Rhythmic contemporary | Def Jam | 6 |
References
References
- 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.