Throughout the last year, Black Lives Matter has expanded from a hashtag to a full-fledged movement, but could the focus be misplaced? It seems that Wale thinks so. 

The D.C. native spoke out in defense of Black Lives Matter in an interview with REVOLT, but he wasn’t shy to turn the tables. “I want Black lives to matter to Black lives more,” he said. “I feel like we can only focus on what we focus on. Modifying the morale of the people starts within, it starts with us.  

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“It’s been easy to blame other people for stuff like that and point the finger, but Black lives should matter to Black lives. I don’t really care about trying to rally up people for the wrong reasons. I want us to realize the power that we got within ourselves and to love ourselves more. This should really be the first objective as far as understanding the whole 'black lives' thing. I don’t think we love ourselves enough as much as we used to."

The "Spoiled" rapper's views aren’t exactly new or uncommon. Kendrick Lamar shared similar views in a Billboard interview, as did Diddy via social media, and several politicians have used similar rhetoric.

As we head into the 2016 election, it remains to be seen what role the Black Lives Matter movement will play in the bid for presidential office.

Do you agree with Wale's views? 

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(Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)