Wale can not hold back his excitement at the arrival of his baby girl, Zyla Moon Oluwakemi. The DMV rapper’s first child was born yesterday to girlfriend, Claudia Alexis Jourdan, at a New York hospital.

Wale also penned a heartfelt note on Instagram with an image of him holding baby Zyla’s hand. He explains that he kept Jourdan’s pregnancy a secret from the world because of the pain from his ex-girlfriend’s miscarriage. He details how the news of his first child has inspired him to continue work on his fifth studio album, SHINE, “I named my album SHiNE when I knew my babygirl was on the way …I want to be a better man than I ever been. I’m so flawed I’m so imperfect and the world knows it… I just want to honestly be the best version of myself I can be.. My focus is renewed I’m infinitely in love with my princess.”

Overjoyed . I keep the most important things in my life so far away from people because I'm sensitive . Quite possibly too sensitive to even be in this business nevertheless I spoke on the downward spiral that ensued after complications with my previous child… For that reason I kept this very private as I prayed every day to receive this blessing . Thank You to all my friends so many , Iman/Teyana . Draya and O.Mel and Robyn. Finn Balor Neil Lawi. Bryson, Kehlani WizardEd.. So many ppl that stayed up wit me and talked me thru such a sensitive subject … I named my album SHiNE when I knew my babygirl was on the way …I want to be a better man than I ever been. I'm so flawed I'm so imperfect and the world knows it… I just want to honestly be the best version of myself I can be.. My focus is renewed I'm infinitely in love with my princess and I truly appreciate all the love you have shown her and how understanding many people who knew were .imma keep workin on me and pray to God I can design a young princess who flourishes to an absolute queen .. I got u baby … U go girl .. You are my everything and I'll see to it we SHiNE my precious Zyla?

A photo posted by Wale (@wale) on

Wale canceled his performance at the One Africa Music Fest at the Barclays Center in order to spend more time with his family, TMZ reports.

AD

AD LOADING...

Congratulations to Wale and Claudia!