Wiz Khalifa – Khalifa (Album Review)

Wiz Khalifa elevates his sound even further in “BTS.”

STREAM

TOP 5

5. BTS

“BTS” sounds like the kind of s**t Wiz Khalifa made straight from the heart. But here’s the shocker… just ONE weed mention. Give it up for Mr. Khalifa. He’s healing from his sick-ass ways.

The production gives us the best of both worlds: trill energy with crisp claps and booming 808s, balanced by a soulful side built around pure harmony. As for Wiz, he sounds tough as ever, rapping about his grind while making it clear he has no intention of changing who he is. Then comes an infectious, stripped-back hook. It’s Trap Wiz colliding with Father Wiz, and I f**k with it.

4. Call Waiting

Wiz must’ve smoked that feel-good weed before making this banger.

Do I prefer hearing Wiz Khalifa rapping his ass off about weed? Probably. However, in “Call Waiting,” he absolutely shines as a heartwarming singer. The track features a feel-good instrumental that radiates sunny ’70s vibes—truly unlike anything I’ve heard a rapper spit over (In my Trump voice).

Wiz leans into a vulnerable, almost nurturing singing style, drawing out his words and delivering some of his most impressive melodies. Lyrically, he expresses his desire to hear from a special person who, in his eyes, outshines all others and has always been there for him. The result is a beautiful track that wraps you in warmth and leaves you feeling so damn good inside.

3. Celebrate (Ft. Rico Love)

Wiz Khalifa must’ve made “Celebrate” when the weed was hitting like Jean-Claude Van Damme. He delivers an extra-chill performance, leaning on a simple, melodic rap style that occasionally digs a little deeper for emphasis. Lyrically, he reflects on smashing chicks, raking in money while on tour, and savoring life’s highs.

The production carries a smooth, laid-back energy, perfect for a relaxed bar night with a cocktail rather than hard liquor or beer. Rico Love ties it all together with a sly, effortlessly cool vocal performance on the hook, giving the track just the right finishing touch. All in all, I’m playing this joint every time I receive a check.

2. Lit (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign)

It always blows my mind that Ty Dolla $ign is signed to Wiz Khalifa. S**t is beyond weird.

Is Ty Dolla $ign and Wiz Khalifa the new Nate Dogg and Warren G? Hell nah. The new T-Pain and Lil Wayne? Closer, but not quite. I’ve got it! Wiz Khalifa and Ty Dolla $ign are the new Milhouse and Bart Simpson.

Unlike “Bake Sale,” you can actually hear the creative minds of both artists coming together here. The track carries a mellow, relaxed vibe, with Wiz soothing your stoned mind through his signature high-in-the-sky delivery. As for Ty Dolla $ign, he is precisely who you expect him to be— a dude who drops bars about Louie, someone doing time without snitching, and a girl he smashed whose name he doesn’t even know.

Overall, this is one of those tracks that are easy on the ears and your high.

1. Bake Sale (Ft. Travis Scott)

“Bake Sale” sounds more like a Travis Scott track than a Wiz Khalifa one. At this point, Travis is making better music than Wiz, so it’s not surprising that Wiz let him drive the bus.

I love the song’s hyped-up energy, with Travis Scott delivering a passionate yet playful hook. Wiz Khalifa keeps it businesslike on his verses, clearly describing the everyday life of a stoner. Juicy J adds the OG flavor with his high-energy adlibs.

However, I have two issues: first, the chemistry feels off, like Travis just emailed over his part. Second, it’s hard to ignore how similar the beat is to G-Eazy’s “Order More,” making it feel unoriginal. Nonetheless, this is the best track on the project, which is saying a lot.

SONG-BY-SONG RATINGS

1. BTS (4.5/5)

2. Celebrate (Ft. Rico Love) (4.5/5)

3. Elevated (3.5/5)

4. City View (Ft. Courtney Noelle) (3.5/5)

5. Cowboy (3.5/5)

6. Bake Sale (Ft. Travis Scott) (5/5)

7. Call Waiting (4.5/5)

8. Make A Play (Ft. JR Donato) (3.5/5)

9. Most of Us (3/5)

10. Zoney (Ft. Sebastian) (4/5)

11. Lit (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign) (4.5/5)

12. No Permission (Ft. Chevy Woods) (4/5)

13. iSay (Ft. Juicy J) (4/5)

RGM RATING

(C)

It’s difficult when an artist evolves beyond the version of themselves that you connected with the most. I’m someone who prefers Kush & Orange Juice Wiz, but at this point, he’s clearly outgrown that sound. Khalifa feels more diverse and grown, and there’s noticeably more depth throughout the project. However, that growth comes with a trade-off because the rawness that made his earlier music so special isn’t always there.

There’s also a strong commercial influence running through the album, and some songs honestly feel like Wiz mailed in his performances. Still, I wouldn’t say the project isn’t enjoyable. Khalifa is entertaining and showcases how much Wiz has evolved. It just may not satisfy listeners who want that raw, hungry version of him back.

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