rolling papers
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20 May

Posted at 01:08h in Reviews
Every year we have at least one rapper to emerge whose wit, talent, charm and drive steals the limelight and shoots an underground favorite to mainstream superstardom almost immediately. In 2009, we saw Drake woo the panties off the ladies, 2010 was J. Cole’s turn to ‘Hit It In The Morning’ - and now for 2011, this career ascension story belongs to the Pittsburgh-based rapper Wiz Khalifa. In the wake of his chart-topping hit 'Black and Yellow' [which was adopted by fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team's run to the Super Bowl] comes his major label debut Rolling Papers, a solid collection of ear-bending rhymes and addictive beats and melodies. But does the album live up to the considerable hype surrounding Khalifa's arrival? I believe all signs point to yes. The Pittsburgh emcee's debut on Atlantic is lyrically revolved around ‘getting high’, frolicking with the ‘chicks’, ‘blowing money fast’ and pretty much enjoying a good life, yet in every track Wiz attacks the beat with an underdog's passion and a winner's stance - which he exhibited onstage in London at his second UK show on May 18 at the HMV Forum, Kentish Town.

22 Mar

Posted at 17:30h in Music, Reviews
It seems the idea of someone having ‘overnight success’ still applies in 2011. From being 1/10 of the XXL Freshmen list to covering Rolling Stone magazine, Wiz Khalifa is a true testament to the cliched saying. Whilst mixtapes over the last few years proved mildly popular, it was the empirical beat of the smash ‘Black and Yellow’ which has increased his popularity stock. With his first major label album ready, will it be enough to take the Pittsburgh rapper beyond the ‘hottest’ tag and land him amongst those whose streak of success runs all year round?