Rap favorite Wiz Khalifa is 37 years old today, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in rap. Let’s take a look at the top 12 iconic hits that solidified Wiz Khalifa’s career and made him a household name in the rap industry.
Image credit: Instagram/ wizkhalifa
Today, Wiz Khalifa is celebrating his 37th birthday, so let’s take a look at the rapper’s 12 biggest hits that make fans high. Across the party-starting club tracks to the mellow reflective ballads, Wiz’s musical offerings cater to every musical taste. Let the car drive into memory lane, as they say; memory highway is the best way to go.
Wiz Khalifa’s 12 Most Iconic Tracks
1. See You Again
We are now going back to the days of “See You Again.” This 2015 blockbuster, filled with emotions in honor of Paul Walker, clearly illustrated that Wiz Khalifa could deliver more than just his famous marijuana tune.
Charlie Puth’s glorious vocals, matched with Khalifa’s lyricism, made this song much stronger than a racer’s nitrous boost. The result? A single chart-topping phenomenon.
2. Sucker for Pain
Move over, Avengers! Wiz Khalifa assembled his own superhero squad for 2016’s “Sucker for Pain,” a song part of the Suicide Squad sound track. This musical mishmash features Imagine Dragons, Lil Wayne, Logic, Ty Dolla $ign, and X Ambassadors.
Serving as the anthem for DC’s band of misfits, this rap-rock cocktail is moodier than the Joker on a bad hair day. It’s got enough angst to make even the toughest supervillain reach for the tissues.
With lyrics deeper than Killer Croc’s swimming pool, “Sucker for Pain” resonates with anyone battling their inner Harley Quinn. So whether you’re a caped crusader or just feeling like a societal outcast, this track’s got your back – no Bat-signal required.
3. Young, Wild, Free
In 2011, Wiz Khalifa teamed up with the Doggfather himself and Bruno Mars to drop “Young, Wild & Free,” a track more intoxicating than whatever they were smoking on set.
This anthem from “Mac & Devin Go to High School” (because every stoner comedy needs a soundtrack) became the battle cry for youth everywhere. It’s the musical equivalent of saying “YOLO” while double-fisting energy drinks at a foam party.
With lyrics celebrating life’s finer things (read: partying like there’s no tomorrow), this banger is perfect for pool parties, road trips, or pretending you’re still 21. It’s so catchy, even your disapproving neighbor might be caught humming along.
The Grammys couldn’t resist nominating this ode to recklessness, and it snagged an ASCAP Pop Music Award.
4. Black and Yellow
In September 2010, Wiz Khalifa dropped a track so Pittsburgh, it practically came wrapped in a Terrible Towel. “Black and Yellow” burst onto the scene like a Steelers linebacker crashing through the offensive line.
This ode to Steel City had everyone from grandmas to frat boys chanting colors like they were at a kindergarten sing-along. The track was featured in the Billboard Hot 100. It was Khalifa’s big break, proving that sometimes, all you need is love for your hometown and a color scheme simpler than a traffic light.
5. Roll Up
In 2011, Wiz Khalifa dropped “Roll Up,” a track smoother than his rolling technique. Part of his debut album “Rolling Papers” (sensing a theme here?), this tune had fans higher than Khalifa’s bank balance.
Wiz penned the ultimate love sonnet for the 420-friendly generation. With a catchy beat and Khalifa’s trademark chill delivery, “Roll Up” had fans more hooked than a first-time toker. Its minimalist production keeps things simple – perfect for when your brain’s operating at half-speed.
6. We Own It
In 2012, Wiz Khalifa dropped “We Own It” faster than Vin Diesel changes gears. This turbo-charged anthem, part of the “Fast and Furious 6” soundtrack, had more horsepower than Dom Toretto’s entire garage.
Khalifa, apparently tired of just owning the rap game, decided to own… well, everything. The track’s a high-octane cocktail of ambition, with lyrics so motivational they could make a sloth run a marathon.
The music video? Picture Khalifa’s rise to fame, but with more explosions than a Michael Bay fever dream. It’s a visual NOS boost that’ll have you believing you can drift through life’s obstacles.
7. On My Level
In 2014, Wiz Khalifa and DJ Mustard cooked up “On My Level,” a track so hot it could’ve melted all the ice in Khalifa’s jewelry box.
Part of the “Blacc Hollywood” album (because why use correct spelling when you’re this famous?), this banger is essentially Khalifa’s musical humble brag. With beats catchier than Khalifa’s love for a certain herb and wordplay sharper than his cheekbones, “On My Level” had fans bouncing harder than Khalifa’s bank account.
8. Work Hard, Play Hard
In 2012, Wiz Khalifa dropped the ultimate slacker’s manifesto, “Work Hard Play Hard.” It’s the anthem for anyone who treats their 9-to-5 like training for the weekend Olympics.
Co-penned with producer Benny Blanco (because two heads are better than one, especially when one’s usually in the clouds), this track is catchier than the office flu. Khalifa’s flow is smoother than your boss’s excuses for not giving you a raise.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for crushing spreadsheets by day and crushing beers by night. As Wiz turns 37, “Work Hard Play Hard” remains his ode to the art of adulting – proving you can have your cake and eat it too, as long as you’ve earned those calories.
9. No Sleep
Wiz Khalifa’s “No Sleep” is the ultimate insomniac’s anthem for those who’d rather party than count sheep. Released in 2011 as part of his debut album “Rolling Papers,” this Stargate-produced track quickly became the battle cry for night owls everywhere.
With beats smoother than a bartender’s pick-up lines and a hook catchier than the office flu, “No Sleep” is the perfect soundtrack for both wild nights out and lazy days in. The music video is a rapid-fire montage of parties so lit, they’d make Gatsby blush. Years later, “No Sleep” remains the go-to tune for those looking to trade adulting for adolescent shenanigans.
10. Medicated
‘Medicated’ was originally released as a part of the Rolling Papers album. This track is as smooth and subtle as the man himself, Khalifa; it is an ode to those who find joy in the simplicity of life’s notes. Masterfully produced by Stargate, every instrument chimes in harmony with Khalifa’s suave and unforced verses.
The words in the song, with their gentle call, invite us to find solace, to let go of our troubles, and to traverse life’s meandering paths without care. The constant rhythm, similar to the heartbeat of an enormous, dormant leviathan, carries it forward in a way that is rather calming. That said, ‘Medicated’ showcases Khalifa’s ability to craft feel-good moments that can certainly be used to bring about a measure of serenity.
11. Taylor Gang
In 2010, Wiz Khalifa dropped “Taylor Gang,” a track so catchy it should’ve come with a warning label. Named after his posse, this anthem became the battle cry for Khalifa’s army of chilled-out rebels. It’s less a song and more a lifestyle manual for those who prefer their loyalty served with a side of good vibes.
12. Something New
Fast forward to 2017, and Wiz decided to teach us all “Something New” with Ty Dolla $ign. This track is smoother than a buttered slide and more relaxed than a sloth on vacation. It’s the musical equivalent of finding the cool side of the pillow on a hot summer night.
Conclusion
His relaxed style and those unforgettable half-blasé choruses have earned him more than just ardent aficionados but also Grammy Award nominations and Billboard chart-toppers. Whether this is your first time getting into this or you just hopped on the train early on, let’s raise a toast to the man who brought sunglasses to the interior.
FAQs
Q1: What criteria were used to select these 12 tracks?
A: The selection of these tracks was based on their significance within Khalifa’s discography. Criteria included chart performance, cultural impact, and critical reception. Each track represents a pivotal moment in Khalifa’s career, showcasing his versatility and the different facets of his musical identity.
Q2: How do these tracks reflect Khalifa’s artistic evolution?
A: The tracks chosen illustrate Khalifa’s progression as an artist, from his early days to his more recent work. They encompass a range of styles and themes, demonstrating his ability to adapt and innovate within the rap genre. This evolution is reflected in the diversity of his music, from celebratory anthems to introspective ballads.
Q3: Why is the track “See You Again” particularly significant in Khalifa’s career?
A: “See You Again” is a particularly significant track due to its widespread success and emotional resonance. Released in 2015 as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, it achieved global acclaim and highlighted Khalifa’s capacity for emotional expression beyond his typical style. The track’s success also underscored Khalifa’s crossover appeal and his ability to connect with a broad audience.
Q4: What does the inclusion of tracks like “Sucker for Pain” and “Young, Wild & Free” reveal about Khalifa’s musical range?
A: The inclusion of tracks such as “Sucker for Pain” and “Young, Wild & Free” reveals Khalifa’s ability to navigate various musical landscapes. “Sucker for Pain,” with its rap-rock fusion, showcases his versatility and collaboration skills, while “Young, Wild & Free” represents his engagement with mainstream, feel-good anthems. Together, these tracks demonstrate his range and adaptability within the genre.
