Mixtape Masterpiece - Wiz Khalifa's Kush x Orange Juice

“STILL BLAZIN….FOUR-HUNDRED A ZIP/NIGGA THAT’S WHAT IM ON/AND IM GON’ RE-UP AS SOON AS THE FIRE’S GONE/SMOKING OG KUSH FROM ANOTHER TIME ZONE.”

WIZ KHALIFA - “STILL BLAZIN,” KUSH X ORANGE JUICE

Last year, Revibe warned you all about the coming of Wiz Khalifa as part of our New Cool series. Back then we said that ‘Lif was still striving to make a name for himself in the rap game. But once you listen to his music, you will see his abilities are proven enough.

Since last year, Wiz has built on his already impressive fan base by releasing a series of mixtapes; the latest of which is entitled Kush x Orange Juice. He has also garnered more attention by being on the cover of XXL Magazine as part of their annual “Freshmen 10” issue as well.

On Kush x OJ, he is transitioning from underground sensation to breakout superstardom. And he does it without losing his trademark style: “Yeaaah Biiitch!” He is still an amalgam of unique experiences, privileges, and struggles.

His flow speaks for itself. He exhibits his traditional east coast lyricism. And his Harvard caliber diction is reminiscent of West Coast rappers verbal style. Kush x OJ lives up to its name; as Wiz says, “that shit don’t just sound good.” It’s the life he is actually living highlighted by his affinity for women, weed, and wealth.

This mixtape is in the same tradition of his acclaimed Flight School tape which see’s Wiz goin’ in on completely new tracks that are good enough to makeup a full length studio album. Wiz comes hard with clever metaphors and an even more refreshing flow.

The production style throughout is very broad with his heavy use of the piano and synthesized sounds.  Kush x OJ is full of echoes and euphoric vibes. As if it was meant to be listened to with a side of Reggie Kush and orange juice.

‘Lif has also stepped up his song-making ability.  On songs like “Up,” obviously about getting high, he is able to translate the flow and words into another consciousness. This combination makes it easier for listeners to picture his stories and go along a journey with him.

Still, he hasn’t changed many of the concepts; he continues to recycle similar themes from the past: “my bitches only want to two things/that’s to get high and kick it.” But it is his delivery and confidence that conveys the sense that he’s living the high life in every sense of the word. His subject matter consists simply of smoking refer, flying across the world, and living a life ripe with hedonism.

His own influences are evident in his sometimes-rapid rap style and his laid back pimp-ish persona. On “Never Been” he rhymes about taking women from their men for the weekend: “Im just quick/lane kiffin/big jane twistin’/walk it like I talk it /bitch that’s Pittsburgh pimpin!”

You get the sense that he listen to and was influenced by an artist ranging from Bone Thugz to Snoop Dogg to 70s crooner music. His subject matter doesn’t always come off as complex, but the way he rides over a beat and the freshness of his inflection is attracting followers. He’s a charismatic enigma.

This year (2010) is producing a lot of potential superstar—including Nicki, Drake, and AKA Bobby Ray—Wiz, too, has that superstar quality that makes folks want to pay money to see you perform.

Wiz has shown he has evolved from his earlier material since Flight School in style and substance. He’s “still blazin…four-hundred a zip/nigga that’s what im on/and im gone re-up as soon as the fire’s gone/smoking OG Kush from another time zone.”

But Wiz is going through a transformation. He is no longer smoking blunts, just white papers. But moreover, Wiz has relied less on autotune and more on synth-like productions style’s that helps to immerse a listener into his music.

His most personal track is “Visions” about “life looking out of the window.” It’s a look at his motivation and his desire to “leave that bullshit alone/its over for that.” It is time to do business and make money.

Kush x Orange Juice is perfect summertime listening. The vibrant and diverse instruments used in the production are very impressive. Going for about 17 tracks minus the skits, this should go well with the sunshine. Wiz is serious about his success and he is getting to the money. Thank God for Hip-hop.

*This is The Word….govern yourselves accordingly.