Rapper Wiz Khalifa experiments with sounds, musicality in album

By Alexis Malapitan

Rapper Wiz Khalifa draws inspiration from other rappers and experiments with different sounds in his new album “Khalifa.”

After countless Instagram teasers, Twitter beef with Kanye West and three Grammy nominations, the “See You Again” singer has returned to the music scene with his sixth LP, “Khalifa,” which dropped at midnight Thursday. The album features collaborations with famous rappers like Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J and Travis Scott – just to name a few.

The album starts off with an out-of-this world track called “BTS,” which features a techno spaceship-like sound. The unique sound blends in well with Khalifa’s voice. The first two verses talk about his mother and “humble beginnings.” Wiz takes the listeners on a journey about his career and how he is still trying to make the best of what he has. Despite all his money, he believes in staying humble and enjoying life. Wiz briefly raps about the dark side of fame and how the spotlight can really bring out the monster in you. The beat to this song isn’t too gloomy and it isn’t too cheerful either – it’s just the right amount of weird, which makes it even more enjoyable.

“Celebrate,” featuring Rico Love, is my second favorite from the album. This song has a fairly similar beginning to Justin Bieber’s “The Feeling” on his album “Purpose” because of the magical, tranquil sounds. Khalifa’s voice even fits with the background music because he sounds relaxed and in tune with himself. “Celebrate livin’” is repeated in hushed tones throughout the song as Khalifa raps about getting high and enjoying life with good company.

Rico Love’s high voice made for a pleasant melody, making this a good, chill song for when you’re in the company of friends.

“Zoney,” the album’s 10th track, features Khalifa’s 3-year-old son, Sebastian. The song begins with bell chimes – similar to a lullaby. Khalifa raps about his childhood, similar to rapper Eminem’s “Mockingbird,” while illustrating the chaos of being on tour while trying to be a good father.

This is a cute song not only because of Sebastian, but because Khalifa draws from other rappers for inspiration. In this particular song, he took the Eminem approach, which I think is unique because I haven’t heard many songs where rappers include their kids on songs.

I applaud Wiz Khalifa for experimenting with different instruments and inviting other rappers onto his album, as well as letting listeners into his life outside of the spotlight.