In 2005 he released his first official mixtape, Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania, and later in 2006 he released his first full length street album entitled Show and Prove. Since then he has released a further six mixtapes and a collaboration mixtape titled How Fly with friend Curren$y. He released his debut album, Deal or No Deal, in November of 2009, it reached #1 on the iTunes hip hop chart, and then reached the top ten on iTunes' overall album chart the week it was released. Previously signed to Warner Bros. Records, he left the label in July 2009 after numerous delays in releasing his planned debut album for the label, First Flight. Khalifa stated to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, "I learned a lot during my time there and matured as an artist during the process. I'm happy to be moving on with all of my material and having the chance to be in control of my next moves".He is also the founder of the rap crew Taylor Gang, which includes friends Kev Tha Hustler, Ekko, Smallz Money and Gene Stovall. They derived the name from the fact they always used to wear Chuck Taylor shoes.
Khalifa was born on September 8, 1987 in Minot, North Dakota to a mother and a father serving in the military. The family moved to Pittsburgh when Khalifa was the age of two. His parents' military service caused the family to move on a regular basis.
Over the next thirteen years, he would move between Pittsburgh and South Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Germany, Japan, and England as his parents were reassigned to different posts. In October of 1990 Wiz was separated from his mother,who left him in the hands of her sister while she served in Operation Desert Storm.
During his travels, Wiz was forced to mature quicker than his peers. He was constantly faced with new surroundings, new schools, and new sets of friends, and he found it difficult to become attached to anyone outside his family roots. This nomadic life gave Wiz an opportunity, though, to broaden his mind and offered him many experiences from which to draw inspiration. He began to perceive the world differently than most kids, and he would write his thoughts down every day.These thoughts would become the foundation for his future recordings.
By the age of 14, with a few songs under his belt, Wiz was already drawing comparisons with his commanding voice and witty wordplay. While he has been influenced by artists such as Jay-Z, Camron, and the Notorious B.I.G., Wiz was determined to create his own identity that would, one day, be loved and revered by fans.
Ready to take the next step, Wiz began his search for a recording studio to record new songs. He found one, ID LABS, where owner Eric Dan immediately recognized Wiz's talents. Along with Chad Glick of ID Management, they began to network Wiz to another Pittsburgh native, Benjy Grinberg of Rostrum Records. Benjy realized the raw talent that Wiz possessed, and immediately brought him into the Rostrum family in 2002.
Soon after, Wiz Khalifa began his ascent into the music scene in the Pittsburgh area. He has been hailed by the award winning Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pop music critic, Ed Masley, as having “the skills, the looks, the confidence, the drive, and the charisma for the job.” The New Pittsburgh Courier says, “The combination of a young, charismatic M.C. with a slew of stop-and-rewind rhymes together with a local independent label with major industry connections has set the stage for a hip-hop artist representing Pittsburgh to reach superstar status for the first time ever.
In 2010, with the success of Kush and Orange Juice still present, Wiz Khalifa signed with Atlantic Records. Wiz's style along with his production team, Johnny Juliano, Sledgren, and E. Dan make this a winning combination for success.
He is also well known for his debut single for Atlantic, "Black and Yellow", which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album for the label, Rolling Papers, was released on March 29, 2011. He followed that album with O.N.I.F.C. (abbreviated for mainstream markets from "Only Nigga In First Class") on December 4, 2012 which was backed by the singles "Work Hard, Play Hard" and "Remember You". O.N.I.F.C. debuted at number two with 131,000 in first week sales.
Pittsburgh City Council declared 12-12-12 (December 12, 2012) to be Wiz Khalifa Day in the city. Khalifa graduated from Pittsburgh's Taylor Allderdice High School and in January 2012, purchased a home in nearby Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
In April 2013, Khalifa revealed that after having his son he decided to work on a new album that he was planning to release in 2013. On April 17, 2013, Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y announced that they will drop their collaboration EP Live in Concert on April 20, 2013. The EP featured seven new songs. On June 24, 2013, he announced that his fifth studio album would be titled Blacc Hollywood and would be released in 2013. On September 3, 2013, Khalifa revealed he had recorded songs with Miley Cyrus, Adele and Juicy J for Blacc Hollywood. In October 2013, Mannie Fresh confirmed that he provided production for the album. On February 11, 2014, Khalifa released Blacc Hollywood's first single titled "We Dem Boyz". The album was then supported by the singles "KK", "You and Your Friends", "Stayin Out All Night", "Promises" and "So High".
Khalifa released an EP with TY Dolla $ign on March 31, 2015, entitled "Talk About It In the Morning". That same month, Wiz released the lead single for the film "Furious 7" called "See You Again" as a tribute to Paul Walker. The single has since gone on to global success. "See You Again" spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, tying for the longest-running rap number-one hit in the US.
On January 23, 2015, Khalifa was featured on a remix release of the Fall Out Boy song "Uma Thurman". On May 18, they performed the song together on the 2015 Billboard Music Awards show. In the summer of 2015, he began touring the United States with Fall Out Boy and Hoodie Allen in a tour titled "The Boys of Zummer Tour". The tour featured performances of "Uma Thurman" by Fall Out Boy and Khalifa. Later that year, on December 15, 2015, Wiz released the mixtape "Cabin Fever 3". During the Golden Globes on January 10, 2016, Wiz announced that his next album, titled Khalifa, would be released on the 22nd of that month. However, the album was released on February 5, 2016. On May 24, 2016, he released "Pull Up", a standalone single in promotion of his sixth album, Rolling Papers 2, which was released on July 13, 2018.
On April 20, 2020, Khalifa released, The Saga of Wiz Khalifa. The album included collaborations with Tyga, Logic, Mustard and Ty Dolla $ign. In May 2020, Khalifa featured on the song "Drums Drums Drums" with Travis Barker.
In 2021, Khalifa competed in season five of The Masked Singer as "Chameleon". He finished in third place.
Goin' Up
Wiz Khalifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Count too much money for you broke niggas
Richie Rich city I ain’t from the bay
My money come fast like andale
Tell me what you want, tell me what you need
Hit the car lot dealer hand me keys
Hit the pawnshops saying can you please
Broke rappers stayin' home
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up
It's goin up
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up uh
Ayy, It's going up like a staircase
Rare Bape and the real one
Nowhere near fake, real estate
Paint a picture, yeah I illustrate
Young G getting paper like a dinner plate
Like I’m dealin' weight, you a pillowcase
Bass bang make the building shake
Uh, got my city on me like I got it tatted
Gold chain, bustin' semi-automatic
My girl booty big you might wanna grab it
But, if you reach for it
You ain’t coming back wit
Nada, keep heat like Nevada
In the summer Suzy number one stunner
Got gas like an H1 hummer
Turn a good girl to a track runner
Niggas don’t wanna, call em, and my check
Keep a whole lotta, comas ayy
It's goin up, Uh, i got all this money in my
Pocket and that shit is going up
Uh, She wanna pull her drawers down
But this time is goin up its goin up
(Tahahahaha) it's goin up, it's goin up
It's goin up (What up Su?)
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up
(Ayy, it's BK gang, TGOD you
Know what it is) , it's goin up (Uh)
Ayy
And now I don’t give a fuck
Some niggas I'm with poppin them
Mollies I’m rolling up
I'm emptying out that bottle and
Putting gin in my cup
You niggas know what time is it
Bought the rollie with diamonds
I smoke like there ain’t no crime it
Just look at the car I’m driving
You niggas go keep that talking
My homies go get the fire
And nigga watch your mouth
Flying G 5's when I’m in the clouds
Porsche 911 when I’m on the ground
See me on the scene all I talks paper
Buying all the bottles then I
Paid the tab later
You a fuck nigga can’t get a favor
Yeah I’ve been broke
But I never been a hater
My broads from the bay, bloods from the bay
Ask around I got hell a love in the bay
Get money give a fuck what a hater say
I’ma bring the KK and Bombay
It's goin up (Tahahahaha) , Uh
I got all this money in my pocket
And that shit is going up (yeah, Bitch)
Uh, She wanna pull her drawers down
But this time is goin up (Uh)
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up
It's goin up
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up ayy
Got my ends up now these
Girls think I'm the man
Got some rare kicks on that
Came straight from Japan
Got my whole hood with me like
I came with the clan
Drinking so much liquor you
Ain’t making no sense
They said the Bay we never do
It but I’m thinking we can
And my whole click fly
Niggas prayin' we land
Switch my lingo up, so they can’t understand
I got my cozzarella wrapped up
In two rubber bands
It's goin up, Uh
I got all this money in my pocket
And that shit is goin up
Uh, She wanna pull her drawers down
But this time is goin up
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up
It's goin up
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up ayy
Ayy, Ayy, Ayy, Ayy
The lyrics to Wiz Khalifa's song "Goin' Up" depict a life of wealth and success. The opening lines convey a sense of superiority, as Wiz references counting money and living a lavish lifestyle that is unattainable for those who are financially struggling. He mentions being from a wealthy city (Richie Rich city) and emphasizes the speed at which his money comes in. The lyrics also touch on material desires, such as having expensive cars and being able to afford anything he wants. Wiz contrasts his own prosperity with the struggles of other rappers who are broke and unable to keep up with their financial obligations.
The chorus repeats the phrase "it's goin' up" multiple times, creating a mantra-like effect that suggests Wiz's continued ascent in terms of wealth, fame, and success. He likens his rise to a staircase and makes a play on words with "Rare Bape," a highly sought-after fashion brand, emphasizing the realness and authenticity of his wealth and achievements.
Throughout the song, Wiz asserts his dominance and success, boasting about his city, his possessions, and his ability to attract attention and admiration. He mentions his girl's physical attributes but warns others not to cross a line of disrespect. The lyrics also reflect a sense of determination and drive to maintain his status, with references to keeping heat like Nevada (a state known for its hot temperatures) and turn a good girl into a track runner (implying that he can change a girl's lifestyle).
Overall, "Goin' Up" presents a picture of Wiz Khalifa's opulent lifestyle, boasting about his financial success and the perks that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Huh, Westside four fingers
Representing the Westside with a hand gesture
Count too much money for you broke niggas
Having an excessive amount of money compared to those who are financially struggling
Richie Rich city I ain’t from the bay
Referring to a wealthy city that is not the Bay Area
My money come fast like andale
The speed at which money is acquired is comparable to the phrase 'andale'
Tell me what you want, tell me what you need
Asking someone to express their desires and needs
Hit the car lot dealer hand me keys
Visiting a car dealership and being handed the keys to a new vehicle
Hit the pawnshops saying can you please
Going to pawn shops and politely asking for assistance
Broke rappers stayin' home
Rappers who are financially struggling remain stagnant
Running outta cheese
Running low on money
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up
Indicating that things are progressing and improving
It's goin up
Things are on an upward trajectory
It's goin up, it's goin up, it's goin up uh
Reaffirming that things are continually improving and progressing
Ayy, It's going up like a staircase
Progressing and ascending similar to climbing a staircase
Rare Bape and the real one
Referring to authentic and rare clothing from the brand Bape
Nowhere near fake, real estate
Not associated with anything counterfeit, but more focused on valuable property
Paint a picture, yeah I illustrate
Depicting a vivid image through artistic representation
Young G getting paper like a dinner plate
Acquiring a substantial amount of money, comparing it to the size of a dinner plate
Like I’m dealin' weight, you a pillowcase
Handling money as if it were illicit drugs, while referring to others as insignificant like a pillowcase
Bass bang make the building shake
A powerful bass sound that causes the entire building to shake
Got my city on me like I got it tatted
Symbolizing the strong connection with his city, as if it were permanently tattooed on his body
Gold chain, bustin' semi-automatic
Wearing a gold chain and carrying a gun that fires repeatedly
My girl booty big you might wanna grab it
His girl has a large and attractive booty that may grab attention
But, if you reach for it
Warning against making inappropriate advances
You ain’t coming back wit
There will be consequences if someone crosses the line
Nada, keep heat like Nevada
Maintaining a strong defense like the heat in Nevada
In the summer Suzy number one stunner
Being the most captivating and impressive individual during the summer
Got gas like an H1 hummer
Having a significant amount of energy or enthusiasm, similar to a powerful vehicle
Turn a good girl to a track runner
Influencing a well-behaved girl to become more promiscuous or engaging in casual relationships
Niggas don’t wanna, call em, and my check
Others do not want to confront him and his financial success
Keep a whole lotta, comas ayy
Having a significant amount of money, represented by the number of commas in a large sum
Got my ends up now these
Successfully raising his income and financial status
Girls think I'm the man
Women perceive him as a highly desirable and successful individual
Got some rare kicks on that
Wearing unique and valuable sneakers
Came straight from Japan
Referring to the origin of the sneakers, emphasizing their exclusivity
Got my whole hood with me like
Having the support and loyalty of his entire community
I came with the clan
Showing up with a close-knit group of friends or associates
Drinking so much liquor you
Consuming a significant amount of alcohol
Ain’t making no sense
Behaving in an irrational or nonsensical manner due to excessive drinking
They said the Bay we never do
The general opinion is that people from the Bay Area do not engage in certain activities
It but I’m thinking we can
Challenging the stereotype and believing that they are capable of achieving those activities
And my whole click fly
All members of his group are fashionable and stylish
Niggas prayin' we land
Others hoping for their failure, while they work towards success
Switch my lingo up, so they can’t understand
Altering the way he speaks to prevent others from comprehending his true intentions or plans
I got my cozzarella wrapped up
Securing his money, resembling the wrapping of mozzarella cheese
In two rubber bands
Using rubber bands to keep his money organized and bundled
Ayy, Ayy, Ayy, Ayy
Vocal ad-libs to add emphasis or excitement to the rap
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SUDAN WILLIAMS, CAMERON THOMAZ, PAULO RODRIGUEZ, RODRIGUEZ YTIENZA, PAULO YTIENZA RODRIGUEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rizalfathurrohman9204
[Iamsu:]
West side four fingers, count to much money for you broke niggas
Richie Rich city I ain’t from the bay
My money come fast like andale
Tell me what you want, tell me what you need
Hit the car lot dealer hand me keys
Hit the pawn shops saying can you please
Broke rappers stayin' home, running outta cheese
[Hook - Iamsu:]
Goin up, I got all this money in my pocket and that shit is going up
She wanna pull her drawers down but this time is goin up
Its goin up, its goin up, its goin up, its goin up
Its goin up, its goin up, its goin up
[Iamsu:]
Its going up like a staircase, rare bape and the real one
No where near fake, real estate
Paint a picture, yeah I illustrate
Young G getting paper like a dinner plate
Like I’m dealin' weight, you a pillow case
Bass bang make the building shake
Uh got my city on me like I got it tatted
Gold chain, bustin' semi automatic
My girl booty big you might wanna grab it
But if you reach for it you ain’t coming back wit
Nada, keep heat like Nevada
In the summer Suzzy number one stunner
Got gas like an H1 hummer,
Turn a good girl to a track runner
Niggas don’t wanna, call em, and my check
Keep a whole lotta, comas
[Hook]
[Wiz Khalifa:]
And now I don’t give a fuck
Some niggas I'm with poppin them mollies I’m rolling up
I'm emptying out that bottle and putting gin in my cup
You niggas know what time is it, bought the rollie with diamonds
I smoke like there ain’t no crime it
Just look at the car I’m driving
You niggas go keep that talking
My homies go get the fire and nigga watch your mouth
Flying G 5's when I’m in the clouds
Porsche 911 when I’m on the ground
See me on the scene all I talks paper
Buying all the bottles then I paid the tab later
You a fuck nigga can’t get a favor
Yeah I’ve been broke, but I never been a hater
My broads from the bay, bloods from the bay
Ask around I got hell of love in the bay
Get money give a fuck what a hater say
I’ma bring the kay kay and bombay...
Its going up..
[Hook]
[Iamsu:]
Got my ends up now these girls think I'm the man
Got some red kicks on that came straight from Japan
Got my whole hood with me like I came with the clan
Drinking so much liquor you ain’t making no sense
To the bay we never do it but I’m thinking we can
And my whole click fly, niggas prayin' we land
Switch my lingo up, so they can’t understand
I got my cirrelo rapped up and two rubber bands
@Doccanuke024
I’m glad to see this still on here. 5 million views good job guys, keep it up.
@riverborden8785
Keep Wiz's part on replay, his flow kills it!
@DouglasBurnett
This boy is off the chain, awesome track, dynamic lyrics...very intelligent with the metaphoric approach.
@Gidy049
2020 and still rocking this song
@agrisfrisavs8487
2022
@SFCityKids
@Agris Frišavs NGL this song aged alright
@steezinit2957
22*
@justinnelson7186
Damn near 23
@Sfgabe415
Wiz and Suzy always kill tracks together #HBKGangXTaylorGang
@2829905
I miss music like this. Dope ass beat