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.
Rise Above
Wiz Khalifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That that'd motivate these motherfuckers to get on they job
But instead they hating on what I've been doing
Having conversations in my face about what I should do for 'em
What I'mma do keep rolling and dropping weed on 'em
Pack my bags look like I'm staying for weeks but be gone in the morning
If the flight is private, we probably should board it
You see it you like it, I can probably afford it
You picked a crazy time to start letting me know
Cause jealousy and envy that's a trait for mostly bitches
Not a man so you ain't one if you letting it show
Now the money like the weed how we letting it grow
And I ain't holding on to shit I'm letting it go
Started small but now we all in them bigger game
All in a bigger plane, ballin' and getting paid
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
My phone is dead, but I got a contact
My sharpie paint pen on my Timbo combats
You talk shit, I won't respond back
What they gon' get, and you don't want that
That nigga will forget the deal
Remember what? get for real
My whip appeal, my crib is real
My wrist as well you know...the Richard Mille
And my grunge nigga, I make her come quicker
Then rock toe socks, yellow sponge nigga
I Tebow, for hoes that eat hoes
Emojis fo' me and my people
The hoes love me, I'm on they TiVo
I work they thighs, and they kegels
Skateboard, I love Chanel
Retweet me bitch, I'm Pharrell
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
Yeah, I hustle no muscle
I'll never be muzzled
I'm a piece to a puzzle
I'm Robert Townsend and my words gon' Hollywood Shuffle
My nigga I move moo, my motivation is moves foo'
I get up and does do, I evenly do ten things at once
Multitaskin' super fast and king of tattin' super pimpin'
House of rollin' run a business while I'm tourin' on you bitches
Doing features while watching a double feature nigga
I see you suffering from haterism, get that check
I take nothin' and make somethin' there's no breaks when the hustle's runnin'
Ain't dealin' with fakes ain't fuckin' with snakes
They all in my face now they got what it takes my nigga I'm straight
So don't reach out cause I peaced out when I reached out
There's no response like knockin' on an empty house
Yeah, so I keep on while you peep on what I be on and you're behind
That's what karma's about
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
Man what the fuck is wrong with these niggas
They rollin' up, let alone doin' a song with these niggas
Claimin' they ballin', to me they playin'
These niggas ain't really doin' what they sayin'
Man what the fuck is wrong with these niggas
They rollin' up, let alone doin' a song with these niggas
Claimin' they ballin', to me they playin'
These niggas ain't really doin' what they sayin'
The song Rise Above by Wiz Khalifa featuring Pharrell Williams, Tuki Carter, and Amber Rose talks about how Wiz and his team have succeeded despite facing hate, envy, and jealousy. It discusses how people talked about what Wiz should do for them rather than being motivated by his hard work. The lyrics reflect on how he remained true to himself, was not influenced by the opinions of others, and kept working towards his goals. He speaks of his success and how he's made it clear that he allows the criticism to slide because that energy isn’t helpful in his journey. “First, the love was there” represents the love his fans and supporters had for him before he got famous, then the success or “paper came” and, speaking to how some people shifted from love to hate, the “haters came.”
Throughout the song, Wiz questions the credibility of those around him, who claim to be successful and ballers but, in reality, do not hold their end of the bargain. Wiz emphasizes the fact that he is not bothered by the hate, even when it's coming from people close to him, and he knows it’s just a sign of their weakness. He keeps on rising above the noise and detractors, as his success grows.
Overall, the song Rise Above is about the struggles that come with success, the need for hard work, determination, and faith in oneself. Although people around you may be motivated by jealousy, envy, and hate, one must stay focused on achieving success and, more importantly, overcome all obstacles standing in the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, you would have thought that from seeing me going hard
That that'd motivate these motherfuckers to get on they job
But instead they hating on what I've been doing
Having conversations in my face about what I should do for 'em
Despite my hard work and dedication to my craft, others are not taking inspiration from my efforts and instead choose to criticize my work. They even come to me asking for favors instead of providing their own input.
What I'mma do keep rolling and dropping weed on 'em
Pack my bags look like I'm staying for weeks but be gone in the morning
If the flight is private, we probably should board it
You see it you like it, I can probably afford it
I will continue to do what I do best and share my gifts with others. I am able to travel in luxury, and if given the opportunity, I can afford anything that is worth having.
If niggas really felt some type of way about the shit I'm doing
You picked a crazy time to start letting me know
Cause jealousy and envy that's a trait for mostly bitches
Not a man so you ain't one if you letting it show
If others truly have an issue with my actions, they chose a terrible time to confront me. Jealousy and envy are unbecoming of a real man and are often associated with women.
Now the money like the weed how we letting it grow
And I ain't holding on to shit I'm letting it go
Started small but now we all in them bigger game
All in a bigger plane, ballin' and getting paid
My wealth and success are growing like the plants I cultivate, and I share my gains with others along the way. We have started from the bottom, but now we are part of the big league, flying in luxury planes and making big money.
My phone is dead, but I got a contact
My sharpie paint pen on my Timbo combats
You talk shit, I won't respond back
What they gon' get, and you don't want that
Even without technology and communication, I have established a network of important contacts. I am dressed stylishly with a sharpie marker in hand, but I will not engage with anyone who criticizes me. They will receive what they deserve, but they will not like it.
That nigga will forget the deal
Remember what? get for real
My whip appeal, my crib is real
My wrist as well you know...the Richard Mille
People forget their promises, so I need to keep things in perspective. I have a desirable car and home, and I am wearing the luxurious Richard Mille watch.
And my grunge nigga, I make her come quicker
Then rock toe socks, yellow sponge nigga
I Tebow, for hoes that eat hoes
Emojis fo' me and my people
The hoes love me, I'm on they TiVo
I work they thighs, and they kegels
Skateboard, I love Chanel
Retweet me bitch, I'm Pharrell
I have the ability to satisfy my sexual partners quickly and make them happy. I appreciate unique fashion, and I use technology and social media to communicate with others. I am charismatic and loved by many, and I maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising and skateboarding. I also have a fondness for Chanel brand products and appreciate social media recognition.
Yeah, I hustle no muscle
I'll never be muzzled
I'm a piece to a puzzle
I'm Robert Townsend and my words gon' Hollywood Shuffle
My nigga I move moo, my motivation is moves foo'
I get up and does do, I evenly do ten things at once
Multitaskin' super fast and king of tattin' super pimpin'
Although I am not physically strong, I am still determined to achieve my goals and will not be silenced. I am a small but essential component of a greater plan. Like the great film director Robert Townsend, I have the ability to create work that will leave a lasting impact. I am always on the move and strive to accomplish multiple things at once, including tattooing and other endeavors.
House of rollin' run a business while I'm tourin' on you bitches
Doing features while watching a double feature nigga
I see you suffering from haterism, get that check
I take nothin' and make somethin' there's no breaks when the hustle's runnin'
I am able to run a successful business while also touring, appearing in multiple media features, and enjoying downtime. I notice that others often express hate towards me, but I encourage them to focus on their own success. I have always been able to turn something seemingly insignificant into something meaningful, and I do not take breaks from my work when I am energized and driven.
Ain't dealin' with fakes ain't fuckin' with snakes
They all in my face now they got what it takes my nigga I'm straight
So don't reach out cause I peaced out when I reached out
There's no response like knockin' on an empty house
Yeah, so I keep on while you peep on what I be on and you're behind
That's what karma's about
I avoid any fake or deceitful individuals and do not associate with them. People who neglected me before now want to be a part of my success, but I am content on my own. I have already made my decision, so do not try to reach out now. Ignoring someone is like knocking on an empty house, and I will continue striving to move forward. Those who are envious of what I have will eventually receive their deserved punishment, according to the principles of karma.
Man what the fuck is wrong with these niggas
They rollin' up, let alone doin' a song with these niggas
Claimin' they ballin', to me they playin'
These niggas ain't really doin' what they sayin'
I do not understand the motivations of others who are not genuine in their actions. They may not be of high enough caliber to work with me, despite appearing accomplished. They do not actually achieve what they claim to accomplish.
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
We have experienced love and affection, financial gain, and criticism, but we still manage to maintain our positive attitude and persevere through challenges.
(Refrain)
This line indicates the refrain, or repeating chorus, of the song. It emphasizes the theme of overcoming adversity with perseverance.
First the love was there
Then the paper came
Then the haters came
But we still rise above
We have experienced love and affection, financial gain, and criticism, but we still manage to maintain our positive attitude and persevere through challenges.
(Refrain)
This line indicates the refrain, or repeating chorus, of the song. It emphasizes the theme of overcoming adversity with perseverance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CAMERON THOMAZ, TUKI CARTER, PHARRELL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kush Keddie Filmz
I can play this whole cd on repeat it still goes hard af
observer.b_e_l_l_i_s
Fucking classic.
friday funk tenk men
this song means so much to me. it brings me back to time of winter mornings of being in my garage, staying up all night and just listening to music and hanging out, and while it wasnt the best way to spend my early years of my life, and wasnt the most responsible guy, he sure did make me enjoy the simpler times. i will always miss his cool taste in games, his favorite characters, and all of his games and jokes. as much as i wish he was still here to see me, i know that he still lives with memory
as much as i want to tell him, all he needs to know is that still love him.
Joshua Nygard
not many people know about this song. I miss the old wiz
Evan5935
Joshua Nygard I miss his old shit too, this is probly one of his last good albums, don't really like his newer style
Benstotil
Same here he isnt the old wiz
tommy gunn
I do , I love the music and harmony.
virgo 93
i agree with this bring the old wiz back
Mc Tech
What wiz say In this Music?
Lee.Boy.DMV31
One of the best albums ever straight classic