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.
Still Down
Wiz Khalifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I only fuck with A1's
You niggas know what the gang is
We young black and dangerous
Still down with my day one niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down with the shit
Still down with my A1 niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down, still down
Uh, they can't believe I'm still here
Made a million dollars but i wouldn't replace it for nothin'
A lotta niggas been killed here
I done seen niggas get they whole shit blown off in public
A lotta blood, sweat, and hope came from this block
When floodin', a lotta dope came from this block
But fuck it, I'm in my whip pushing buttons
I think about the ones that dead and gone and ones that still thuggin'
Uh, and they still down
Got no love for them pussy ass motherfuckers, cause they still clowns
Smokin' real pounds, just bought a real home
Me and my watch, both real stoned
Pour some G in, man it's all about the ends
New Ferrari or a Benz get a joint and hold it in
And i been with the same niggas since they was hitting licks and yeah they still with the shits
All my niggas is day ones
I only fuck with A1's
You niggas know what the gang is
We young black and dangerous
Still down with my day one niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down with the shit
Still down with my A1 niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down, still down
Yo, tell them niggas we nothin' alike
They see us and imitate what they want to be like
What's hand and hand to them J's next day on the flight
Shit, where i'm fun if you're out too late then you're playing with your life
Bet they feel how i feel, dinner out in Brazil
My day ones'll see about you for me for real
And the finest of fashion, makin' a statement
Who thought it used to take me to get it now anything we can afford it
Hate us so much that I'm cakin', i ain't mad at them at all
Just know about this dough, don't make or make you a John
Huh, the same ones that been A1's
A few niggas gone act different when that change come
Yeah, horsepower from that kitchen vision
It's Taylor Gang, when you they ask you tell them we the business
Them niggas tryna copy us, they lookin' stupid
Swear, dressing all crazy, boy you look like a build-a-bear
All my niggas is day ones
I only fuck with A1's
You niggas know what the gang is
We young black and dangerous
Still down with my day one niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down with the shit
Still down with my A1 niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down, still down
Still down, down, down, down, down
All day errday i come around, 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round
We stay down, down, down, down, down
All day errday they say we wouldn't make it
It's just me and my niggas
Just me and my niggas
All my niggas is day ones
I only fuck with A1's
You niggas know what the gang is
We young black and dangerous
Still down with my day one niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down with the shit
Still down with my A1 niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
Still down, still down
The song "Still Down" by Wiz Khalifa featuring Chevy Woods and Ty Dolla $ign is a tribute to the rappers' close relationships with their friends and fellow gang members. The lyrics speak to the loyalty that these men feel toward each other, with Wiz rapping, "All my niggas is day ones / I only fuck with A1's / You niggas know what the gang is / We young black and dangerous." This line emphasizes the exclusivity of their group and the sense of danger that comes with being young, black and from the streets.
Wiz goes on to describe the hardships that he and his friends have faced, including the loss of some of their members. However, despite these challenges, they remain united and still down with each other. He raps, "A lotta blood, sweat, and hope came from this block / When floodin', a lotta dope came from this block / But fuck it, I'm in my whip pushing buttons / I think about the ones that dead and gone and ones that still thuggin'." This highlights the sense of nostalgia that they feel for their tough past, but also shows that they have moved on and are now successful.
Overall, "Still Down" is a powerful song that speaks to the importance of loyalty and friendship, especially for those who come from difficult backgrounds. It highlights the tight-knit community that develops in these situations and shows how it can shape a person's identity and life.
Line by Line Meaning
All my niggas is day ones
All my close friends have been with me since day one
I only fuck with A1's
I only associate with the best and most loyal people
You niggas know what the gang is
You know what group I belong to and represent
We young black and dangerous
We are a group of young, black individuals who are seen as intimidating
Still down with my day one niggas, hell yeah I'm still down
I am still loyal to and remain close with my long-time friends
Still down with the shit
I am still involved in the same lifestyle and activities as before
Uh, they can't believe I'm still here
Some people are surprised that I am still alive and successful
Made a million dollars but i wouldn't replace it for nothin'
While I have achieved financial success, I value my life experiences and relationships more
A lotta niggas been killed here
Many people have lost their lives in this area
I done seen niggas get they whole shit blown off in public
I have witnessed individuals being violently killed in public
A lotta blood, sweat, and hope came from this block
This location holds a lot of history and hardship that has led to success
When floodin', a lotta dope came from this block
During hard times, many drugs were sold on this block in order to make ends meet
But fuck it, I'm in my whip pushing buttons
Despite the hardships, I am now comfortable and able to live a lavish lifestyle
I think about the ones that dead and gone and ones that still thuggin'
I reflect on those who have passed away and those who are still involved in dangerous activities
Uh, and they still down
My day one friends are still loyal and involved in the same lifestyle
Got no love for them pussy ass motherfuckers, cause they still clowns
I have disdain for those who try to imitate our lifestyle but are not truly a part of it
Smokin' real pounds, just bought a real home
I can afford to smoke a large quantity of high quality marijuana and have just purchased a luxurious home
Me and my watch, both real stoned
Both myself and my watch are adorned with expensive jewelry and are seen as valuable
Pour some G in, man it's all about the ends
I am willing to spend money in order to achieve my desires and goals
New Ferrari or a Benz get a joint and hold it in
Whether driving a Ferrari or Mercedes Benz, I always have marijuana on hand
And i been with the same niggas since they was hitting licks and yeah they still with the shits
I have been friends with the same individuals since we were committing crimes and they are still involved in that same lifestyle
Yo, tell them niggas we nothin' alike
I am not similar to those who try to imitate me and my lifestyle
They see us and imitate what they want to be like
Others try to copy us because they aspire to be like us
What's hand and hand to them J's next day on the flight
What seems like a normal occurrence to us, such as wearing expensive shoes and traveling, is seen as a luxury to others
Shit, where i'm fun if you're out too late then you're playing with your life
In my environment, staying out late can be dangerous and put one's life at risk
Bet they feel how i feel, dinner out in Brazil
I assume others envy me and would feel the same way I do if given the opportunities I have
My day ones'll see about you for me for real
My closest friends will personally handle any issues I have with others
And the finest of fashion, makin' a statement
I wear the most expensive and stylish clothing to make a statement about my success and status
Who thought it used to take me to get it now anything we can afford it
In the past, I struggled to afford expensive items, but now I can afford anything I desire
Hate us so much that I'm cakin', i ain't mad at them at all
Others are envious and dislike us, but I am not angry because our success is a result of our hard work
Just know about this dough, don't make or make you a John
Money does not define one's worth or character
Huh, the same ones that been A1's
My day one friends are still the most loyal and trustworthy individuals
A few niggas gone act different when that change come
Some friends may change when success and wealth come into play
Yeah, horsepower from that kitchen vision
My success is a result of my hard work and ambition in the kitchen (i.e. cooking and selling drugs)
It's Taylor Gang, when you they ask you tell them we the business
We are part of the Taylor Gang and our lifestyle is a business
Them niggas tryna copy us, they lookin' stupid
Those who try to imitate our lifestyle are foolish and not true to themselves
Swear, dressing all crazy, boy you look like a build-a-bear
Trying too hard to replicate our style only makes one look ridiculous, like a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear
Still down, down, down, down, down
I am still loyal to my friends and associated with our lifestyle
All day errday i come around, 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round
I am always present and involved in this way of life
We stay down, down, down, down, down
We continue to remain involved and loyal to each other
All day errday they say we wouldn't make it
Others doubted our success and survival
It's just me and my niggas
We only trust and rely on each other
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC DAN, TYRONE WILLIAM GRIFFIN JR, KEVIN WOODS, CAMERON THOMAZ, J. KULOSEK, Z. VAUGHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nakeem Armstrong
i used to be wiz’s biggest fan in 2010-2011. once the fame came & he changed, i stopped listening. so i’m just now hearing this years later 🔥
Rasheem Foster
His first three albums were🔥
K T
I don't understand whats wrong with fans giving wiz disrespect, the reason wiz is so good is that he is different to the other rappers in the industry and he likes to try out different things where as other rappers make the same repetitive music, he knows what he doing and hes doing good:)
Isaiah F
Thank you.
Edwin Centeno
Wiz is a real rapper
VexedLemonade
Preach my man !
PremierAcee
Yes! Get tired of ppl complaining they miss the old wiz n shit , just need to think that shit in y'all head instead of wasting your time commenting. He was good back then and he dope af now , times changes can't be on the same shit forever bruh
Cole Hammond
+Kieran Thorne right
Junipero Johnce
Best song on the album.
One of the best songs of the year.
Ty$ fucking killed it.
Production and verses are on point too.
Alex Twist
This song makes me all the more grateful for my day ones who are still with me