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.
Up
Wiz Khalifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah (yeah)
I'm with the gang, gang, gang
And we 'bout to go up (yeah)
Switchin' lanes, it's a thang
Every time we show up (skrrt-skrrt)
And you so below us (yeah)
Bet your ho, she know us (yeah)
'Cause you know we glowed up
We stayed down (stayed down)
And came up (came up)
And came up (came up)
We stayed down (stayed down) (yeah)
And came up (came up)
The gang up (the gang up) (2 Chainz, yeah)
Yeah
I'm a villain that's winnin' (yeah)
With precision, I'm killin' (yeah)
Represent the religion (no)
Ended up independent
Took my car to the clinic
Let 'em check all the vitals
Middle finger to rivals (oh)
Michael Jackson, my idol (woo)
Still duckin' the pie holes
Talk to the plug everyday except Cinco de Mayo (true)
I still got me a Carlo
Still got Monte Carlo
Your car runnin' so bad, it stink up The Apollo
Call my Rollie a Ralo (uh)
Call my AP a "A"P (AP)
I ain't talkin' seat belts when I say that I'm strapped (baow)
I'm in love with my side, ho
I'll sneak her through the side door
I'ma show you what we ride for
I'ma show you what we die for
I'm with the gang, gang, gang (yeah)
And we 'bout to go up (yeah, yeah)
Switchin' lanes, it's a thang
Every time we show up (I'm ridin') (skrrt-skrrt)
You a lame, lame, lame
And you so below us (2 Chainz) (yeah)
Bet your ho, she know us (yeah)
'Cause you know we glowed up (yeah)
We stayed down (stayed down) ((stayed down)
And came up (came up)
And came up (came up) (uh)
We stayed down (stayed down) (stayed down)
And came up (came up) (uh)
The gang up (the gang up, yeah) (uh)
I'm in my same lane, lane and I ain't gon' ever change up (lane, lane)
I blowed a brain out the Range like a Taz Angel (yeah, yeah)
It's RIP to Paul Walker, homie got his stain up (RIP to Paul)
We had your main on us, now we got stains on us (straight up)
And all we gotta do is stay down and come up while they flexin' (all you gotta do)
Yeah, I got her Indian, she Western (yeah, she Western)
Yeah, I just had sex with one of your best friends (damn)
Then that Fast and Furious started nestin' (sheesh)
Say I'm 'bout to go take off on you (take off on you)
Is you stayin', is you rollin' like a scroller? (Yes, you are)
You're ready to take off like a 1980 Coke? Yes (yuh)
You ain't on that Instagram shit, are you gon' post that? (Yuh)
I'm with the gang, gang, gang (yeah)
And we 'bout to go up (yeah)
Switchin' lanes, it's a thang
Every time we show up (Young Khalifa man) (skrrt)
You a lame, lame, lame
And you so below us (yeah)
Bet your ho, she know us (yeah)
'Cause you know we glowed up (that's exactly what we gonna do)
We stayed down (stayed down) (forever)
And came up (came up)
And came up (came up) (come see me)
We stayed down (stayed down, I got exactly what you need)
And came up (came up) (uh)
The gang up (the gang up, yeah)
Yeah, I'm always with my gang
We always ready to ride 'cause for the squad, we'll do anything
Stay down, we'll never change
We always gon' stay the same
Put you in check, when you outta place
I try to tell 'em not to mess with my gang, gang, gang
We do what we gotta do and don't complain-plain-plain
I'm on the road, I'm probably fresh up off the plane, plane, plane
Know you heard about me, I do my thang, thang, thang
I got the world on my back (back)
I put your girl on her back (back)
I did it all on my own (own)
Now there ain't no turnin' back (back)
And my whole squad got my back (back)
And shawty so bad, I asked her if she repped the gang
She said, "Facts" (facts)
Gang, gang, gang
Gang, gang, gang
And we 'bout to go up (yeah)
Switchin' lanes, it's a thang
Every time we show up (skrrt-skrrt)
You a lame, lame, lame
And you so below us (yeah)
Bet your ho, she know us (yeah)
'Cause you know we glowed up
We stayed down (stayed down)
And came up (came up)
And came up (came up)
We stayed down (stayed down)
And came up (came up)
The gang up (the gang up, yeah)
The song "Up" by Wiz Khalifa is an upbeat rap that celebrates success, friendship, and being part of a gang. The lyrics describe how the gang is unstoppable and every time they show up they switch lanes and go up, referring to their increasing success. They are above others who are lame and have blown up because of their hard work and staying down to earth.
The first verse, performed by Wiz Khalifa, references the success he achieved by being independent and taking his car to the clinic, checking all the vitals. He has taken the middle finger to his rivals and is inspired by Michael Jackson, who explains his status in the music industry. He proclaims that he is still in love with his side hoe, representing the loyalty and trust that the gang members have for each other.
The rest of the song continues with the chorus, sung by both Wiz Khalifa and 2 Chainz, showcasing the unity and power of the gang, staying true to themselves and sticking together no matter the circumstances. The song also references the tragic death of actor Paul Walker while doing what he loved, driving fast cars, cementing the message that life is short and should be lived with passion.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm with the gang, gang, gang and we 'bout to go up
I am part of a powerful and influential group of people and we are about to achieve great success
Switching lanes, it's a thang, every time we show up
We are constantly changing course and adapting to different situations in order to thrive
You a lame, lame, lame and you so below us
You are insignificant and unimportant compared to us, and you don't belong in our group
Bet your hoe, she know us
Even the people who associate with you are aware of our superiority
'Cause you know we blowed up
Our success and influence is widespread and undeniable
We stay down
We remain humble and hardworking despite our success and status
And came up, and came up
We worked hard and persevered to achieve success and improve our situation
2 Chainz (yeah)
Introducing the next artist, who is a prominent figure in the music scene
I'm a villainous winner
I am a successful and powerful person who is not afraid to be seen as ruthless or aggressive in pursuit of my goals
With precision, I'm killing
I am highly skilled and able to execute my plans with accuracy and expertise
Represent the religion
I am loyal to a particular philosophy or way of life, and embody it in everything I do
Ended up independent
I achieved success and freedom from outside control through my own hard work and determination
Took my car to the clinic
I care for my possessions and maintain them with care and attention to detail
Let 'em check all the vitals
I am thorough and meticulous, leaving nothing to chance in the maintenance of my possessions and health
Middle finger to rivals
I show contempt and disrespect to those who would stand in the way of my success or oppose me in any way
Michael Jackson, my idol
I admire and look up to the late music legend, Michael Jackson
Still ducked in a pie hole
I am still avoiding or hiding from something or someone through careful and strategic maneuvers
Talk to the plug, every day except Cinco de Mayo
I communicate with a person who can provide me with what I need or want on a regular basis, except on one specific day each year
I still got me a Carlo
I still own and use a particular car model, known as a Carlo
Still got money, Carlo
Despite my expenses and lifestyle, I still have enough money to maintain my possessions and financial security
Your car running so bad, it stink up to your parlor
Your car is in such poor condition that it emits an unpleasant odor that affects your home or place of business
Call my rollie a Ralo
I refer to my expensive watch, a Rolex, by a certain nickname
Call my AP a app
I refer to my other expensive watch, an Audemars Piguet, by a certain nickname
I ain't talking seat-belts when I say that I'm strapped
I am not referring to wearing a seat-belt in a car when I say that I am carrying a weapon
I'm in love with my side hoe
I am romantically involved with another person in addition to my primary partner
I sneak up through the side door
I enter a place or situation through a secondary or less conspicuous route
I'mma show you what we ride for
I will demonstrate and exemplify the things that we are passionate and dedicated to
Yeah, I'm always with my gang
I am constantly surrounded and supported by my group of associates
We always ready to ride 'cause for the squad, we'll do anything
We are willing to go to great lengths and take risks to protect and support our group
Put you in check, when you outta place
I will reprimand or correct you if you behave inappropriately or do something that goes against the interests of our group
I try to tell 'em not to mess with my gang, gang, gang
I warn others to avoid interfering or crossing us, as we are powerful and dangerous when provoked
We do what we gotta do and don't complain-plain-plain
We take action and handle our responsibilities without protest or hesitation
I got the world on my back
I have a lot of responsibility and pressure to perform at a high level, representing my group and myself
I put your girl on her back
I have had sexual relations with your significant other, perhaps as a display of dominance or disrespect
I did it all on my own
I achieved my success and status independently, without relying on outside help or assistance
Now there ain't no turning back
I cannot or will not back down from my position or goals, and am fully committed to them
And my whole squad got my back
I am supported and protected by my entire group of associates
And shawty so bad, I asked her if she repped the gang, she said "Facts"
I am attracted to a particular woman and asked if she is loyal and supportive of our group, to which she affirmed
Gang, gang, gang
Repeating the phrase that represents our powerful and influential group of individuals
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alexander Izquierdo, Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Jeffrey Williams, John Lathrop Mitchell, Mike Molina, Nelson Kyle, Rakim Hasheem Allen, Tauheed Epps, Vincent Watson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrRashad94
I miss being a teen man , come home from school get high while bumping wiz , didn't have to worry about bills lol
@thevisual5927
MrRashad94 dead ass
@stillsober19
MrRashad94 true :/
@traviswilson3419
MrRashad94 real talk hoop smoke wiz
@notquelo4217
Oml dawg
@kadeemedwards6869
MrRashad94 real shit
@michellejackson8547
Memories, my brother was still here and so was my mom...family was close...I hate that it all changed but this song brings out all of the good memories...
@mlove8158
I am sorry to hear that my condolences, this song brings back good memories for me too
@michellejackson8547
thank you so much...@@mlove8158
@therealkingtytrill2661
Me to sis I’m from Harris county tx being young new to being teen fun memories 😢❤😅 mixed feelings I lossed so much brokenhearted 💔 feeling 😢