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.
Washingtons By Your Side
Wiz Khalifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's kinda crazy 'cause
People think
I got it made just 'cause I got paper
I mean
I do got it made but
That's 'cause I made it myself
Gang Gang
Uh, people be all in my face
Wasn't the time and the place
Do interviews and I'm on stage
'Cause baby I gotta get paid
Don't matter what most people say
'Cause all of 'em get in the way
I'm working with more than I play
Which mean I'm gon' be here to stay
I roll me one up and I blaze
And take a tree straight to the face
Those thuggers keep hoping I change
But no, I'ma stay in my lane
I'm smelling like weed on the plane
And white people think it's a shame
As soon as they mention my name
They go back to being the same
I did everything that I want (uh)
I still don't really care what anybody else think
Now I can have anything, I ain't gon' stunt
And I don't feel bad 'cause I did it my way
And now they all say
"It must be nice, it must be nice
To have them Washingtons on your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have everybody on your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have them Washingtons by your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have everybody by your side"
Whether you coming or leaving
Know everybody be talking
Nigga be having a problem
Straighten up soon as you walking
Some of them familiar faces
Fame is so easy to get lost in
So many different motives
If you slip up it'll cost you
Don't know who got your best interest
But you don't stop, you keep going
They really talking, you live it
When the time come you gon' show it
Keep on my heart and stay focused
Come with a different approaching
Go from a player to coach be
'Cause you go harder than most
I did everything that I want (uh)
I still don't really care what anybody else think
Now I can have anything, I ain't gon' stunt
And I don't feel bad 'cause I did it my way
And now they all say
"It must be nice, it must be nice
To have them Washingtons on your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have everybody on your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have them Washingtons by your side
It must be nice, it must be nice
To have everybody by your side"
The song "Washingtons By Your Side" by Wiz Khalifa explores themes of success, fame, and the challenges that come with them. In the first verse, Wiz acknowledges that people often assume he has an easy life because of his financial success, but he clarifies that he worked hard to achieve his current status. He brushes off criticisms and distractions from others, emphasizing his determination to stay true to himself and his own path. Wiz also references his association with smoking marijuana and the misconceptions and judgment he faces because of it.
The chorus reflects on the benefits of having financial support, representation, and a strong network of people around him (symbolized by "Washingtons" referring to dollar bills featuring George Washington). The repetition of "It must be nice" suggests that having financial resources and the support of others can make life easier and more enjoyable. However, Wiz also highlights the fickleness of fame and the challenges that come with it, warning about the motives of those around him and the potential consequences he may face if he makes a misstep.
In the second verse, Wiz continues to discuss the constant chatter and rumors that surround him. He recognizes that fame can quickly change people's perception of him, and he must navigate through various motivations and hidden agendas. Despite these pressures, Wiz remains focused and determined to keep pushing forward. He acknowledges that he has transitioned from being a player (referring to his early success) to a coach (taking on a more leadership and mentorship role), emphasizing his growth and maturity.
Overall, "Washingtons By Your Side" showcases Wiz Khalifa's self-assurance and determination to stay true to himself amidst the challenges of fame and success. It serves as a reminder that financial resources and the support of others can make life easier, but navigating through the complexities of fame requires resilience, focus, and staying grounded.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh
Expressing surprise or astonishment.
It's kinda crazy 'cause
It's somewhat unbelievable because
People think
Others believe
I got it made just 'cause I got paper
I am successful solely because I have money
I mean
To clarify or elaborate
I do got it made but
Indeed, I am successful but
That's 'cause I made it myself
It's because I achieved success on my own
Gang Gang
A phrase to express solidarity or camaraderie
Uh, people be all in my face
Many individuals are constantly bothering me or invading my personal space
Wasn't the time and the place
It wasn't appropriate or suitable at that moment
Do interviews and I'm on stage
I engage in interviews and perform on stage
'Cause baby I gotta get paid
Because, my dear, I need to earn money
Don't matter what most people say
I don't care about the opinions of the majority
'Cause all of 'em get in the way
Because their presence hinders my progress
I'm working with more than I play
I prioritize work over leisure
Which mean I'm gon' be here to stay
This implies that I will remain present and successful
I roll me one up and I blaze
I roll a marijuana joint and smoke it
And take a tree straight to the face
And inhale a large amount of marijuana smoke
Those thuggers keep hoping I change
Those envious individuals hope for me to undergo a transformation
But no, I'ma stay in my lane
But no, I will remain focused on my own path
I'm smelling like weed on the plane
I have the scent of marijuana on me while aboard an aircraft
And white people think it's a shame
Caucasian individuals view it as disgraceful
As soon as they mention my name
The moment my name is mentioned
They go back to being the same
They revert to their previous behavior or ways
I did everything that I want (uh)
I have accomplished all my desires
I still don't really care what anybody else think
I still have no concern for others' opinions
Now I can have anything, I ain't gon' stunt
Now, I can acquire anything without exaggerating or boasting
And I don't feel bad 'cause I did it my way
And I don't regret it because I achieved success through my own choices
And now they all say
And now, everyone expresses
"It must be nice, it must be nice
"It must be enjoyable, it must be pleasant
To have them Washingtons on your side
To have United States dollar bills as your support or influence
To have everybody on your side
To have everyone in agreement or supporting you
It must be nice, it must be nice
It must be gratifying, it must be satisfying
To have them Washingtons by your side
To have United States dollar bills accompanying you
It must be nice, it must be nice
It must be pleasing, it must be delightful
To have everybody by your side"
To have everyone standing with you
Whether you coming or leaving
Regardless of whether you are arriving or departing
Know everybody be talking
Understand that everyone is gossiping or discussing
Nigga be having a problem
A person may encounter a difficulty
Straighten up soon as you walking
People immediately adjust their behavior when you approach
Some of them familiar faces
A few of those recognizable individuals
Fame is so easy to get lost in
Celebrity status is effortless to become immersed in
So many different motives
There are numerous varying intentions
If you slip up it'll cost you
If you make a mistake, there will be consequences
Don't know who got your best interest
You are unsure of who truly cares about your well-being
But you don't stop, you keep going
But you don't quit, you continue moving forward
They really talking, you live it
They are merely talking while you actually live your life
When the time come you gon' show it
When the opportune moment arrives, you will demonstrate it
Keep on my heart and stay focused
Remain determined and maintain focus
Come with a different approaching
Arrive with a distinct attitude or approach
Go from a player to coach be
Transition from being a participant to a mentor
'Cause you go harder than most
Because you exert more effort than the majority
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Jeremy Kulousek, Zachary Raymond Vaughan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Eric Dan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Bryan C Quipanes
on Cameras
Love This song <3 Wiz .. PEACE
Ïss Pùmkîñ
on See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth)
great song
Kalif King
on See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth)
hmmm