Fifteen years after the release of his breakout mixtape, Kush & Orange Juice, Wiz Khalifa returns with Kush + Orange Juice 2, a sequel that aims to recapture the laid-back, stoner-friendly vibes that first brought him into the spotlight. While the album doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a nostalgic journey for longtime fans and a smooth introduction for new listeners.
The album doesn’t start with the track “Khalifa’s Home,” in fact it is one of the last songs on the album but it’s a track that immediately sets the tone with mellow beats and Wiz’s signature relaxed flow. Produced by Crazy Mike, Mike WiLL Made-It, and Sledgren, the song features a prominent sample from “Throw Your Sets” by Tear Da Club Up Thugs, grounding it in a classic hip-hop aesthetic. Wiz sounds at ease, delivering lines about his lifestyle and, of course, his affinity for kush.
“Hide It,” featuring Don Toliver, stands out as a highlight. The collaboration between Wiz and Don Toliver brings a fresh energy to the album, blending their distinct styles over a beat produced by Cardo. The track has been praised for its catchy hook and the chemistry between the two artists and just like many of his other songs, Don Toliver’s use of autotune is impeccable.
Another notable track is “Bring Your Lungs,” featuring Smoke DZA. This song leans heavily into the stoner theme, with both artists delivering verses that celebrate their love for cannabis. The production, handled by ID Labs and others, complements the laid-back lyrics with a smooth, head-nodding beat and for all the stoners who enjoyed the song during 4/20, I can say from my own experience – it got even better!
“Hit It Once” is accompanied by a visually engaging music video directed by Maya Table. The video follows Wiz as he delivers Khalifa Kush to friends throughout the day, reinforcing the album’s themes of camaraderie and relaxation. The track itself is a testament to Wiz’s consistency, offering listeners the familiar sound they’ve come to expect.
“5 Star,” featuring Gunna, adds a touch of luxury to the album. The song’s West Coast-esque instrumental, courtesy of Mike & Keys, Jason Martin, and Dominique Sanders, provides a lush backdrop for Wiz and Gunna’s melodic performances. The track captures the feeling of cruising in a private jet while indulging in the finer things, something every rap fan is familiar with when it comes to Gunna.
Kush+Orange Juice 2 doesn’t aim to break new ground but rather to revisit and celebrate the sound that made Wiz Khalifa a household name. The album’s top tracks “Khalifa’s Home,” “Hide It,” “Bring Your Lungs,” “Hit It Once,” and “5 Star”, offer a cohesive listening experience that stays true to the original theme. Now would I say these were the only songs worth listening to? Of course not, it’s Wiz Khalifa we’re talking about but if you have a short attention span or just don’t enjoy the genre rap, then these are the perfect songs for you!