Wiz Khalifa’s “Rolling Papers 2” Isn’t a Masterpiece, But It’s Also Not Horrible

Wiz Khalifa. Photo by Matteo Prandoni/BFA/REX/Shutterstock (9665422an)

We had to wait four years for Wiz Khalifa’s new album and finally got Rolling Papers 2 in July 2018. Let’s see how the record contributes to his legacy.

When it comes to Wiz, nothing is strictly black or white; there is always a little bit of gray. Same goes for this absurdly long album with 25 songs, featuring names like Gucci Mane, Snoop Dogg, Swae Lee and Ty Dolla $ign. The record isn’t a masterpiece, nor is it horrible. It is a monotonous Wiz rapping about weed, women, and fame.

That being said, the album still offers a handful of uplifting songs and moments, provided you have the luxury of sifting through 90 minutes of Khalifa Kush.

Thankfully, the production on the album is high end, and we expected nothing less from an elite team of producers including Mike Will Made It, TM88, Young Chop, Sledren and Cardo, I.D. Labs and legendary Easy Mo Bee.

When it comes to beats, the album offers variety needed for each song to be unique. However, there is little difference in content, apart from “B Ok,” where Wiz addresses the death of his sister and his relations with ex-wife Amber Rose.

Other songs that stand out on Rolling Papers 2 are the ones with featured artists. As if featuring makes Wiz try harder and shift up a notch from his mellow style. “Real Rich,” featuring Gucci, is one of the better songs and is simply too catchy to miss. Wiz has a great flow on the track and tunes in nicely with the beat. Unfortunately, it lasts only two minutes which is short for a groundbreaking hit and offers little lyrical content to be a classic. “Penthouse,” with the rap legend Snoop Dogg, is another example of excellent featuring.

Most songs sound effortless in general, with no real meaning and lots of autotune, as if Wiz did this album just because he could. If you view this album as a lyrical masterpiece, you would be wrong. If you see Rolling Papers 2 as a mainstream trap rap album, you would be wrong. If you are a fan of Wiz bangers, you will find some but not nearly as you would’ve liked. That being said, the album is not good or bad and can pass as mediocre. We know Wiz can do better.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆