Wiz Khalifa Is Making Rap History
History has officially been made in the rap world. Wiz Khalifa’s iconic song “See You Again” has tied the record for the longest rap single to stay at Billboard’s number 1 spot for 12 weeks and running.
The Atlantic Records record breaker was one of the marquee songs for the recent blockbuster smash hit Fast Furious 7. Wiz went to Atlantic shortly before the release of the movie, and together they created a monster that was received with an overwhelming response. The meteoric rise has catapulted Wiz Khalifa into an elite group of rap legends. The last few stepping stones, with their respective weeks at the top, include:
- “I’ll Be Missing You” Puff Daddy & Faith Evans feat. 112, June 14, 1997 – 11
- “Low” Flo Rida feat. T-Pain, Jan. 5, 2008 – 10
- “Gold Digger” Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx, September 17, 2005 – 10
- “Dilemma” Nelly feat. Kelly Rowland, August 17, 2002 – 10
Now at the top of the list, he is among some of Billboard’s most decorated artists. The other two rap titans who share the 12-week title with Wiz Khalifa are:
- “Boom Boom Pow” the Black Eyed Peas, April 18, 2009
- “Lose Yourself” Eminem, November 9, 2002
On top of making a play for the best performing rap single in Billboard history, “Again” is ruling the R&B/Hip-Hop lists as well. Wiz Khalifa is a 27-year-old bonified golden goose who has an ocean of talent and momentum rivaling that of a runaway freight train.
There are a few factors that Wiz attributes to his creativity and success. One little-known fact is that Wiz may currently be repping Pittsburgh, but he has lived in a few different corners of the globe. Growing up in a military family, shortly after being born in North Dakota, Wiz has lived in Germany, Japan, and England before settling back in Pennsylvania.
Moving around a lot gave Wiz the exposure not only to different cultures, but a wide array of experiences. One of the most notable is his experimentation with smoking marijuana at what he considers a very early age. Deciding to not grow out of his love for smoking gave Wiz an altered view on artistic impressions. Around this time, Wiz started also experimenting with artistic outlets, viewing his own body as a canvas. Tattoos were another early realization that Wiz had with what were going to be substantial aspects of his life. He took to it at 16-years-old and obviously hasn’t looked back since.
These were major factors that led to the current success that Wiz is now experiencing with “Again.” There are many who question his character or his look, but none can deny the fact that he is a force who will be around for a long time. He currently is on a rigorous United States tour with Fall Out Boy, selling out almost every night of the week.
[Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images]
