Wiz Khalifa Taylor Allderdice Mixtape Review
Written By – Nijal Smith
The Taylor Gang general, Wiz Khalifa is back; celebrating the release of his newest compilation Taylor Allderdice. Newly renown fame and the endeavors of his album's success Rolling Papers; the tape is flourishing in its tremendously, overwhelming positive response. As we all know Khalifa Man’s new mixtape yet again crashed countless internet servers this past Monday night as fans scrambled for active download links. Drawing more comparisons and reference to his cult classic, rise-to-fame mixtape 2010’s Kush and Orange Juice”, it seems Wiz has set the bar higher for his very own reaching, carving another niche deeper into his ever unique sound and style.
Wiz doesn’t stray from his usual subject matter; with 16 tracks providing a plethora of weed friendly bars and tales of success, fortune and women. Between the hash and cash, his signature hooks and distinctive flows are showcased elaborately well over main production from his extended Taylor Gang/Id Labs family. We start with Rob Markman’s introduction into the tape and his accompanying interview commentary throughout; before the first track “Amber Ice” makes for a smooth take-off filled with cool, laid-back, hazy vibes like the previously leaked “California”, and the latter “Mia Wallace” The taunting “Guilty Conscious” is reminiscent of a “Cabin Fever” or “Gangbang” where Khalifa seems to feel very at home.
As the tape progresses we hear the interview material between Markman and Wiz, and revamped songs that seem to at least try and support his claims of taking his music to “the next level” creatively. The pulsating “Mary 3x” which dropped weeks past, advances this new sonic energy into a potent form, where Wiz makes up for spaced, lackadaisical bars with his knack for channeling captivating sing-songy choruses perfectly. “O.N.I.F.C” finds him polishing his ever-growing appeal with clean, innovative top notch production from Slendgren and Cardo. “Nameless” is up next with Wiz’s longtime partner-in-rhyme/Taylor Gang artist, Chevy Woods laying a show-stealing verse over the airy horns and beatbreak loop crafted by Dope Couture, Wiz hops on as well lacing the light hook and even his verse with a new-school/old-school, classic rhyme scheme and flow. Then there’s “Never Been Part II”, the sequel shows up right on time with features from Rick Ross and Amber Rose, who surprisingly makes the track a stand-out, revitalizing and pushing its predecessor to the past before it’s all over.
“The Cruise” is yet another familiar, experiment where we find Wiz crooning a somber, peculiar hook, airy vocals and intoxicating raps to make for a trippy ride. The chill “Rowland” featuring Harlemite/Jet Life emcee Smoke Dza, is the typical Wiz Khalifa the masses have come to know and love for his cool delivery and vibes, courtesy of his own productions squad’s Big Jerm as he and Dza tag-team up first the first time. “My Favorite Song” featuring fellow Taylor, Juicy J starts an array of fun, upbeat anthems fit for the nightlife with money-throwing chants and champagne spills. “T.A.P.” featuring Juicy J continues the stoner’s night with a slowed, haunting, down-south beat and the rappers indulging commentary on their favorite pastime. “The Code” produced by Lex Lugar featuring Chevy Woods, Juicy J, and recent TGOD signee, Female emcee Lola Monroe enhances this current anthem feel the tape picks up until the end.
Khalifa rides mostly solo on the last few tracks and upholds the prestige with “The Grinder” and “Brainstorm” adding to an extensive catalog of personal favorites since his early “Flight School’ days. The absolutely, brilliant production from newcomer Dumont wraps “Number 16” with notable grooves and Wiz excels in a way that convince some to look past his smoke, mirrors and recent mainstream status from the breakout album. Slept-on tracks like the aforementioned may actually provide jewels worth adding to the list. Allderdice closes with “Blindfolds” featuring Juicy J where the pair trade bars about the fruits of labor and hard work, of course with the rap veteran complimenting the tapes flavor.
Overall Wiz returns with a mixtape that does match up to his Kush and Orange Juice standards. He is an artist who seems to constantly tip-toe the boundaries of Hip-Hop, alternating between rapping and his own style of singing accordingly. Creating and furthering his own lane, working as a rare talent who possesses an incredible mainstream appeal, which he uses at his own discretions. The tape finds him doing any and everything he wants, amidst some misfires of concept, empty lyrics and aside from some slightly awkward commentary, it goes right where he aimed for; higher. Without a sober moment “Taylor Allderdice” from Wiz Khalifa undoubtedly provides enough fire this round for all the joints to go around, pun intended.
(Nasmith919@gmail.com / @_NahMeen)
Undoubtedly Provides enough fire for the joints to go around. High life sober moment.
Overall Grade: 8.5/10
Previous: Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice (Official Mixtape)
0 Comments:
Post a Comment