Wiz Khalifa is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his laid-back style and hit songs. He gained mainstream recognition with his 2010 single “Black and Yellow,” which became an anthem for his hometown, Pittsburgh. His debut album, Show and Prove, was released in 2006, but it was his major-label debut, Rolling Papers (2011), that brought him widespread success. Wiz Khalifa is also famous for his love of cannabis, which heavily influences his music and public persona. In 2015, his song “See You Again,” a tribute to Paul Walker from Furious 7, topped charts worldwide and became one of the most-watched YouTube videos. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with many top artists and developed a signature melodic rap style. His influence extends beyond music into business, with ventures in cannabis-related products and branding.
Profile
- Name: Wiz Khalifa
- Birth name: Cameron Jibril Thomaz
- Birthday: September 8, 1987
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Height: 193 cm
- Instagram: @wizkhalifa
- Twitter: @wizkhalifa
Career
Wiz Khalifa launched his music career in 2006 with his debut album “Show and Prove,” earning recognition in underground hip-hop. His unique style and energetic performances led to a deal with Warner Bros. Records in 2007, where he released the single “Say Yeah,” which gained moderate success. However, due to creative differences, he parted ways with the label in 2009 and continued his independent journey, releasing the critically acclaimed mixtape “Kush & Orange Juice” in 2010. The project gained massive online popularity, solidifying his fan base and catching the attention of Atlantic Records, where he later signed a major-label deal.
His mainstream breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of “Black and Yellow,” a song that became an anthem for his hometown, Pittsburgh. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified multi-platinum, bringing him widespread fame. Following this success, he released his major-label debut album “Rolling Papers” (2011), featuring hit songs like “Roll Up” and “No Sleep,” further establishing his signature sound—a blend of melodic rap, smooth delivery, and cannabis-influenced themes.
In 2012, Wiz Khalifa released his second major-label album, O.N.I.F.C., which featured popular singles such as “Work Hard, Play Hard” and “Remember You.” The album showcased his evolving style, mixing commercial appeal with his signature laid-back vibe. His next album, “Blacc Hollywood” (2014), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and included the hit “We Dem Boyz,” a club anthem that further solidified his mainstream success.
One of the biggest moments in Wiz Khalifa’s career came in 2015 when he released “See You Again,” a heartfelt tribute to actor Paul Walker for the Furious 7 soundtrack. The song, featuring Charlie Puth, topped charts worldwide and became one of the most-streamed songs of all time. It spent 12 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the record for the most-viewed YouTube video for a period, surpassing billions of views.
Throughout his career, Wiz Khalifa has continued to release successful albums, including “Khalifa” (2016), “Rolling Papers 2” (2018), and “Multiverse” (2022), while also maintaining his influence through collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Ty Dolla $ign, and Travis Scott. His impact extends beyond music into the cannabis industry, where he launched his own marijuana brand, Khalifa Kush. Known for his laid-back personality, business ventures, and commitment to his music, Wiz Khalifa remains a significant figure in the rap industry.
Personal Life
Early Life
Wiz Khalifa was born in Minot, North Dakota, to parents in the Air Force. After their divorce when he was three, he moved frequently, living in Germany, the UK, and Japan before settling in Pittsburgh in 1996 with his mother. He attended Taylor Allderdice High School and started writing and performing music before his teenage years.
His stage name, Wiz Khalifa, comes from the Arabic word Khalifa (meaning “successor”) and Wiz, a nickname given for his natural talent. Encouraged by his grandfather, he got a tattoo of his stage name on his 17th birthday. By 15, he was regularly recording at I.D. Labs, where studio owner E. Dan recognized his potential and mentored him, offering free studio time in exchange for work, helping shape his early career.
Dating History
Wiz Khalifa has had several notable relationships over the years. He began dating model Amber Rose in December 2010, and the couple married on July 8, 2013. They welcomed their son, Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, on February 21, 2013. However, they separated on September 22, 2014, and finalized their divorce on June 7, 2016.
In the summer of 2018, Wiz Khalifa started a relationship with Canadian model Winnie Harlow. They made their relationship public during Paris Fashion Week in October 2018 but parted ways in late 2019 after about a year together.
By 2019, Khalifa was linked to Instagram model Aimee Aguilar. The couple kept their relationship relatively private, and details about their time together remain scarce.
In June 2024, Wiz Khalifa and Aimee Aguilar announced they were expecting a baby girl, sharing the news on Instagram with a photo of Aguilar displaying her baby bump while holding a positive pregnancy test, with Khalifa’s hand resting on her belly.
Throughout his career, Wiz Khalifa has been linked to other celebrities, including singer Rita Ora, model and reality TV star Draya Michele, and media personality Khloé Kardashian. However, these relationships were often brief and not extensively publicized.
Advocacy in Cannabis Culture
Wiz Khalifa has been a vocal advocate for cannabis throughout his career, making it a central part of his public image and music. He has openly discussed his daily use and once claimed to spend $10,000 a month on cannabis. However, since early 2014, he no longer pays for it, as he is sponsored by The Cookie Company, a medical marijuana dispensary.
Beyond personal use, Khalifa has turned his passion into a business venture. He launched his own cannabis strain, Khalifa Kush (KK), in collaboration with RiverRock Cannabis, a brand known for its high-quality products. Over the years, Khalifa Kush has expanded into a full-fledged cannabis brand, offering a variety of products, including pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles. His business efforts have positioned him as one of the key figures in the growing legal cannabis industry.
In July 2024, Khalifa was detained in Romania for possessing illegal drugs after being caught smoking cannabis onstage during a concert.
Cannabis culture is also deeply woven into his music, with many of his songs referencing marijuana, including hits like Still Blazin’ and Young, Wild & Free. His advocacy extends beyond entertainment, as he has promoted legalization efforts and responsible use. Through music, branding, and business, Wiz Khalifa has built a strong connection with cannabis culture, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the industry.
Martial Arts
In May 2017, Wiz Khalifa began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Rigan Machado, an 8th-degree red and black belt. Around the same time, he also took up Muay Thai, training with former UFC bantamweight contender Cat Zingano at the Unbreakable Performance Center in Los Angeles. His dedication to martial arts grew, and on April 24, 2018, he participated in a private Muay Thai seminar hosted by Yokkao, where he trained with legendary Thai boxer Saenchai.
Over the years, Khalifa has integrated martial arts into his lifestyle, frequently sharing his training sessions on social media. In April 2023, it was announced that he would compete in his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match under the High Rollerz ruleset, marking a new chapter in his journey as a martial artist.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Wiz Khalifa’s estimated net worth is approximately $70 million. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his successful music career. In addition to his musical endeavors, Khalifa has engaged in various business ventures that have contributed to his financial success.
Khalifa’s investments extend into real estate, with reports indicating ownership of a $3.4 million mansion in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. This property boasts amenities like a recording studio and a spacious garage for his collection of luxury vehicles, reflecting his affluent lifestyle.
Controversial Lyrics on East Asians
On July 12, 2018, Wiz Khalifa released his album “Rolling Papers 2,” which included the track “Hot Now” as its first song. The lyrics contained the line, “Smoke got my eyes lookin’ Korean,” around the 51-second mark in the official YouTube video. Some netizens criticized this as a racially insensitive remark specifically targeting Koreans among East Asians. However, since Khalifa continued planning concerts and collaborations in South Korea after the controversy, it appears the remark stemmed more from ignorance rather than intentional malice.
Nevertheless, the phrase remains problematic, as it is a widely recognized racial stereotype used to demean not only Koreans but East Asians in general. This is not the only instance of racial insensitivity in his lyrics. In “Smokin’ On,” he also raps, “N*ggas think I’m Chinese cause my eyes straight,” reinforcing similar stereotypes.
Facts
- Bought 1,700 backpacks for the students of his former high school in 2015.
- Received the honor of “Wiz Khalifa Day” in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
- Born as Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Wiz Khalifa derived his stage name from “Wisdom,” which was later shortened to “Wiz,” while his uncle added “Khalifa,” meaning “successor” in Arabic.
- His mom got him his first tattoo,
- The motto of Wiz Khalifa’s crew, Taylor Gang or Die, is not only for his crew but also for fans, and it is widely believed to have originated from Taylor Allderdice High School, where he graduated.
