[rating=8.00]
On his seventh album Rolling Papers 2, we get to hear a new side from the Pittsburgh rapper. On this effort, Khalifa expands to topics that involve his past relationships (Amber Rose included), setting aside the perception that Khalifa is “smoking weed” one dimensional. While there are still a few songs that talk about the green. overall this album is a lot more personal and helps you get to know the more mature Khalifa. Of course, certain critics will proclaim that hearing Khalifa rap about weed, gin and women have been outplayed, but Khalifa needs to be given credit on his creative expansion, as he finally gets to explain how he’s grown over the years.
Before we get into a few of the top tracks to highlight, who is THEMXXNLIGHT? Well, apparently they are an identical twin duo singing group and were featured on some of the strongest songs on the album. Honestly, haven’t heard of them, but having a new R&B sound that we’re not familiar with was quite refreshing. The track, “Mr. Williams” features not only the dynamic duo, but also Curren$y, who’s obviously a close friend of Khalifa’s. Taylor Gang producer Sledgren helped slay this track and takes you back in time to Khalifa’s early days.
The title track essentially tells us there are consequences for every action. Also, it’s just one of those reflection tracks where Khalifa appreciates where he’s at in his career and credits those who are responsible for his growth as a man and as an artist.
“There’s consequences to every decision, good or wrong, just do the best with the time you’re given.” It may seem a bit cliche’, but this probably should have been the opening track on the album. If any song gives you an introduction and summarizes what the album is about.
When it comes to hip-hop music today, it’s almost about which artists are more “quoteable.” Well, on this album the track where the lyrics marinate in your mind is “B Ok.” Not very often in music do the lyrics overpower the beat or instruments; this track could be acapella and still be just as powerful. For the first time, Khalifa reflects on his relationship with Rose, his sister Dorien “Lala” Thomaz (who passed away last year) and many more personal life events that triggered him emotionally. Along with that, you add production from ID Labs and DJ Khalil, a catchy, sing-along chorus, and you’ve got a very personal song that so many are capable of relating to. “Everything will be okay.”
All in all, Rolling Papers 2 is a journey through Khalifa’s life from the past few years and showcases his versatility that he’s well-known for. Typically, features on Khalifa’s albums are hit or miss, but Gucci Mane, Swae Lee, Bone Thugs N Harmony, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Snoop Dogg, and of course label mates from Taylor Gang Chevy Woods, Ty Dollar $ign were all executed perfectly. But, the Jimmy Wopo feature on “Blue Hunnids,” and the feature with Lil’ Skies on “Fr Fr” were absolute swings and misses. Honestly, couldn’t even make it over a minute into either song. It just didn’t sound like Khalifa at all.
Something tells us this isn’t the last we’ll hear from the Khalifa man this year. There are rumors circulating that there is a mixtape in the works, but until then this project has more than enough substance on it to enjoy for months to come. It’s probably Khalifa’s best album since his prequel Rolling Papers which was released back in 2011.
