Wiz Khalifa - o.n.i.f.c. (04/04/2013)
With the release of his second major label record, Wiz Khalifa’s view on his music career thus far has changed, resulting in the rapper claiming, “The mistake I made on Rolling Papers,” his first major label release, “was thinking it was time to move on from that genre not knowing that it had impacted people so much. The album did great numbers, but creatively wasn’t my best work. No regrets though. We live and we learn.”
Though, o.n.i.f.c. suggests that Khalifa is confident in his “artistry and creativity” as they reflect the ways in which he lived during the time of recording. It’s his experiences and memories and nights out that weave themselves through each track, and unless you follow a similar lifestyle to Khalifa, than you might not see the appeal of the sophomore record.
Being an outspoken drug user, frequent topics touched on throughout the record shifts the stereotype of rappers being dealers toward rappers being users. It’s an extension of rap culture that’s been progressing until the initial movement has been torn apart and forgotten, and o.n.i.f.c. is the anthem of this movement.
Slowly tiptoeing into the record with a forty second introduction, o.n.i.f.c. opens into the repetitive track Paperbond, complete with clear imagery and blatant lyrics.
Following Paperbond, Bluffin is slow to start but proves to be an easier listen then the opening track. Thus far, it seem as if these tracks are meant to wash over the listener as an act of a gradual introduction, and they go over spectacularly for this purpose.
With Work Hard, Play Hard, catchy beats and lyrics make the track a perfect addition to any “Get Pumped” playlist. No matter how little attention you’re paying to this track, it’ll have you nodding to the beat of the song as Khalifa spits the chorus that uses repetition in aid of it’s feel good vibe.
Fall Asleep provides a welcome change to the sound of o.n.i.f.c. with a temporary slow in tempo. The haunting backing vocals, a constant chiming of “fall asleep” will keep the listener’s attention throughout the song despite initially sounding out of place on the record.
Closing the LP, Medicated follows similar pace to previous tracks, an obvious exception being Fall Asleep, though brings o.n.i.f.c. to a strong finish. A clear highlight on the record, alongside Work Hard, Play Hard and Fall Asleep, it seems as if Khalifa’s strongest suit is the ability to make a catchy back beat.
As a whole, o.n.i.f.c. is an active rejection of all that was Rolling Papers. Though, in claiming that Rolling Papers wasn’t strong in terms of creativity, Khalifa held the bar high for what the sophomore album would have to offer in terms of new sound. Unfortunately, the strong sense of repetition and cliché rap culture puts a strain on such an effort.
Natalie Campbell
Though, o.n.i.f.c. suggests that Khalifa is confident in his “artistry and creativity” as they reflect the ways in which he lived during the time of recording. It’s his experiences and memories and nights out that weave themselves through each track, and unless you follow a similar lifestyle to Khalifa, than you might not see the appeal of the sophomore record.
Being an outspoken drug user, frequent topics touched on throughout the record shifts the stereotype of rappers being dealers toward rappers being users. It’s an extension of rap culture that’s been progressing until the initial movement has been torn apart and forgotten, and o.n.i.f.c. is the anthem of this movement.
Slowly tiptoeing into the record with a forty second introduction, o.n.i.f.c. opens into the repetitive track Paperbond, complete with clear imagery and blatant lyrics.
Following Paperbond, Bluffin is slow to start but proves to be an easier listen then the opening track. Thus far, it seem as if these tracks are meant to wash over the listener as an act of a gradual introduction, and they go over spectacularly for this purpose.
With Work Hard, Play Hard, catchy beats and lyrics make the track a perfect addition to any “Get Pumped” playlist. No matter how little attention you’re paying to this track, it’ll have you nodding to the beat of the song as Khalifa spits the chorus that uses repetition in aid of it’s feel good vibe.
Fall Asleep provides a welcome change to the sound of o.n.i.f.c. with a temporary slow in tempo. The haunting backing vocals, a constant chiming of “fall asleep” will keep the listener’s attention throughout the song despite initially sounding out of place on the record.
Closing the LP, Medicated follows similar pace to previous tracks, an obvious exception being Fall Asleep, though brings o.n.i.f.c. to a strong finish. A clear highlight on the record, alongside Work Hard, Play Hard and Fall Asleep, it seems as if Khalifa’s strongest suit is the ability to make a catchy back beat.
As a whole, o.n.i.f.c. is an active rejection of all that was Rolling Papers. Though, in claiming that Rolling Papers wasn’t strong in terms of creativity, Khalifa held the bar high for what the sophomore album would have to offer in terms of new sound. Unfortunately, the strong sense of repetition and cliché rap culture puts a strain on such an effort.
Natalie Campbell