“Kush and Orange Juice,” no I’m not talking about illegal substances and Tropicana; however, I am referencing the new mixtape from 22-year-old hip-hop musician and Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa.
The mixtape plays more like an album with 20 tracks including several skits that add to the flow and atmosphere of the music. This isn’t your average mixtape with a screaming DJ, bomb drop sound effects and gunshots. No, this is uninterrupted rhyming and singing over cool and melodic beats.
The vibe of the tape is truly old school, and almost as a foreshadowing. The cover artwork is a remake of the cover for soul singer and original member of the Temptations, David Ruffin’s 1980 “Gentleman Ruffin” album.
Smooth unaggressive lyrics create an easy-going and mellow atmosphere. Khalifa goes into great detail about tour life and a certain extracurricular activity quite possibly soon to be legal in California that consumes him.
“Hotel room right upon the water even taught her [girlfriend] how to use a joint roller, a Titan but came from underground like an Oiler,” Khalifa cleverly rhymes on a standout track named “Spotlight.”
While much of “Kush and Orange Juice” is about pot smoking, women, and overall good times, Khalifa does take a departure from the norm to talk about his personal experiences and drop bits of advice to the listener on tracks like “Visions.”
Khalifa rhymes with reference to his recent departure from record label Warner Bros.”True story, word to the wise, don’t let these labels gas you up to be something, get your paper never trust ‘em.”
The skits on the tape feature 70’s classics and a retro radio feel, as Khalifa puts on his best impersonation of a disc jockey answering telephone calls from avid listeners.
With features from fellow emerging hip-hop artists like Killa Kyleon, Curren$y, Big Krit, Johnny Juliano and Nesby Phips, “Kush and Orange” features a little bit of something for everyone.
I can’t sing the praises of this tape enough. It’s one of those rare albums where skipping songs is not required. You can just let it ride.
A number of people must have shared the same sentiment as I because upon its release on April 14 the search phrase “Kush and Orange Juice download” had the highest popularity rating on Google. The mixtape also ascended to the top of Twitter’s trending topics 30 minutes after it was released digitally for free through Khalifa’s account.
If you are one for hardcore rhymes or gangsta rap, then this tape might not be for you; however, if you’re looking for smooth lyrics, witty metaphors and melodic vocals over soulful beats then you should definitely get a good fill of “Kush and Orange Juice,” pun intended.