Album Review: Wiz Khalifa - Khalifa

Half a decade ago we couldn't have wished for more: some street credibility, pop sensibilities, a melodic flow, and an endearingly underappreciated hometown. Khalifa's a no-brainer right? Perhaps once. This is competent, solid stuff but Wiz's competitors have taught us to expect more.

On BTS Wiz picks a clumsy flow, a rigid bar structure and maintains it for four minutes. Witty lyrics could mitigate the damage, but with goofs like "so much swag, we should be a swag vendor" there's little room for sympathy. Elevated is similarly jarring. Lit is a watery love letter to cannabis. Call Waiting is an engaging bit of gospel-inflected swing, suggesting Wiz's true calling may be elsewhere.