Review

Wiz Khalifa: Rolling Papers (Rostrum/Atlantic)

If you liked the hit 'Black & Yellow' then it’s almost a dead cert you’ll like this album. Likewise, if you thought 'Black & Yellow' was a shameless duff then Khalifa’s mixtapes may be more to your taste.

All the songs on 'Rolling Papers' are pretty catchy but then again so are STD’s, catchiness isn’t necessarily proof of a quality song. Those stumbling over the album for the first time will gather very quickly that Khalifa isn’t the most talented or versatile rapper around and his subjects rarely stray from girls and weed. If this is what you want in rap album (and there’s plenty who do) then you won’t be disappointed.

Slick radio friendly R&B heavy summer vibes come courtesy of Stargate and ID Labs and that’s basically what this album is all about. It’s about as ‘street’ as a cul-de-sac. The occasion guest spot from Too Short or Snoop attempt to add a bit of weight to the overall release but Wiz on mixtape and Wiz on album are two different cookies. Some might say he’s far more entertaining on mixtape i.e. when he’s not trying to desperately claw his way onto the airwaves.
Words ADAM IRVING