This week, Wiz Khalifa’s album O.N.I.F.C. finally hits shelves. It’s the Pittsburgh rapper’s second project via Atlantic Records, serving as a follow-up to his major label debut, Rolling Papers.

Musically speaking, Wiz didn’t stray much from his last LP. This could be a positive or a negative, depending on what type of fan you consider yourself. The album is full of party jam imitations, background smoking music, and generic filler tracks. However, it’s inability to move forward gives the album an unfortunate filler track feel. The highs from the party jams are easily forgotten, and the smoking music doesn’t relax—it misfires, rocking listeners to sleep. One could argue these songs didn’t make the final cut for Rolling Papers—and perhaps with good reason.
All that said, if you’re already a Wiz fan, the album is a definite buy. But if you’re undecided about the rapper, opt for one of the two mixtapes he released earlier this year: Taylor Allderdice or Cabin Fever 2. The project features fan-favorites “Work Hard Play Hard” and “It’s Nothin'” featuring 2 Chainz. Wiz also collaborated with Akon, Cam’ron, The Weeknd, and Taylor Gang representers Juicy J and Lola Monroe, in addition to his pregnant fiancé, Amber Rose, who switches things up by rapping instead of singing. Check out: “Fall Asleep.”
The rap game will close out the remainder of the year with projects from Southern titans Big Boi (Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors) and T.I (Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head); West Coast’s Game (Jesus Piece); and newcomer Chief Keef (Finally Rich).
(In 2013, one of the greats will say goodbye to the rap game.)