Famous Rapper and Actor

Wiz Khalifa | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 16, 2025

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Who is Wiz Khalifa?

Wiz Khalifa is a renowned rapper and songwriter, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz on September 8, 1987, in Minot, North Dakota. Raised in a military family, Khalifa frequently moved during his childhood, which sparked his passion for music at a young age. He began writing lyrics at just nine years old and started recording music a few years later. His teenage years were spent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he cultivated a following and gained national attention with the 2006 mixtape, "Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania." By 2007, he was charting success with his first hit single, "Say Yeah," expanding his reach through subsequent mixtapes.

Khalifa's breakthrough into mainstream fame came in 2011 with his chart-topping anthem "Black and Yellow," a tribute to his hometown sports team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The single was part of his debut album, "Rolling Papers," which peaked at number two on the album charts and included popular tracks like "Taylor Gang." His career continued to soar with subsequent albums such as "O.N.I.F.C." (2012) and "Blacc Hollywood" (2014), featuring hit singles and collaborations with prominent artists. His emotional ballad "See You Again," featuring Charlie Puth, showcased his versatility and became a global success, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in contemporary hip-hop.

Early Life and Education

Wiz Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz on September 8, 1987, in Minot, North Dakota, grew up in a military family, which led to frequent relocations during his childhood. Although he moved around a lot, he found a steady creative outlet in music early on. By the age of nine, he began writing lyrics, and a few years later, he took his first steps into recording his own tracks. This passion for music would eventually shape his life and career, leading him to become one of the most recognized names in the rap industry.

Spending much of his adolescence in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Khalifa honed his skills during high school, gaining a local following as an artist. His determination and talent led to national recognition, particularly with the release of his 2006 mixtape, "Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania". This body of work showcased his unique style and lyrical prowess, culminating in his first hit single “Say Yeah” in 2007. Khalifa’s formative years were filled with perseverance and creativity, laying a solid foundation for his future success as a rap artist.

Rise to Fame with "Black and Yellow"

Wiz Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz in Minot, North Dakota, on September 8, 1987, quickly established himself as a significant figure in the music industry, especially in the hip-hop genre. His journey began early; he began writing lyrics at the tender age of nine and was recording tracks shortly thereafter. Khalifa's high school years in Pittsburgh allowed him to cultivate a local fanbase, culminating in the release of his 2006 mixtape, "Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania". This project set the stage for his burgeoning career and laid the foundation for his first hit single, “Say Yeah,” in 2007.

Khalifa's breakthrough came in 2011 with his chart-topping anthem "Black and Yellow," a song inspired by his love for the Pittsburgh Steelers, his hometown's NFL team. The track showcased Khalifa's unique blend of catchy hooks and sharp rhythms, propelling him to mainstream success. Featured on his debut studio album, "Rolling Papers", the song reached the number one spot on the charts and solidified his reputation as a leading artist in rap music. Despite facing personal challenges, including a highly publicized arrest for drug-related charges, Khalifa's talent shone through, paving the way for further hits and collaborations in the years to come.

Successful Albums: O.N.I.F.C. and Blacc Hollywood

In 2012, Wiz Khalifa released his third studio album, "O.N.I.F.C.", which showcased his evolution as an artist. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, featuring hit singles such as "Work Hard, Play Hard" and "Remember You," the latter of which included a collaboration with Pharrell Williams. Notably, Khalifa worked with various prominent artists, including Juicy J, thereby solidifying his status in the rap industry. The release of "O.N.I.F.C" was accompanied by the first Under the Influence of Music tour, which further enhanced his connection with fans and showcased his dynamic stage presence.

Following "O.N.I.F.C.", Wiz Khalifa's 2014 album "Blacc Hollywood" continued to build on his success, featuring standout tracks like "We Dem Boyz," which gained significant airplay and popularity. This project allowed him to collaborate with other big names in the industry, including legends like Rick Ross and Nas. "Blacc Hollywood" reflected Khalifa's signature blend of party anthems and introspective tracks, further cementing his relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop. The album's commercial performance, coupled with the international success of his later single "See You Again" with Charlie Puth, underscored Khalifa's remarkable versatility as an artist.

Collaboration Success and Tours

Wiz Khalifa's career has been marked by a series of successful collaborations that have significantly boosted his popularity in the music industry. One of the most notable partnerships was with Snoop Dogg in the 2012 comedy film "Mac and Devin Go to High School". The film showcased their chemistry, both on screen and in music, leading to the creation of catchy tracks that blended their unique styles. Khalifa's collaboration reached new heights when he teamed up with Charlie Puth for the song "See You Again" in 2015. This ballad, featured on the "Furious 7" soundtrack, became a global phenomenon and earned numerous accolades, highlighting Khalifa's ability to connect with both fans and fellow artists.

In addition to his collaborations, Khalifa has embarked on several concert tours that further solidified his status as a leading figure in hip-hop. His "Under the Influence of Music" tour is particularly noteworthy, bringing together a mix of established and up-and-coming artists, which not only entertained fans but also fostered connections within the hip-hop community. The tour often showcased Khalifa’s hits, including "Black and Yellow" and "We Dem Boyz," drawing large audiences and creating memorable experiences that resonate with fans. This dynamic approach to both collaboration and live performances has been key to his enduring success and influence in the music scene.

Personal Life: Marriage, Children and Divorce

Wiz Khalifa's personal life has been just as eventful as his music career. He was married to model Amber Rose in July 2013 after a whirlwind romance that began in early 2011. The couple's union captivated fans and media alike, forging a high-profile partnership that often made headlines. They shared a strong bond, and their relationship drew attention for its public displays of affection and collaborative endeavors, showcasing their individual personalities and mutual support in their respective careers.

In February 2013, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose welcomed their first and only child together, a son named Sebastian Taylor Thomaz. The birth of their son marked a significant milestone in Khalifa's life, bringing him immense joy and inspiration for his music. However, despite the excitement of parenthood, the couple's relationship faced challenges, ultimately leading to their divorce in 2014. Khalifa and Rose have since committed to co-parenting their son, ensuring that they remain involved and supportive in Sebastian's life while fostering a positive environment post-separation.

Net Worth and Earning: Popularity and revenue

Wiz Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, has built a substantial net worth through various streams of revenue, including music sales, streaming, and concert tours. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is around $60 million. His breakout hit “Black and Yellow” not only propelled him into the mainstream but also solidified his status as a top contender in the rap industry. Khalifa’s business ventures, such as his line of smoking products and collaborations with brands, have additionally contributed to his financial success.

With an extensive discography, Khalifa's earnings also stem from his albums, including Rolling Papers, O.N.I.F.C., and Blacc Hollywood. The success of tracks like “See You Again” and “We Dem Boyz” has earned him millions, as they resonate with fans worldwide. Khalifa’s popularity is further amplified by his social media presence, where he connects with millions of followers, enhancing his brand value and revenue potential. His ability to engage with the audience both musically and personally cements his position as a significant figure in contemporary hip-hop.