Rapper Wiz Khalifa’s new album, “Blacc Hollywood,” is set to drop Aug. 19. /
Miko Lim/Atlantic Records
It’s well into the third year of Wiz Khalifa’s hip-hop- and herb-themed Under the Influence of Music tour. Along with Khalifa, this year’slineup features Jeezy, Ty Dolla Sign, Sage the Gemini and more.
“I feel everybody just likes the fact that they can come out and enjoy themselves and not only be safe but feel comfortable being who they are,” Khalifa says. “There are older fans, some of them are brand new fans. We do what we can do to make everybody feel involved.”
Khalifa’s tour has been gaining in influence even though you can now count the number of hip-hop package tours on one hand. The tour debuted in 2012 with fellow Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller co-headlining and last year A$AP Rocky was on board.
“The live performance is really important to go along with the music,” Khalifa says of keeping the tour going. “It gives the fans another experience.”
This might also be the moment when Khalifa moves from hip-hop celebrity to crossover star. A new album, “Blacc Hollywood,” is set to drop Aug. 19. The lead-off single, “We Dem Boyz,” has been viewed 26 millions times on Youtube.
Can a No. 1 album debut be next?
“I hope so — each of my other projects came out at No. 2,” he says. “This time it’s really strong and it’s got a really good build up.”
Getting personal
Khalifa, born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, put Pittsburgh on the hip-hop map with his 2010 city anthem “Black and Yellow.” He’s released a string of hits since then, along with two hit albums, 2011’s “Rolling Papers” and the 2012 follow up, “O.N.I.F.C.”
His forte has been stoner raps, party jams and midtempo ballads — most of which reveal a dimension of himself; his enjoyment of herb is a common denominator.
“I enjoy knowing a lot about artists that I’m a fan of,” he says, “so when it comes to making my music, I try to do the same thing.”
Under the Influence of Music Tour
featuring Wiz Khalifa, Jeezy, Tyga, Ty Dolla Sign, Sage the Gemini, Rich Homie Quan, Mack Wilds, IAMSU, DJ Drama
Philadelphia:
Friday, July 25, 7 p.m.
Susquehanna Bank Center
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden
$38 to $102.70
856-365-1300
New York:
Thursday, July 31, 6 p.m.
Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
1000 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh
$27 to $102.70
516-221-1000
Boston:
Saturday, Aug. 2, 6 p.m.
Xfinity Center
885 S. Main St, Mansfield
$45.50 to $104.80
508-339-2331
