When Wiz Khalifa took to his Twitter page early last week to announce the arrival of his latest mixtape, Kush & Orange Jucie--the response was more than well recieved. It's really no surprise that Wiz a.k.a. Mr. Spacely is in high demand. Over the past couple years the Pittsburge native has created an impressive-cult-like-following. His fans--better known as "the Taylors" have supported the kid in such a way that most of his rap peers could only dream of obtaining. The success of his mixtapes, i.e. Burn After Rolling, his collaboration with Curren$y on How High, and his middle-finger-to-the- music industry- indie album, Deal or no Deal made it almost impossible to overlook him. Wiz got major kudos from XXL magazine when they named him one of their 10 Freshmen for '10. Now with all eyes focused on him, Wiz returns with his new offering the aforementioned, Kush & Orange Juice. The mixtape album cover pays homage to Motown legend David Ruffin's 80's album Gentleman Ruffin, and throughout the 20-track disc, one theme remains constant--and that's soul. The album is soul on steroids, as the Taylor Gang general grabs listeners ears and take them on a lyrical journey. Tracks like the mythical "Mezmorized" and "Visions" find Khalifa at his best, as he preaches his paper-before-pussy moto to fellow peers. "Niggas be pressed for pussy, it ain't nothin'/ Instead of worryin' about who that bitch fuckin'/ Why don't you get you some money" ("Mezmorized"). The reggae -influenced-ode to weed can be found in "Still Blazzin", and "The Kid Frankie" will have you two-stepping as Wiz reps his Taylor Gang while stunting on haters and hoes alike. The latter samples 80's group Loose Ends biggest hit "Hangin On A String". The song "Glass House" reunites Khalifa with his How High co-star Curren$y, and the hypnotic "Up" will have you lifted out your seat. While some tracks don't have that rewind factor---those tracks come few and far in between. Young Wiz still manages to "roll up" yet another stellar project. It's Taylor Gang or Die. I rate this: 4/5
