Are sequels ever better than the original? While certain (though few and far between) movies have made strong cases, hip-hop has blessed us with a eclectic batch of sequels, many of which vary in quality. Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP 2 or Redman and Method Man's Blackout 2 are solid, but fail to live up to the lofty heights of their predecessors. Conversely, strong efforts like The Game's Documentary 2 and Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx 2 are respectable additions to the series, though not quite on par with the original. Of course, exceptional sequels like Wayne's Tha Carter 2 and Dr. Dre's 2001 do exist, serving to set the bar for any aspirants looking to expand the narrative.
Wiz Khalifa is the latest rapper to throw his hat in the race. With Rolling Papers 2 on the horizon, Wiz opens up to AllHipHop for an extensive interview, talking about his process revisiting what some fans already consider a classic. Now thirty, Wiz talks about aging gracefully, claiming he has "more leverage as a businessman, artist, and individual." Clearly, the myth that hip-hop is a young man's game is quickly dispelling.
Album talk kicks off around the eleven minute mark, and a particularly interesting moment arises when the interviewer talks about Wiz' lyrical evolution. "I got so many styles, bro," says Wiz. "I look at it like Bruce Lee..That's how you become a master, you master different styles...I'm a master at like, all of my styles."
For much more from Wiz, be sure to peep the entire video below. Throughout the half-hour conversation, he covers topics ranging from Kanye West, Amber Rose (around the fifteen minute mark), Rolling Papers 2, his son Sebastian, and much more.