Wiz Khalifa Shares Why Cam’ron Inspires Him in XXL 20th Anniversary Interview

Wiz Khalifa is an anomaly in hip-hop these days. The Pittsburgh MC has managed to reinvent himself within music over the course of his 12-year career—a feat that takes most artists decades to accomplish—and still remains the down-to-earth kid XXL has always known. The Atlantic Records signee has dropped a total of six solo albums (three of which have gone gold or platinum), has 12 platinum or multi-platinum singles to his name and has even broken YouTube records thanks to the Charlie Puth-assisted track “See You Again” off the Furious 7 soundtrack.

He's also come to be known for many things even outside of the rap world. His fashion-forward, high-end style sets trends on red carpets and his rock star attitude has worked in his favor when it comes to broadening his fan base. To date, the Taylor Gang leader has collaborated with acts like The Weeknd, Maroon 5, Fall Out Boy and more.

We knew Wiz was special seven years ago when we gave him a spot on the 2010 XXL Freshman cover. Standing alongside the likes of J. Cole, Big Sean, Freddie Gibbs and more, it was clear that the big-grinned rhymer was destined for stardom. Never forgetting where he came from, Wiz is back once again to help us celebrate our birthday with a Fall 2017 cover, written by Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten.

"I think XXL is still keeping people informed on the culture and on hiphop," says Wiz in his Fall 2017 cover story, written by XXL Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Satten. "Like I said, I always wanted to know what was going on with the artists or what happened behind the scenes. And XXL, you guys still are really good at informing the fans and the artists as well about what’s going on."

Wiz Khalifa is one of XXL's 20 special edition covers. Like Wiz, these artists have been documented by XXL through the extent of their careers and have always shown love to the brand that helped raise their profiles along with away. Wiz's fellow cover stars are 50 Cent, the cover king with 15 total XXL covers and a career we’ve been documenting from the start; Nicki Minaj, a queen in hip-hop building her own pinkprint in the game; Diddy, the man who not only reinvented the remix but paved the way for rap moguls; Cam'ron, Harlem's swag connoisseur; Lil Uzi Vert; the face of hip-hop’s new generation; Migos, three rappers who helped redefine the culture; Snoop Dogg, the Doggfather of the game; Pusha T, a success story as a group member, solo artist and record executive; Future, a trendsetting trap god; T.I., rap’s gangsta and gentleman; Fabolous, a highly respected New York MC; Rae Sremmurd, the real crowd-pleasers; Birdman, a No. 1 stunna with a revered empire; Run The Jewels, partners in rhyme and reason; Yo Gotti, a testament to tenacity; Gucci Mane, the true comeback kid; Tech N9ne; an independent icon; E-40; hip-hop’s in-the-know uncle; and The Lox, a trinity representing for the streets.

Check out Wiz Khalifa's full Fall 2017 cover story here, watch his interview video below and keep it locked on our exclusive 20th anniversary hub for more content coming in honor of XXL's 20th anniversary.

See All XXL Magazine 20th Anniversary Covers