'Wiz's Dad Is a Real Musical Person': One Thing Laurence Thomaz Taught Wiz Khalifa, Who Started Rapping in the Second Grade

Long before he became one of hip-hop's biggest stars, the rapper's father was helping shape the mindset that would guide his career — from introducing him to a music-filled household and opening a recording studio to teaching him the value of setting goals.

Wiz Khalifa's father, Laurence Thomaz, played a major role in nurturing his son's love of music while encouraging him to stay focused. Years later, those lessons remained with the rapper as he built a successful career, became a father himself, and reflected on the impact his dad had on his life.

A Musical Household and a Lesson in Goal-Setting

According to Will Dzombak, Khalifa's day-to-day manager and co-CEO of Taylor Gang, music was a constant presence in the Thomaz household. "Wiz's dad is a real musical person," Dzombak said.

Rather than spending hours watching television, father and son often listened to music together, helping cultivate the interest that would eventually become Khalifa's career.

As a child, he imagined himself joining some of his favorite rap groups, including Wu-Tang Clan, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, and the Diplomats. However, while he dreamed big, his father encouraged him to stay grounded and think about the future. Khalifa recalled:

"My dad made me write down goals every couple of months. He'd say, 'What are your goals for the next couple months?' I'd tell him, 'To get this, to do this, and have enough money to buy this.'"

Music became an even bigger part of Khalifa's life when his father opened a recording studio in Pittsburgh. "My dad had a little studio that he had built for me, 'cause he was, like, into, like, running businesses and stuff," he shared.

"So, his thing was like, 'If you like to do it, then you can do whatever you want to do. I'll make it possible. You just gotta do it. And if not, I'm taking it back,'" he continued. Looking back years later, the rapper revealed, "I lived in that studio. And that's what turned me into who I am today."

The encouragement came at the perfect time, as Khalifa had been rapping since he was in the second grade. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, he spent a lot of time listening to the radio. However, his perspective changed after watching his uncle read lyrics from a sheet of paper.

The statement echoed many of the values that Thomaz appeared to instill in him while he was growing up.

"One day my uncle got a piece of paper out and started reading it, and it was a rap! It blew my mind, because I didn't know we could rap as well, not just the guys on the radio," he recalled. Soon, what began as childhood curiosity developed into a lifelong passion.

Becoming the Father He Wanted to Be

Years later, Khalifa entered a new chapter of his life when he became a father himself. The rapper shares son Sebastian "Bash" Thomaz with model and television personality Amber Rose. The former couple was married from 2013 until 2016.

According to Thomaz, fatherhood had a noticeable effect on his son. In the Apple Music docuseries "Wiz Khalifa: Behind the Cam," he reflected on the changes he observed after his grandson was born.

He explained that the experience made his son more mature and more aware of his responsibilities. Khalifa has spoken openly about the importance of being present in his son's life, saying:

"It's my goal to be a good father and balance everything."

The statement echoed many of the values that Thomaz appeared to instill in him while he was growing up. Just as his father encouraged him to pursue his ambitions while remaining focused and accountable, Khalifa has often emphasized balancing his career with his role as a parent.

Remembering Laurence Thomaz

On February 13, 2026, Khalifa shared the heartbreaking news that his father had died at the age of 63. The rapper did not reveal the cause of death but took to social media to share that the loss had been sudden. He wrote:

"Today my father decided not to wake up. I will always love him, miss him and be greatful for the things he taught me. He went out like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time. I love you forever Laurence W. Thomaz."

In a separate message, the rapper reflected on the number of people who reached out following the news. He said seeing how many lives his father had touched brought him comfort and reinforced the positive impact Thomaz had left behind.

Khalifa later thanked supporters for their kind words, explaining that their messages had helped him through a difficult period. Alongside the tributes, the rapper shared a series of throwback photographs honoring his father.

One image showed Thomaz helping his young son onto a swing, while another featured Khalifa as a child alongside his father and his late sibling, Dorien "Lala" Thomaz, who died in 2017. The photos offered a glimpse into the close relationship they shared long before Khalifa became famous.

From introducing him to music and encouraging him to set goals to supporting his earliest creative ambitions, Thomaz played an important role in shaping the artist and father Wiz Khalifa would become.

Even after his passing, the lessons he taught his son continued to resonate through the memories and tributes Khalifa shared.