Wiz Khalifa's Ultimate Mixtape List: His Top 5 Projects and 5 Favorites by Other Artists

From underground classics to career-defining releases, the "Black and Yellow" rapper's favorite mixtapes reveal the projects that shaped both his own journey and his appreciation for hip-hop's mixtape era.

Long before streaming platforms became the music industry's dominant force, rappers built loyal fan bases through free releases that circulated online, spread through word of mouth, and helped define entire eras of hip-hop.

Wiz Khalifa was one of the artists who benefited most from that culture, using mixtapes to develop his sound and connect with listeners before becoming a mainstream star.

During a 2023 interview, the Taylor Gang founder was asked to name his five favorite mixtapes from his own catalog, along with five projects by other artists that left a lasting impression on him.

The selections offered a revealing look at both his evolution as an artist and the music that inspired him along the way. Here's a closer look at Khalifa's picks.

Wiz Khalifa's Top 5 Mixtapes

5. "Flight School"

Before the laid-back, weed-loving persona that would later define much of his music, Khalifa was still searching for the formula that would help him break through. Released in 2009, "Flight School" captured a younger, more energetic version of the rapper.

Tracks such as "Ms. Rightfernow" and "Kleenex" leaned heavily into confidence, ambition, and Auto-Tune-driven melodies, while songs like "Sky High" and "Teach You to Fly" showcased the optimism that would become one of Khalifa's trademarks.

Although the project's style differed from the sound he would later perfect, "Flight School" remains an entertaining snapshot of an artist experimenting, taking risks, and gradually finding his identity.

4. "How Fly"

Khalifa and rapper Curren$y joined forces for "How Fly" in 2009. Built around smooth production and aviation-inspired imagery, the mixtape became an early showcase for the chemistry between two artists who shared similar musical sensibilities.

The project balanced soulful beats with playful lyricism while demonstrating a deep appreciation for hip-hop's history. Looking back, "How Fly" feels like a glimpse into the future.

Neither rapper had reached his commercial peak yet, but the confidence throughout the tape suggested they knew bigger things were ahead.

3. "28 Grams"

Not every fan immediately embraced "28 Grams." Released during the height of trap music's dominance in 2014, the project found Khalifa leaning heavily into booming 808s, energetic production, and a more aggressive approach than listeners had come to expect.

The stylistic shift divided opinion, with some fans preferring the rapper's traditional weed-rap formula. Still, the mixtape demonstrated a willingness to experiment.

While not every track landed equally, songs such as "James Bong" and "Aw Sh*t" highlighted Khalifa's ability to adapt to changing trends without completely abandoning his personality as an artist.

2. "Cabin Fever"

For many fans, "Cabin Fever," released in 2011, represented the ideal middle ground in Khalifa's catalog. The mixtape combined polished production with the freedom and creativity often associated with underground releases.

Featuring contributions from producers such as Lex Luger, Sonny Digital, and Drumma Boy, the project delivered hard-hitting records while avoiding the commercial pressures that sometimes accompany major-label releases.

Tracks like "Phone Numbers (Remix)" and "Cabin Fever" showcased multiple sides of the rapper's artistry, blending street-oriented energy with the charisma that helped make him one of rap's most recognizable personalities.

1. "Kush & Orange Juice"

Few mixtapes played a bigger role in Khalifa's career than "Kush & Orange Juice." Released on April 14, 2010, the project became a viral sensation during the early days of social media, helping elevate him from rising talent to one of hip-hop's most talked-about artists.

The mixtape generated millions of downloads and became one of DatPiff's most successful releases. More importantly, it perfectly captured the sound Khalifa had been working toward.

Relaxed, melodic, and endlessly replayable, the tape featured standout tracks such as "Mezmorized," "In the Cut," "Still Blazin'," and "The Kid Frankie." More than a decade later, it remains the defining mixtape of his career.

Wiz Khalifa's Top 5 Mixtapes by Other Artists

5. "So Far Gone" – Drake

Before Drake became one of the most commercially successful artists in music history, he introduced himself to a wider audience through "So Far Gone."

Released in 2009, the mixtape blended rap, R&B, and introspective songwriting in a way that felt fresh at the time. Songs such as "Best I Ever Had," "Successful," and "Houstatlantavegas" helped establish many of the qualities that would later define Drake's career.

The project also marked a turning point for modern hip-hop, proving that vulnerability and melody could be just as effective as traditional rap bravado. Its influence can still be heard throughout the genre today.

4. "Trap or Die" – Jeezy

Long before trap music became a global phenomenon, Young Jeezy — now known simply as Jeezy — helped bring the sound to a national audience. Released in 2005, "Trap or Die" introduced listeners outside Atlanta to Jeezy's street-centered storytelling and larger-than-life presence.

Powered by records such as "Get Ya Mind Right" and "Grey Goose," the mixtape captured the energy of Southern hip-hop during a transformative period. Its success helped establish the blueprint for much of the trap music that followed, making it one of the most influential mixtapes of its era.

3. "Dedication" – Lil Wayne

By the time Lil Wayne released "Dedication" in 2005, he was already a respected rapper. What the mixtape revealed, however, was just how high his ceiling really was.

The project arrived at the beginning of Wayne's legendary mixtape run and showcased a rapper operating with growing confidence, creativity, and technical skill.

Whether he was reworking popular instrumentals or delivering memorable punchlines, Wayne sounded determined to prove he belonged among hip-hop's elite. For many fans, "Dedication" served as the first chapter in one of rap's greatest stretches of mixtape dominance.

2. Any "Diplomats" Mixtape – The Diplomats

When choosing a favorite project from The Diplomats, Khalifa couldn't narrow it down to just one. The Harlem collective — also known as Dipset and led by Cam'ron alongside Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zekey — became one of the most influential groups of the early 2000s.

Their music blended soul-sample production, street-oriented lyricism, and unmistakable swagger, helping transform them into cultural icons. Just as importantly, Dipset helped popularize the artist-driven mixtape model.

Releases such as "The Diplomats Vol. 1" demonstrated how mixtapes could function as both promotional tools and essential creative statements, paving the way for future stars to build audiences outside traditional industry channels.

1. Any "Quarantine" Mixtape – Max B

Khalifa's top spot went to another artist he refused to limit to a single release. Max B became one of hip-hop's most influential figures thanks to his melodic style, charismatic personality, and ability to blur the lines between singing and rapping.

Although his legal troubles interrupted his career, his impact continued to be felt throughout the genre. Among his most celebrated releases was the original "Quarantine" mixtape, which arrived in 2009 and became a favorite among devoted fans.

More than a decade later, anticipation remained strong enough for discussions surrounding a sequel, underscoring the project's lasting legacy.

From his own breakout moments on "Kush & Orange Juice" to influential releases by Drake, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Dipset, and Max B, Wiz Khalifa's list serves as a reminder of how important mixtapes were in defining an era of hip-hop.