Wiz Khalifa reveals NPR Tiny Desk performance [VIDEO]

Wiz Khalifa performs on NPR Tiny Desk

On Tuesday, rap icon Wiz Khalifa brought his signature chill energy and timeless hits to NPR’s Tiny Desk stage, delivering a performance that wasn’t just nostalgic—it was historic. As part of Black Music Month, Wiz paid tribute to the 15th anniversary of his breakout mixtape Kush & Orange Juice, a project that not only defined an era but also set the tone for an entire generation of internet-savvy hip-hop fans.

Joined by a talented band of Tiny Desk veterans, Pennsylvania natives, and his longtime DJ, Wiz Khalifa transformed the cozy NPR space into a mellow cloud of musical bliss. Performing reimagined versions of fan favorites like “Up,” “Mesmerized,” and “Red Eye,” the Pittsburgh rapper also teased material from Kush & Orange Juice 2, his newer, more mature follow-up to the cult classic.

A Classic Gets Its Flowers

In 2010, Kush & Orange Juice dropped seemingly out of nowhere—and the internet lost its mind. Released for free download, the mixtape became an instant phenomenon, crashing DatPiff and dominating Twitter trends with the hashtag #kushandorangejuice. Its seamless fusion of smooth soul samples, laid-back rhymes, and stoner lifestyle vibes made it a blueprint for an entirely new kind of rap artist: the digital-era mixtape star.

With songs like “The Kid Frankie,” “Never Been,” and “In the Cut,” Wiz Khalifa offered a sonic escape for fans across the world. The project leaned on dreamy production, catchy hooks, and Wiz’s easygoing delivery—creating a vibe that felt more like a smoke session with friends than a traditional rap release.

Fast forward 15 years, and that same energy still resonates, which made Tuesday’s Tiny Desk performance all the more meaningful.

Wiz Brings the Kush to the Desk

Wiz kicked off the set with “Up,” immediately transporting longtime fans back to 2010. But instead of pressing play on the original beat, the performance featured live instrumentation, breathing new life into the mixtape’s hazy ambiance.

Backed by live drums, guitar, keyboards, and horns, Wiz floated through his set like a seasoned jazz frontman. “Mesmerized,” always a standout on the original tape, was reimagined with delicate keyboard layers and subtle saxophone flourishes, giving the song a neo-soul twist that NPR’s format is known for.

He also performed “Red Eye” and a few selections from Kush & Orange Juice 2, showcasing how his musical approach has matured. The new songs retained that classic Wiz vibe—laid-back, melodic, and effortlessly cool—but with more refined songwriting and a more seasoned delivery.

A Homegrown Celebration

The performance was also a celebration of Pennsylvania pride. Wiz Khalifa, a Pittsburgh native, specifically invited musicians from his home state to back him during this Tiny Desk set. This decision reinforced one of the core themes of Kush & Orange Juice: authenticity.

“It was important for me to keep it real,” Wiz shared in a behind-the-scenes clip. “This is a celebration, and I wanted the people I came up with—or that came from where I come from—to be part of it.”

From his fashion to his smile to his unmistakable laugh, Wiz’s presence radiated gratitude. He looked genuinely happy to be sharing this moment not just with fans, but with friends, musicians, and collaborators who understand what Kush & Orange Juice meant—then and now.

Black Music Month at Tiny Desk

June is Black Music Month, and NPR’s Tiny Desk has been celebrating with an impressive lineup that pays homage to the history and influence of Black artists. This year, the series is specifically honoring the anniversaries of landmark albums—and Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & Orange Juice fits the bill perfectly.

Much more than just a mixtape, K&OJ represented a cultural shift. It arrived during the blog era when platforms like DatPiff, LiveMixtapes, and HotNewHipHop were primary tastemakers, and Twitter was becoming a hub for real-time music discovery. Wiz’s project captured that moment and pushed it into mainstream conversation, laying groundwork for artists like Mac Miller, Curren$y, and even Tyler, The Creator to gain traction through the internet.

Tiny Desk choosing to spotlight this mixtape not only validates its impact but also underscores how far the hip-hop mixtape has come—from bedroom recordings to critically celebrated art.

Kush & Orange Juice 2: What’s New?

Wiz Khalifa quietly released Kush & Orange Juice 2 in late April, and though it hasn’t received the same viral attention as the original, the project has been praised by fans for staying true to the roots of the first volume.

Tracks like “Lay Low,” “O.J. Again,” and “Window Seat” show that Wiz still knows how to capture that perfect balance between being chill and charismatic. The sequel feels like an evolved version of its predecessor—still full of smoke and serenity, but with a deeper lyrical edge and smoother instrumentation.

This Tiny Desk set offered the first live glimpse of that evolution, and it’s clear that Wiz hasn’t lost a step. If anything, he’s grown more comfortable in his own lane—one that doesn’t chase trends but still influences them.

Legacy of ‘Kush & Orange Juice’

Fifteen years after its release, Kush & Orange Juice is no longer just a fan-favorite—it’s a benchmark in hip-hop history. It’s the project that:

• Cemented Wiz Khalifa as a leader in the blog-era rap movement
• Shifted mixtapes into mainstream discourse
• Influenced a wave of chill, vibey rap aesthetics
• Bridged the gap between underground appeal and pop accessibility

It’s the reason Wiz could go on to have multiplatinum success with “Black and Yellow,” feature on pop smashes like “See You Again,” and still hold respect in the underground for projects like Taylor Allderdice and 28 Grams.

The NPR performance is another notch in that legacy—proof that K&OJ isn’t just relevant, it’s timeless.

What’s Next for Wiz Khalifa?

In 2024 and 2025, Wiz has shown no signs of slowing down. He’s remained active in music, releasing a steady stream of singles, full-length projects, and collaborative efforts. He’s also continued to grow his Taylor Gang label, launch cannabis ventures, and expand into wellness and fitness content—often sharing his MMA training and plant-based routines online.

Rumors are already circulating about a potential Taylor Allderdice 2 project, and Wiz himself has hinted at an upcoming tour to celebrate the anniversaries of his biggest mixtapes.

With Kush & Orange Juice 2 out, fans are hoping he’ll take the show on the road with a nostalgia-fueled setlist that spans over a decade of classics.

The Evolution of a Stoner Icon

Wiz Khalifa’s Tiny Desk concert wasn’t just a performance—it was a victory lap for an artist who revolutionized mixtape culture, built a multi-faceted empire, and stayed true to himself the entire way.

Whether you were bumping Kush & Orange Juice in your dorm room in 2010 or just discovering it today, Wiz’s influence is undeniable. He made smoking cool, being chill cooler, and being yourself the coolest of all.

At Tiny Desk, with a mic in one hand and the spirit of a generation in the other, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the most beloved figures in modern rap.