Wiz Khalifa’s latest single, “You and Your Friends,” is the usual rap-pop tune that rhythmic radio loves to spin. Snoop Dogg guests to give an advantageous verse and Ty Dolla $ign sings on the hook. The track is one of the most noticeable tracks on the album, Blacc Hollywood. It may be his biggest single since 2014’s summer smash, “We Dem Boyz.”
DJ Mustard brings his formulaic production and provides the song; a pop-rap vibe for the radio. Although most people are exhausted of the same recycled beats from Mustard, he does have a distinctive sound, nevertheless. “You and Your Friends” is very similar to “L.A LOVE(la la),“ released by pop artist Fergie, particularly the beginning.
Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa collaborate once again, this time making a mid-tempo club anthem for the ladies. Unfortunately, the message is not thought provoking, but merely about leaving the club with a group of girls. At this point, it is the right moment to create some innovative music in the future. The rapper has mentioned that one of his biggest musical influences is Jimi Hendrix, but his music does not reflect this statement. Nonetheless, the chorus is infectious. “I got all these J’s rolled up / And got all these drinks poured up / I bought all these bottles up in this club / Came here with all of my dogs / But I’m tryna leave with you and your friends.”
A steadfast performance is promptly delivered in the verses from Khalifa, with “He hit it too soft, but me I go hard, like / Oohy baby, when you with me you go crazy / I want you to be my lady.” Wiz Khalifa possesses a consistent rhyming flow that brings out his best moments, lyrically.
Snoop Dogg boosted the show with his godfather flow. “See he wants the cute one, I want the fat one / Bet she pay what she weigh, I’m looking for a Jennifer Holliday in my way.” Twenty plus years in the rap game and not many can bring it like Uncle Snoop. Hopefully, a classic like 2004’s R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece is in the works for the hip-hop legend.
In closing, it is a fun ride while it lasts, but time is winding with these rap-pop records from the Pittsburgh native. Musical maturity needs to happen for the rapper going forward. Additionally, any single from the album could have easily been put on 2012’s Rolling Papers or 2013’s O.N.I.F.C, and this shows the complacency within the artist. Perhaps a Jimi Hendrix-meets-Wiz Khalifa-inspired album would create fresh material.