One of the highest anticipated albums of 2011 has finally dropped, but does it truly meet up with everyone’s expectations? Is this the next Deal Or No Deal, or the next Kush & Orange Juice? Find out by hitting the jump!

Considering this is Wiz’s first “Major” LP to hit retailers, it definitely leaves us all to have big expectations. However with Wiz Khalifa’s “Rolling Papers” its a slight let down. This my friends is no “Deal Or No Deal” and this is coming from a proud member of The Taylor Gang. In this review, I will be reviewing  the  best tracks, and explaining the faults of the album. Lets break this down, track by track.

1. “When I’m Gone” (Produced By E. Dan And Big Jerm): Definitely one of my favorites off the album, because its one of those tracks that are executed in a perfect matter as an intro. Wiz addresses all the people who say he raps about the same things on a day to day basis. However, he explains that it’s hard to not rap about money, hoes and weed when it’s happening to you 24/7. He also says he’s gonna take all the money and blow it off and live live to its fullest before “He’s gone.” Perfect track to start off the album.

2. “On My Level” Ft. Too $hort (Produced By Jim Jonsin): This is one of many singles that was made to help carry the album. Not to long ago, Atlantic solely dropped the video for the song with no download, and damn was this on loop nonstop or what? Still a month later, I find myself bumping to this shit. All due respect to Too $hort because hes a legend, but his voice kind of ruins the vibe on the beat. It’s all relaxed and then Short’s voice comes up. Either way, the verse he drops is still pretty dope. Trust me, its toke worthy!

3. “Black And Yellow” (Produced By Stargate): On this album, keep an eye open on a producer by the name of Stargate. Consider this fun fact, that Stargate also produced “Roll Up.” Without his strong producing, these addictive instrumentals wouldn’t have came to life. Black And Yellow was also another single that helped carry this album’s sales, however I didn’t see the point of it being on the album. After seeing the tracklist not to long ago, I wasn’t initially expecting Black And Yellow. Keep in mind though, it is smart marketing. This is the single that got the most radio play to help run the “Rolling Papers” campaign.

4. “Roll Up” (Produced By Stargate): Last month, this track took the web by storm, by randomly dropping. The self proclaimed “Stoner Simpson” is known for being the pot head king of Hip Hop, but in this single, he unexpectedly takes a swerve and is not rapping about weed. Even though he talks about giving a girl her “Medication,” hes mainly rapping about the girl herself. It’s a bit hip POP, but that’s what you gotta do nowadays to get on the radio. Just look at how Eminem slightly changed his style.

5. “Hopes & Dreams” (Produced By Brandon Carrier): At first, this track was fun to listen to on a “random night,” but then I re listened to it again, and I questioned myself a lot. In my opinion, the beat is a bit weak, and isn’t his best. This is where the album slightly starts to unfortunately go downhill.

6. “Wake Up” (Produced By Stargate): In this song, Wiz tells us that hard work pays off, and that everything around him is getting better by the minute. The Kush is getting stronger and the money is longer. He also talks about how all the fame and exposure he’s getting, feels like such a surreal dream. In this dream, he never wants to wake up, and claims that he’s the mayor of his town. Very addicting hook and extremely laid back.

7. “The Race” (Produced By E. Dan And Big Jerm): Before this track came out, Wiz did an interview with a radio station and told them that he felt that on this album, that his flow and delivery had matured. He also said that this track was one of them that featured a higher level of maturity. I couldn’t agree more. He drops some lines in the song by telling us that were in the presence of a G. No matter how many legends are in the game, Wiz says hes doing his own thing and won’t stop his grind. Even his Ex hits him up, wanting to share the success with him. Look who’s #winning now bitch ha!

8. “No Sleep” (Produced By Benny Blanco): I was really digging this single when it dropped, but it ultimately falls into the lines on why this album flopped, in terms of its formula (not sales.) I’m feeling the song, but considering the hype it had, I was highly disappointed as a hip hop head.

12. “Rooftops” Ft. Curren$y (Produced By E. Dan And Big Jerm): Lot of money, lot of work and a lotta hoes, when you put in work that’s how it goes. A catchy hook but it doesn’t live to the hype it started. When you put Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa together, you would think that the collab would be the best song on the album, but thats just not the case. On the bright side of things, the beat samples a couple of sounds from Dr. Dre’s “Lets Get High.”

13. “Cameras” (Produced By E. Dan): I have one word, and one word only for this specific track. Radio. I’m not gonna lie to you guys and say I hate this song, but if I’m copping a Wiz Khalifa album, am I really gonna wanna hear a song that sounds like Jason Derulo mixed with Bruno Mars, hell no. I’ll pass.

Overall: Wiz Khalifa’s “Rolling Papers” is a great success, in terms of being utilized to gain popularity. This whole album itself, will easily get radio play, because with a couple of edits and sweeps under the bed, this shit is very radio friendly. When I copped this, I was expecting the next “Kush & Orange Juice.” Considering this is a major release and is distributed by Atlantic Records (The same label that distributed Lupe Fiasco’s L.A.S.E.R.S.) I should of known better. At this point in time, all I know is, if it says Atlantic on the back or front cover, stay the fuck away! As a fan of Wiz Khalifa, I know hes capable of much better than this, so I’m not fully disapointed. I’ll just wait for that next mixtape. Overall, Wiz Khalifa’s “Rolling Papers” gets a 3.5/5 stars. For more of my single and album reviews, check them out on www.EastExclusives.com