DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: The Wiz Khalifa Episode – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 1, 2025

Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Araujo
Guest: Wiz Khalifa

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode kicks off with Thomas and Marty warmly welcoming Wiz Khalifa to the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast. The hosts set a relaxed and casual tone, immediately delving into a conversation intertwined with smoking sessions, reflecting the podcast's signature informal and engaging style.

2. Current Projects: "Cushion Orange Juice" and Tours

Timestamp [01:43]:
Wiz Khalifa discusses his recent projects, highlighting the release of his album "Cushion Orange Juice" which dropped just over two months prior. He expresses immense pride in the album, noting, “I worked with all the producers that I wanted to... curating a sound that I was really proud of” (01:58).

Timestamp [01:47]:
He elaborates on his ongoing tours, emphasizing the importance of connecting with both long-time fans and new audiences. Wiz shares, “Being able to perform these records and do some of the classics... it's a really crazy, crazy experience” (03:06).

3. Building and Maintaining a Loyal Fan Base

Timestamp [03:16]:
Thomas highlights Wiz's impressive streaming numbers, noting that three of his top 20 biggest songs on Spotify have amassed nearly 6 billion streams. Wiz responds by acknowledging the universal appeal of his music across platforms like YouTube, stating, “A lot of people think that... it's all about the connection and the experience” (03:17).

Timestamp [04:13]:
Marty underscores Wiz’s deep connection with his fans, remarking, “The only thing that compares to having a die-hard fan base is getting the opportunity to make new ones every day.” Wiz agrees, emphasizing mutual growth and appreciation, “We're growing together, we're understanding things together” (04:13).

4. Early Career and Use of Social Media

Timestamp [04:26]:
The conversation shifts to Wiz's pioneering use of social media and vlogging, with Marty noting, “He was doing this for years before Black and Yellow... the first YouTube rapper.” Wiz attributes his early success to platforms like MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter, which allowed him to directly engage with fans and build his brand organically.

Timestamp [06:01]:
Wiz reflects on the evolution of content creation, stating, “It allowed me to paint the narrative for real instead of somebody else telling my story” (06:08). He contrasts the past's limited exposure with today’s pervasive social media presence, highlighting the shift towards transparency and fan-driven content.

5. Personal Growth: Family and Discipline

Timestamp [13:02]:
The hosts segue into personal topics, discussing the responsibilities that come with parenthood. Wiz shares insights on balancing fame with family life, “I got 12 year olds... I have family restart” (13:25). Marty and Thomas relate, reflecting on their own journeys toward fatherhood and the discipline it instills.

Timestamp [14:09]:
Marty praises Wiz's discipline, noting his commitment to fitness and continuous self-improvement. Wiz echoes this sentiment, discussing how fatherhood has reinforced his sense of responsibility and long-term vision beyond his music career.

6. Fitness and Lifestyle Changes

Timestamp [17:39]:
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Wiz’s foray into fitness, particularly Muay Thai and kickboxing. He explains the mental and physical benefits, “It became more mental than it was physical... It gave me a purpose” (18:18). The hosts discuss their own fitness routines, with Wiz encouraging them to adopt healthier lifestyles.

7. Music Creation and Iconic Hits: "Black and Yellow"

Timestamp [35:03]:
One of the highlights is Wiz recounting the creation of his breakout hit "Black and Yellow." He describes the spontaneous nature of writing the song, “I knew exactly what I was doing... 'Black and Yellow was always the tagline’” (35:50). The song's regional roots and eventual mainstream success, bolstered by the Pittsburgh Steelers' performance, showcase Wiz’s ability to blend personal passion with broader appeal.

Timestamp [38:56]:
Marty inquires about the song's rise, prompting Wiz to explain its gradual buildup through radio play and significant timing with the Steelers' achievements. He emphasizes the organic growth stemming from dedicated fan support, “It was perfect timing... all of the work had come to a head at the right point” (39:18).

8. Business Ventures: Khalifa Kush

Timestamp [88:03]:
The discussion transitions to Wiz’s entrepreneurial side with his cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush. He details the brand’s evolution from the original strain sourced from Burner to an expanded range with flavors like Khalifa Mints and Point Breeze. Wiz highlights the brand’s international presence, including operations in Thailand and Germany, reinforcing its global footprint.

Timestamp [89:05]:
Wiz elaborates on the strategic growth of Khalifa Kush, emphasizing quality and customer satisfaction. “We’re growing... being a businessman, you're very humble... keep adding to the collection” (89:36).

9. Experiences with Psychedelics

Timestamp [27:30]:
Wiz shares his experiences with psychedelics, recounting both positive and challenging moments. He describes a vivid and enjoyable experience with shrooms, enhancing his appreciation for music’s depth, but expresses reservations about substances like acid due to overwhelming effects, “I was like, I feel like Aladdin right now... I don't want to be Aladdin again” (55:54).

10. Navigating Censorship and Content Creation

Timestamp [92:31]:
The hosts delve into the challenges of content censorship, especially regarding cannabis promotion on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Wiz discusses the impact of algorithm changes and platform policies on his business, emphasizing resilience and adaptation. He remarks, “You got to keep pushing, regardless of... what people may think” (93:00).

11. Future Plans and Legacy

Timestamp [82:35]:
Wiz outlines his aspirations to continue evolving as an artist and entrepreneur. He aims to maintain authenticity in his music while expanding his business ventures, ensuring his legacy remains intact. “I want to just create and to be authentic while I'm doing it... build on the legacy that I already have” (83:18).

Timestamp [117:52]:
Looking ahead, Wiz discusses upcoming tours and collaborations, including the "Good Vibes Only Tour" with DaBaby and Sean Paul. He emphasizes creating memorable experiences for fans, blending music with his cannabis brand’s culture to elevate both.

12. Closing Thoughts and Final Interactions

The episode concludes with lighthearted banter, reflecting the hosts' and Wiz’s camaraderie. They share anecdotes, joke about smoking techniques, and discuss mutual respect within the weed community. The conversation wraps up with excitement for future projects and tours, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation and appreciation for Wiz Khalifa's multifaceted career.

Notable Quotes:

• Wiz Khalifa [01:58]:
  “I worked with all the producers that I wanted to... curating a sound that I was really proud of.”

• Wiz Khalifa [03:06]:
  “Being able to perform these records and do some of the classics... it's a really crazy, crazy experience.”

• Marty O'Neal [04:13]:
  “The only thing that compares to having a die-hard fan base is getting the opportunity to make new ones every day.”

• Wiz Khalifa [06:08]:
  “It allowed me to paint the narrative for real instead of somebody else telling my story.”

• Wiz Khalifa [18:18]:
  “It became more mental than it was physical... It gave me a purpose.”

• Wiz Khalifa [35:50]:
  “Black and yellow was always the tagline.”

• Wiz Khalifa [55:54]:
  “I don't want to be Aladdin again.”

• Wiz Khalifa [83:18]:
  “I want to just create and to be authentic while I'm doing it... build on the legacy that I already have.”

Conclusion

This episode of "DOPE AS USUAL" offers an in-depth look into Wiz Khalifa's journey, from his early days leveraging social media to build an unparalleled fan base, to his current endeavors in music and business. Through candid conversations, Wiz shares his philosophies on authenticity, connection, and the balance between personal growth and professional success. Listeners gain valuable insights into the strategies behind his longevity in the entertainment industry, his passion for music and cannabis culture, and his unwavering commitment to his fans.