Wiz Khalifa
The Pittsburgh rapper turned stoner anthem 'Black and Yellow' into a global smash, defining a laid-back, party-ready generation.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American rapper and singer·Birthday: September 8·Millennials
Biography
Cameron Thomaz, who adopted the name Wiz Khalifa, built an empire from the ground up in his hometown of Pittsburgh. His early mixtapes, full of clever wordplay over smooth, sample-heavy beats, cultivated a dedicated online following. This grassroots hustle led to a major label deal, but his true breakthrough was a love letter to his city's sports colors: 'Black and Yellow' became an inescapable phenomenon, a victory chant that transcended rap. Khalifa doubled down on his persona—the charismatic, weed-loving everyman—and parlayed that into sustained success through albums, tours, and his own cannabis brand. More than just a hitmaker, he represents a specific business-savvy, lifestyle-oriented approach to hip-hop, maintaining a direct connection with fans who grew up with his chill, confident vibe.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Wiz was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Wiz Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Wiz's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2011 single 'Black and Yellow' peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for 'See You Again' with Charlie Puth.
- Founded his own independent record label, Taylor Gang Entertainment.
- His 2014 album 'Blacc Hollywood' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
Did You Know?
His stage name is derived from 'wiz' meaning wisdom and 'Khalifa', the Arabic word for successor.
He has a large tattoo of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Mean Joe Greene on his leg.
He was a student at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Arts and Sciences before focusing on music full-time.
“Work hard, play hard, and always be yourself.”
