Wiz Khalifa Delivers Emotional Tiny Desk Performance Celebrating Kush & Orange Juice Anniversary

Wiz Khalifa celebrated the 15-year anniversary of his influential mixtape Kush & Orange Juice with a heartfelt NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance, marking his first appearance in the series. The Pittsburgh rapper delivered a six-song set featuring live instrumentation and tracks from both the original mixtape and its recent sequel, Kush & Orange Juice 2, blending nostalgia with his matured sound. Throughout the intimate show, Wiz remained introspective and focused, rarely speaking until his emotional finale performance of "Crime Bud and Women," where he wiped away tears and jokingly thanked the audience for making him cry. The performance was part of NPR's Black Music Month, honoring albums that have shaped music and culture, with family and friends, including his father, in attendance. His band, including longtime collaborator DJ Bonics, provided a soulful, jazzy backdrop that reimagined classic songs with live drums, keys, guitar, and bass. Wiz reflected on his growth since the original release, highlighting his more positive and mature lyrical themes in the sequel while retaining the laid-back vibe that earned him widespread acclaim.