If you need proof that the necessity of a major label deal is a thing of the past, look no further than the Pittsburg rapper Wiz Khalifa. After several delays releasing his debut, Khalifa–who picked up the nickname Wiz as a teenager and later added the Arabic word for successor–parted ways with Warner Bros. and released a slew of mixtapes glorifying the pursuit of money, women and blowing the biggest of trees. But while hes more than comfortable sticking to weed as the subject at hand (his latest internet release is titled Kush & OJ), his newer work also indicates a heightened charm and confidence. As always, his beats are a fine balance between artful samples and laid-back party joints. Wiz Khalifa may not be leaving it behind, but hes certainly emerging from his stoner rap pigeonhole. With Fashawn, Jasmine Solano, Logics. NICK FELDMAN
Sat., May 15, 10 p.m., 2010
