Will it live up to the legacy and hype?
Hip-hop nostalgia is in full effect as Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & Orange Juice 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to his career-defining 2010 mixtape, is reportedly set to drop on April 18th, 2025. While Wiz himself has yet to confirm the date, a post from the NFR Podcast suggests that fans might finally be getting the sequel they’ve been waiting for—just in time for the original project’s 15th anniversary.
First released on April 14th, 2010, Kush & Orange Juice was more than just a mixtape—it was a cultural shift. With its effortless blend of smooth beats, stoner-friendly vibes, and infectious hooks, the project propelled Wiz into the mainstream, turning tracks like “Mezmorized“, “The Kid Frankie“, and “Glass House” into instant classics. Now, more than a decade later, expectations for Kush & Orange Juice 2 couldn’t be higher!
Wiz first announced the project was complete back in March 2024, sharing on X: “Kush and OJ 2 is done and going into mixing. Thank you to everyone involved. Taylor Gang The World.” Soon after, he teased collaborations with iconic producers like DJ Quik and Juicy J, alongside longtime allies Ty Dolla $ign and Problem (Jason Martin). Adding to the nostalgia, producer Cardo—who crafted Mezmorized from the original Kush & Orange Juice—confirmed his involvement as well.
Despite the excitement, some fans remain skeptical. The original Kush & OJ was a moment in time, a soundtrack to countless smoke sessions, road trips, and laid-back nights. The sequel carries the weight of that legacy, and fans aren’t shy about voicing their concerns. “Don’t you dare ruin Kush and OJ’s legacy,” one fan warned, while another added, “High risk, high reward”.
Even industry insiders are weighing in. Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett expressed his excitement as well, stating, “Can’t wait. Kush & OJ is one of my favorite projects of all time”. However, a leaked snippet earlier this year left some listeners unimpressed, raising questions about whether the sequel can recapture the magic of the original.
Beyond the music, Kush & Orange Juice played a pivotal role in shaping Wiz’s career and fostering long-standing relationships within hip-hop. Collaborations with Curren$y and Big K.R.I.T. helped solidify his place in the culture, leading to future projects, joint tours, and an unshakable fanbase. Reflecting on the song’s impact, K.R.I.T. recalled how Wiz personally reached out to include it on the mixtape, unknowingly setting the stage for years of collaborations and unforgettable performances.
With the rumored April 18th release approaching, one question remains—can Kush & Orange Juice 2 live up to its legendary Kush & Orange Juice? Fans will have to wait and see, because the world is watching, the Taylor Gang is ready, and Wiz Khalifa is about to roll up another chapter in hip-hop history.
