"It's perfect for a wake-and-bake." Originally released in 2010, Kush & Orange is an ode to smoking weed, women, and partying. It trended at number one on both Google and Twitter upon dropping, and the tape's sound befit the laidback theme; the production relies heavily on sampling and blends West Coast chill with a bit of Southern bounce. This is the project that took Wiz from a bubbling underground artist to one of the front runners of his generation, and despite the lack of "bangers" a la 2007's Prince of the City 2, the tape showcased the rapper in a more focused, lyrical light (plus as an artist capable of writing melodic, sing-songy hooks). The cover pays homage to David Ruffin's album Gentleman Ruffin, and on "The Kid Frankie," Wiz raps over Loose Ends' "Hangin' on a String," which the character Frankie from the film The Business listens to while he travels around Spain. "Up" samples Tevin Campbell's "Could It Be," and "Never Been" samples "Schala's Theme" from the soundtrack to the video game Chrono Trigger (w/ soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda). Other highlights: "Mezmerized" and "In The Cut."  It's an interesting palette of sounds Wiz and producers pull from, further making the tape a great listen, even a decade after. This is the first-ever official physical release in super deluxe LP packaging, gatefold die-cut sleeve that folds out to imitate an orange juice carton and comes in a "dime bag" and smells of… oranges! 🍊

• 180g green + black 'galaxy swirl' colored double vinyl pressing (please note: vinyl color is enhanced when held up to light)
• deluxe gatefold die-cut sleeve folds out to imitate an orange juice carton
• comes in a "dime bag" plus smells of oranges
• limited edition
• music label: Rostrum Records 2020

reviewed by singing in japanese 03/2020