05.25.25 – Photos and Review by Dylan Long

On Sunday, May 25, the legendary First Avenue played host to a rare and intimate show with one of the biggest names in hip-hop history – Wiz Khalifa. Touring across the country to perform his 2025 album Kush & Orange Juice 2, Khalifa is backed by his DJ of fifteen years, DJ Bonics. Additionally, a rising Pittsburgh star, Fedd the God and longtime best friend of twenty years, Chevy Woods joined the tour as two core members of the Taylor Gang record label. Due to a small venue with high ticket prices and low tour advertising the show resulted in a 1,500 person crowd made up of real, day-one Taylors. This provided an opportunity for Khalifa to perform old classics from his 2010 breakout mixtape Kush & Orange Juice in a celebratory fashion without being bothered by fringe fans who weren’t around back in the day. This crowd wasn’t there for the hits; they were there for the moment.

Fedd the God kicked off the night with his modern trap flows while fitted in big blue jeans with multi-colored bandana patches. The rambunctious crowd reflected back on his bouncy set with high energy, supporting the young artist. He would often interact with the crowd by teaching them his hooks and admitted that he doesn’t smoke often, in spite of who he is on tour with. He even ended his set by jumping into the crowd during his 2021 hit single “Activated” with a trust fall, turning strangers into teammates, all riding the same wave.

To keep pace with the high-octane crowd, 44-year-old seasoned hip-hop veteran Chevy Woods followed up with his melodic, stoner-friendly street music. Woods was dressed in tour merch, accessorized with dark sunglasses and a joint hanging from his lips. His west coast-influenced production paired well with his measured and confident vocal delivery. Fans particularly leveled up their energy for his country-inspired hit “Escape” from his 2020 album Since Birth. As hands would sway back and forth in the crowd, Woods’ smooth and sandy melodies gusted through the air under strong green lights. The crowd knew most of his songs and were eventually rewarded for their participation when he tossed some of his joints out into the crowd at the end of his set.

As the lights dimmed, anticipation filled every inch of the venue, from a filled main floor to fans leaning over the balcony and sitting on staircases. Phone lights went up and Khalifa entered the stage from the right with blue lights basking down on him as he began his bright yet relaxed performance. There was a shine to him that was nothing but organic. Behind him was a U-shaped LED screen while DJ Bonics held it down at center-stage. The energy was building with a shared chemistry among the fans, a rhythm to the madness. Khalifa spoke about his come up, his appreciation for the fans and how everyone is going to have people who doubt you when you’re working towards success. He told a story reflecting on a 2016 lawsuit over his song “Most of Us” and performed it in spite. Later came the chaos with large inflatable joints being thrown into the crowd like beach balls at a festival during his gritty brand-anthem “Taylor Gang,” a song featuring Chevy Woods off his 2011 album Cabin Fever. 

Toward the end of the night, Khalifa performed two of his biggest songs to date. First, the hit song “We Dem Boyz” from his 2014 album Blacc Hollywood. This drum-heavy club staple turned the crowd rowdy as everyone screamed out the lyrics word for word and jumped along to the beat. As the drums faded and the song came to a close, Khalifa was crouched at center stage taking it all in as the venue was bright with white light. The speakers were silent but the crowd broke into a loud, uninterrupted ovation for at least thirty seconds, but it felt endless. It was clear that everyone knew how special of a moment that was and wanted to show love and appreciation for him. 

Khalifa went on to give a two minute motivational speech about wanting to connect with his core audience and that we are all one and the same. His music reflects on chasing after your dreams and being true to yourself. The drums kicked back in and so began the massive hit song “Young, Wild & Free” from the 2011 Mac & Devin Go to High School soundtrack. The rebellious free spirit of youth sparked the crowd with a singalong to put a beautiful ribbon on the evening. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of loyalty, of growth, and of music that still hits just as hard as it did a decade ago. Wiz Khalifa didn’t just show up; he showed why he’s still one of the most beloved names in hip-hop, and why Taylor Gang will always be more than just a slogan.