NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Jun 16, 2014) - Multi-platinum selling, award-winning rapper Wiz Khalifa has partnered with RAW® Rolling Papers to develop a unique collection of smoking accessories that will offer quality and innovative products smokers have long deserved. With the introduction of its acclaimed line of natural unrefined rolling papers and smoking products in 2001, RAW® brought excitement and unheard-of progress to the smoking industry.
RAW® has been a longtime supporter of Khalifa throughout his meteoric rise to stardom and the artist has returned the admiration, rapping about the smoking lifestyle and RAW®'s papers in his recordings. A relationship that began backstage based on mutual respect for each other's work, evolved into a groundbreaking partnership, as Khalifa and RAW® realized through shared goals and visions they could change the face of the industry.
Combining two dynamic forces that respect and support the smoking community will mean unprecedented value, quality and innovation. "We are truly taking things to the next level of the smoking game and we're thrilled to collaborate with Wiz as he is a key influencer in this industry," says RAW®'s creator, Josh Kesselman.
"I'm really excited to have my own line of papers with RAW®. I've been using the product for years and it only felt right to make this happen with them." -Wiz Khalifa
New products using Wiz signature packaging, including Rolling Papers, Tips, and Trays are set to hit shelves next week with a second roll-out coming this summer. The products will be available online at the following retailers: www.RollingPaperWarehouse.com and www.RollingPaperDepot.com .
"We are excited to launch the Wiz Khalifa collection of papers, tips and trays with RAW®. Wiz is a creative genius and was involved throughout the process of development. I think people will be impressed with the quality and interesting packs." -Sara Nemerov, SVP & Head of Global Consumer Products & Brand Licensing, Warner Music Group.
For more information and Wiz Khalifa brand licensing and consumer products, contact Sara Nemerov, SVP & Head of Global Consumer Products and Brand Licensing at 212.275.2370 sara.nemerov@wmg.com .
ABOUT WIZ KHALIFA Hailing from the Steel City of Pittsburgh, PA, rapper Wiz Khalifa has taken the rap world by storm in the last few years. In March 2011, Khalifa released his now gold-certified major label debut, "ROLLING PAPERS," which spawned the multi-platinum hits "Black and Yellow," "Roll Up" and "No Sleep." He earned himself two nominations at the 2011 Grammy Awards thanks to his breakout hit "Black and Yellow," in both the "Best Rap Song" and "Best Rap Performance" categories.
"O.N.I.F.C.," the follow up to "ROLLING PAPERS," was released in December 2012 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard "Top 200 Albums" chart, while also sitting at #1 on Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums" and "Top Rap Albums" charts. The album featured the hits "Work Hard, Play Hard," "Remember You (feat. The Weekend)," and "Let It Go (feat. Akon)." In 2012, Wiz continued his rap reign by receiving two Grammy nominations for "Best Rap Song" for his collaboration with Snoop Dogg, "Young, Wild & Free" featuring Bruno Mars, from the soundtrack "MAC AND DEVIN GO TO HIGH SCHOOL," and "Best Pop Duo/Group Performance" for his collaboration with Maroon 5 on their chart-topping hit single, "Payphone."
Most recently, Wiz has added fashion designer to his resume, releasing his own line of hats with Flat Fitty, a fashion line with Eleven Paris in Europe. Khalifa's love for the classic Chuck Taylor sneaker came full circle when he teamed up with Converse for the "Chuck Taylor All Star Wiz Khalifa Collection," which features styles inspired by the rapper's fun-spirited, fashion forward style. The sneakers launched at Foot Locker in 2013 with additional styles launching in summer 2014.
Wiz is hard at work in the studio, recording his highly-anticipated third solo studio album "Blacc Hollywood," featuring his new single "We Dem Boyz." You can catch him next headlining the Under the Influence of Music Tour this summer where Wiz Khalifa RAW® products will also be sold.
For the latest news, information and tour dates, please visit www.wizkhalifa.com , www.twitter.com/WizKhalifa , www.facebook.com/WizKhalifa , and http://www.instagram.com/mistercap .
ABOUT ATLANTIC Atlantic Records celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2008. Founded in New York City, the label literally grew from a one-room operation into one of the world's preeminent music companies. Atlantic has released a string of recordings that have had a profound impact on the course of modern music, its rich history including such musical icons as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Coltrane, and Led Zeppelin. The Atlantic roster today includes many of the world's most popular recording artists, among them James Blunt, B.o.B, Phil Collins, Death Cab for Cutie, Diggy, Missy Elliott, Flo Rida, Lupe Fiasco, Kid Rock, Bruno Mars, Matchbox Twenty, Janelle Monáe, Jason Mraz, Plies, Sean Paul, Shinedown, Rob Thomas, T.I., Trey Songz, Wiz Khalifa, Zac Brown Band, and many more.
ABOUT RAW® RAW® Rolling Paper was the culmination of a 10 year project to create the most natural rolling papers possible. RAW® Rolling Papers are made in the birthplace of rolling paper, Alcoy Spain, and are known as both the best and most authentic rolling papers in the world. They are famous for their unique characteristics and passionate history. RAW® has quickly become the biggest brand in rolling papers within the hip hop community. More than just a product, RAW® is a lifestyle that includes giving back via the RAW® Foundation.
Press Contacts: Sydney Margetson Atlantic Records Sydney.margetson@atlanticrecords.com Ph: 212-707-2262 Dvora Englefield 42West Dvora.englefield@42west.net Ph: 310-477-4442 Dan Miller HBI International marketing@hbiinternational.com Ph: 800-420-4372 ext.239
