With protests still active in Ferguson, Missouri following the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown, rapper Wiz Khalifa was recently asked to share his thoughts on the shooting and also the protests in Ferguson, during an interview with Houston’s 97.9 The Box.
He referred to the shooting as “unfortunate” and something that happens often in the community. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rapper also encouraged people to live their lives “peacefully and with the right message in mind.”
“It’s unfortunate,” Wiz said. “It happens a lot in our community and just people that are around us. So, it’s something that we just have to constantly be aware of and not just use one or two instances to say ‘Oh, we need to stand up, but really just live our lives peacefully and with the right message in mind.’ And that’s kinda what I try to bring through with my music and with the Under The Influence experience. That’s why we’re all able to have a good time.”
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After speaking on Brown and Ferguson, Wiz was asked about his current Under The Influence Of Music Tour. The Taylor Gang representer was specifically asked about the diversity of the audience at his shows.
In regards to diversity at shows, Wiz says it’s an attribute that came naturally.
“I think it came naturally,” he said. “Just because I’m open to a lot of different types of music and a lot of different types of experiences in life. And I like to open my fans up to the same things.”
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Lastly, Wiz was asked how he was able to link up with fellow tourmate Ty Dolla $ign.
“We been working together for a long time,” the rapper said. “Just in and out of the studio. Being around the same people. And I feel like he just reached a point where it’s like he got it. He hit that sound. And he just found it. And I just want to be able to do anything I could to get him to the next stage in his career. Just being that he’s so talented naturally. And I know what I know about business.”
The release of Wiz’ interview with 97.9 The Box and his commentary on Mike Brown and Ferguson, Missouri comes days after a man was shot and killed at the Under The Influence Of Music Tour stop in Mountain View, California on August 22.
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As a result of the shooting, Wiz’ show in Mountain View was canceled. In addition to announcing the cancellation, the rapper also used Twitter to offer his condolences to the victim’s family.
This was a senseless tragedy. Violence is never the answer. My prayers go out to the victim’s family.
— We Dem Boyz (@wizkhalifa) August 23, 2014
Wiz was also present at yesterday’s (August 24) MTV Video Music Awards. During the show, he donned a suicide prevention shirt that ET Online reports included the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
