In the past couple of years, Wiz Khalifa has emerged into the mainstream spotlight as a force to be reckoned with. After two independent albums in 2006 and 2009, his hard work finally paid off in 2011 when he released Rolling Papers with Atlantic Records that featured the hit single “Black and Yellow,” which dominated the airwaves. In 2012, Wiz Khalifa looks to build off of his momentum as he prepares to release his second major studio album, O.N.I.F.C., by teasing fans with a mixtape. Taylor Allderdice, named after his hometown high school, contains 17 smooth tracks produced almost entirely by underground producers, that stay true to his style and that Khalifa fans will find incredibly satisfying.

“Never Been (Part II)” features Rick Ross and Amber Rose, newly engaged to Khalifa. The track is produced by Sledgren, who lays the foundation perfectly for Khalifa to exploit the lyrical talent that brought him to mainstream success, and it has a sick rap beat. Every bar is on point, and his flow never ceases to impress. Ross spits his usual fire, which is becoming more and more common when he's included as a featured artist. He always sounds better as a guest than he does on his own records. Rose plays a small part in the song, singing merely a couple lines in the chorus, but it is a nice touch.

“Nameless” includes Chevy Woods and represents perfectly in three minutes and 24 seconds the record's chill vibe. The song, produced by Dope Couture, is highlighted by a simplistic boom-bap beat, which blends perfectly with the two rappers' smooth lyrical flow. The track is my favourite song on the mixtape.

“O.N.I.F.C.” is named after his soon-to-be released studio record, One Night In First Class. The track is produced by Cardo and Sledgren, and the beat is the essence of heaven reincarnated in song. The beat contains hints of hip-hop but primarily boasts an almost trance or electronic sound, and it sounds incredible. Khalifa takes a step back from spitting bars in this one, simply talking about how rich he is, but that's okay. The beat is meant to serve as a break from pure rap in the mixtape, and isn't intended to be ruined by usual lyrical intensity. I honestly hope Khalifa uses these two producers in his new album.

Honourable mentions: every other song on the mixtape.

Usually when rappers release mixtapes, they are used as experiments to delve into waters not previously tread. Taylor Allderdice is an excellent mixtape where Wiz Khalifa stays within himself. The production is bang on and holds true to Khalifa's smooth, chill style and complements his lyrical flow. The mixtape is an absolute mustlisten for fans, and hopefully the new album will build off of it.

You can download the mixtape for free at taylorallderdicemixtape.com.

Rating: 4 out of 5