On Sept. 8, 1987, Cameron Jibril Thomaz was born and with that, a rapper and superstar in the making was welcomed into the world. 23 years, two albums, and multiple mix tapes later, Thomaz, better known as Wiz Khalifa will be welcomed to the Mullins Center on Saturday, Nov. 20.

Though born in North Dakota, due to his parents’ participation in the military, Khalifa moved around a lot as a young child. After living in places such as Germany, England and Japan, the family settled in Pittsburgh, Penn.. There, Khalifa went on to release his first mix tape “Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania” which featured 20 tracks. The following year led to the release of “Show and Prove,” Khalifa’s full-length debut album. 17 tracks appeared on the album, and since its release, it has sold over 10,000 copies. Rolling Stone named Khalifa an “artist to watch” in 2006.

2007 was an even bigger year for Khalifa. Khalifa signed to Warner Bros. Records, but still launched two mix tapes “Grow Season” and “Prince of the City 2” through Rostrum Records.

Sampling singer Alice Deejay’s 1999 hit “Better off Alone,” Khalifa mixed the instrumentals and his own verses to create his 2007 smash hit “Say Yeah.” The single reached the number 20 spot on Billboard’s Hot Rap Tracks. In 2008, the vocals were featured in fellow Pittsburgh mash up producer Girl Talk’s album “Feed the Animals.”

In July of 2009, Khalifa left Warner Bros. Records, but stayed connected with Rostrum Records. After the major label separation, Khalifa released the mix tape “How Fly” which was a collaborative effort with New Orleans based rapper Curren$y. Khalifa’s next mix tape “Burn After Rolling” was released Nov. 2, 2009. On it, he rapped over various popular beats such as “If I Were a Boy” by Beyonce and “Best I Ever Had” by Drake. 22 days later, Khalifa released his second studio album “Deal or No Deal.” Featuring singles “This Plane” and “Red Carpet (Like a Movie),” the album climbed to the number one spot of the iTunes Store hip hop chart.

On July 20, 2010, Khalifa confirmed to the press that he would sign with Atlantic Records. The single “Black and Yellow” is the first to be released with the major label. Peaking at number 17 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop song chart, the song is a reference and tribute to the colors of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh sports teams. 2010 also brought the recognition of Khalifa as MTV’s Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010.

Earlier this month, during a stop on his Waken Baken tour, Khalifa was arrested on drug charges following his performance at East Carolina University. After a $300,000 bail posting, Khalifa was released early the next morning. According to CBS News, the drug charge came after officials searched Khalifa’s tour bus and the official summons was for a felony count of trafficking in marijuana, maintaining a dwelling/ vehicle/place for sale or storage of marijuana, and one misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Authorities published that about 60 grams of pot were seized during the raid. Nine other people were arrested as well.

The arrest followed an interview in which Khalifa had boasted about his smoking habit. Khalifa also recently created his own brand of rolling papers. According to MTV news, it is expected that Khalifa will plea to possession of marijuana for personal use. In another entrepreneurial endeavor, Khalifa also designed a brand of sunglasses called “The Elevators” for Norman Childs.

Khalifa appears extremely popular among college age students and consequently those who typically enjoy the effects of marijuana. As an avid smoker, Khalifa has already recorded a collaboration with fellow admitted stoner Snoop Dogg that is expected to appear on Snoop’s 11th studio album. Khalifa’s fans call themselves the Taylor Gang, in reference to Khalifa’s adoration of Chuck Taylor All-Stars shoes.

Khalifa comes to the University after headlining his Friday night show in New Jersey and will continue on to play in Boston at the Paradise Rock Club Sunday evening. Khalifa’s Waken Baken tour, which began on Sept. 16 in Philadelphia, has included stops in over 50 cities, playing rock clubs and college campuses. The tour has been well-received by fans so far.

Saturday’s show at the Mullins Center will also feature Donnis and Big K.R.I.T. The show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Ashley Berger can be reached at [email protected].