Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa had a breakthrough year in 2011. The hip hop upstart became a household name this year on the strength of one of the year's most recognizable early singles, a hit debut album and tour, and several high-profile award nominations. And while his high-profile romance with voluptuous model Amber Rose made Wiz Khalifa a fixture on the tabloid and gossip pages throughout the year, it was his white-hot career that kept the rapper busy in what was a stellar 2011.

Khalifa's single "Black & Yellow" became one of the runaway hits of the year and the official theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl run. Khalifa released his debut studio album, Rolling Papers on March 29th; and the project debuted at number two on the US Billboard Hot 200 chart. Wiz was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2011 BET Awards and launched his own successful Rolling Papers Tour.

Khalifa also collaborated with star British rapper Tinie Tempah on the single "Till I'm Gone," and announced that he would also be partnering with hip hop legend Snoop Dogg to star in the indie comedy, Mac and Devin Go To High School in late 2011. The two would also be releasing a soundtrack together to coincide with the film.