Wiz Khalifa, draped in the American flag and often walking in slow motion, is a New American Hero in his “Work Hard, Play Hard” music video, which was unveiled on Wednesday night (May 23).
The takes the song’s title very literally — slow-motion images of factory folk, construction workers and prospective athletes comprise the first half of the clip, while the finale features a climactic party scene in which all of the hard-nosed figures get to exhale and take some shots. Khalifa is the ringleader of the whole ordeal, whether he’s peddling his “Taylor Gang Or Die” shirts, getting drenched in some alcoholic liquid or staring wistfully at a nearby train.
“Work Hard, Play Hard” is the first single from the Pittsburgh rapper’s upcoming sophomore album, “O.N.I.F.C.,” due out Aug. 28 on Rostrum/Atlantic. The success of Khalifa’s 2011 debut “Rolling Papers,” which included the singles “Black and Yellow” and “Roll Up,” helped the rapper earn the Top New Artist trophy at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night.
Khalifa’s Under The Influence of Music tour, featuring Mac Miller, Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Chevy Woods, kicks off on July 25 in Atlanta. The “Work Hard, Play Hard” rapper is also set to perform at this year’s Rock The Bells festival, which makes its first stop on Aug. 18.