Wiz Khalifa Mourns Sudden Death of Father Laurence

The rapper shared a heartfelt tribute to his dad, who died at age 63.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Rapper Wiz Khalifa announced the sudden death of his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, who passed away on February 13 at the age of 63. Khalifa shared a touching tribute on social media, writing that he will "always love him, miss him and be grateful for the things he taught me." The rapper revealed that his last conversation with his father was about a movie Khalifa was working on, and he promised to do more acting. Khalifa thanked his followers for their support during this "tough time."

Why it matters

Wiz Khalifa, known for hits like "Black and Yellow," had a close relationship with his father, who helped instill in him a love for music from a young age. Thomaz's passing is a significant loss for the rapper, who credited his father for opening a recording studio that allowed Khalifa to develop his skills as a musician.

The details

According to reports, Laurence W. Thomaz died suddenly on February 13 at the age of 63. Khalifa shared the news on social media, writing that his father "decided not to wake up" that day. The rapper said his father's passing was "sudden" but that seeing how many people "love and respected him" made Khalifa happy and he knows his father is "proud that he left a positive impact on this earth."

  • Laurence W. Thomaz died on February 13, 2026.
  • Wiz Khalifa announced his father's death on February 14, 2026.

The players

Wiz Khalifa

An American rapper known for hits like "Black and Yellow." Khalifa had a close relationship with his father, Laurence W. Thomaz, who helped inspire Khalifa's love of music from a young age.

Laurence W. Thomaz

Wiz Khalifa's father, who passed away suddenly on February 13, 2026 at the age of 63. Thomaz was a former military member who opened a recording studio in Khalifa's hometown, which the rapper credited for helping develop his musical skills.

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What they’re saying

“Today my father decided not to wake up. I will always love him, miss him and be greatful for the things he taught me.”

— Wiz Khalifa, Rapper (X)

“He went on like a true yogi, at peace and on his own time. I love you forever Laurence W. Thomaz.”

— Wiz Khalifa, Rapper (X)

“Thank you all for your kind words. It really means a lot… and is helping me feel better.”

— Wiz Khalifa, Rapper (X)

What’s next

Wiz Khalifa has not announced any specific future plans related to his father's passing.

The takeaway

Wiz Khalifa's tribute to his father Laurence W. Thomaz highlights the close bond they shared and the profound impact Thomaz had on the rapper's life and career. Thomaz's sudden death is a significant loss for Khalifa, who credited his father for inspiring his love of music from a young age.