At a press conference held today in Miami, DJ Khaled, a multi-platinum recording artist and Grammy winner, announced an exclusive agreement with Def Jam Recordings for his We The Best label endeavour and future releases.
Khaled, whose impressive resume includes roles as an artist, producer, DJ, and curator, has amassed global sales of over 20 million singles and 6 million albums and 4 billion plus streams, and will now serve as a senior executive at Universal Music Group as Global Creative Consultant to Def Jam and UMG’s family of artists around the world.
Dj Khaled returns to the company where he worked as an executive A&R in 2008, where he helped artists like Rick Ross and others achieve success.
DJ Khaled states, “This new chapter marks a special time for me. The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey. Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner, but to come back home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an extraordinary A&R, but a true music-man and visionary who continuously is responsible for introducing the world to some of its next greatest superstars. I’m excited to join my sister and visionary executive LaTrice Burnette once again, as we have had tremendous success on every single project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is the culture and together we will make history yet once again.”
DJ Khaled is a tremendous performer, hitmaker, mentor, and cultural pioneer,” stated UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. It’s a delight to have him back at UMG, where our combined talents can best showcase his extraordinary talent and original vision.
Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, has stated of DJ Khaled, “Beyond a proven hitmaker, amazing producer, indisputable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled inhabits the rarified air of cultural icon.” “His incredible knack for marketing, promoting, and eventizing anything he touches is absolutely second to none, and his unique ability to continually have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach audiences all over the globe in novel but real ways, is unparalleled. Both both a platinum-selling recording artist and a respected business leader, We The Best couldn’t be more excited to work with DJ Khaled. I have no doubt that Khaled will help us improve.
“DJ Khaled has been a close friend and collaborator of mine for over a decade,” stated LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam Recordings and President, 4th & Broadway. When Khaled and I worked together at Epic, we had a strong working relationship and achieved remarkable success because to our shared vision, attentive cooperation, and tireless effort. I admire Khaled so much for his talent, originality, work ethic, business sense, and enthusiasm. As a longtime fan of his work, I am overjoyed to have him back at Def Jam.
Last week, DJ Khaled performed his ‘Song Of The Year’ nominated smash “GOD DID” at the 65th Annual Grammys, one of his six nominations for the night and ten Grammy nominations overall, with an all-star cast that included longtime friend, collaborator, and manager JAY-Z, rap superstars Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, and new Def Jam label-mate Fridayy. Khaled has been honoured with several accolades and nominations during his famous career, including a whopping fifteen BET Awards, fifty-six BET Hip-Hop Awards, fifteen MTV Video Music Awards, and numerous more awards and accolades from across the world.
DJ Khaled’s thirteenth studio album, titled GOD DID, features the title single “GOD DID” and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart for the fifth time in a row. A record number of music videos, interviews, and discussions about culture accompanied the album’s release, and it landed ten spots on the Billboard Hot 100.
Khaled used today’s announcement of his signing with Def Jam as a chance to let the media and fans in on some other noteworthy changes in his life.
Khaled has reunited with Jordan for this year’s most anticipated shoe release, the WE THE BEST AIR JORDAN V. Their 13-year partnership, which began in 2010, continues with the launch of a marketing campaign as engaging, original, and innovative as both brands themselves. DJ Khaled is a valued member of the Jordan family of athletes, artists, and other partners because he embodies the brand’s values of greatness, excellence, love of culture, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Khaled, one of Jordan’s most outspoken and fervent fans, introduces “another one” with these kicks. After a huge sale on Cyber Monday, this is the largest collaboration release for the Jordan brand. Khaled is pleased to be an example of the company’s 2023 theme of “Self-Belief” and to contribute to spreading its optimistic message. Jordan Brand’s Black Community Commitment, which over the past two years has invested nearly $17 million with more than 75 nonprofits like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, and the Legal Defense Fund, will continue its partnership with DJ Khaled’s We The Best Foundation.
This year, the We The Best Foundation, a 501(c)3 organisation dedicated to uplifting individuals in underserved communities across the United States and the support of various non-profits, announces its inaugural scholarship programme in partnership with Roc Nation, reflecting Khaled’s philanthropic spirit and dedication.
Felisha Agenor is the recipient of the 2023 scholarship. The senior in high school has been a regular at the Overtown Youth Center since she was in elementary school. She has a 4.2 GPA and is involved in seven different activities and sports at school, including the Student Government Association, National Honor Society, volleyball, and softball, to mention a few. Additionally, she is employed by OYC as a Youth Worker at a different nearby primary school.
In addition to his relationship with Snipes, DJ Khaled has announced today that he will be opening a storefront for the brand in Miami. Khaled, Snipes’ Chief Creative Officer, teamed up with the industry-leading sneaker and streetwear brand to provide a fresh and thrilling shopping experience to Miami. The We The Best Snipes shop, about to open on Collins Ave., will be an accurate representation of the sneaker and streetwear culture that thrives in South Florida. This concept store will provide customers with a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, stocking it with the newest SNIPES clothes and special co-branded items. There will be a live DJ, a sound booth for new musicians, and a display of the latest fashions from Miami’s emerging designers to keep guests amused. Later this year, you may check out We The Best Snipes, a new concept shop.
DJ Khaled, a local celebrity, was recently awarded two keys to his hometown: one to the city of Miami and one to Miami Beach, in acknowledgment of his continued contributions to the betterment of both cities. The municipal councils of Miami and Miami Beach have respectively proclaimed February 9 as “WE THE BEST” day and November 26 as “KHALED KHALED” day.
