Miami, FL – Grammy-winning, global megastar DJ Khaled announced an exclusive
partnership with Def Jam Recordings for his We The Best label venture, as well
as his future releases as a multi-platinum recording artist. The announcement came at a press conference in his home town of Miami .
Khaled – who in his celebrated career as an artist, producer, DJ and curator has
amassed global sales of over 20 million singles and 6 million albums in addition
to garnering 4 billion-plus streams – will also join the Universal Music Group in
an executive role, serving as Global Creative Consultant to Def Jam and UMG’s
family of artists worldwide.
This major announcement serves as a homecoming for DJ Khaled, who originally
took on an executive A&R position at the label in 2008, developing hits for major
stars like Rick Ross and others.
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 Grange
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.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “DJ Khaled is a
great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to
welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify
his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”
“Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and
consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon,” said
Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny
ability to continuously have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach
audiences all over the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable
savvy for marketing, promoting and eventizing everything he touches is absolutely
second to none. We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both
as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and as a valued executive. Without a
doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”
“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a
decade,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President, Def Jam
Recordings/President, 4 th & Broadway.
“Throughout our years together at Epic,
Khaled and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for
Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive
energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see
what we cook up next.”
Last week, DJ Khaled was joined by an all-star cast – including longtime friend,
collaborator, and manager JAY-Z, rap superstars Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, and
new Def Jam label-mate Fridayy – for a showstopping performance of his ‘Song
Of The Year’ nominated smash “GOD DID” at the 65 th Annual Grammys
Awards – one of his six nominations for the night and ten Grammy nominations
overall. Over the course of his legendary career, Khaled has been nominated for
15 BET Awards, an astounding 56 BET Hip-Hop Awards, 15 MTV Video Music
Awards, and countless prizes and recognitions across the globe.
“GOD DID” is the title track of DJ Khaled’s thirteenth full-length studio album, GOD
DID, his fourth career #1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 and fifth straight #1
on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. The album arrived with an
unprecedent rollout of music videos, interviews and cultural conversation, and
notched 10 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
Along with the announcement of his new label home at Def Jam, Khaled took
the opportunity to update media and fans on more exciting developments in his
world.
Khaled has once again joined forces with Jordan for one of the year’s most-
anticipated sneaker drops—the WE THE BEST AIR JORDAN V. Introduced to the
market via an immersive, inventive, and innovative campaign on par with both
entities’ respective reputations, the collaboration continues a longstanding
relationship, dating back thirteen years to 2010. A proud member of the Jordan
family of athletes, entertainers, and other collaborators, DJ Khaled represents the
spirit of the brand– dedication to greatness, commitment to excellence, a love for
the culture, and a desire to have an impact for the community. As one of Jordan’s
most ardent and vocal supporters, Khaled proudly presents “another one” with
this shoe. It follows a massive drop on Cyber Monday, resulting in the biggest
collab launch in the history of the Jordan brand. With the company focused on
“Self-Belief” for 2023, Khaled is proud to be among the standard bearers of this
positive message. DJ’s Khaled’s We The Best Foundation will continue its
partnership with the Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment, which over
the last two years has invested almost seventeen million dollars with over seventy
five nonprofits, including the National Museum of African American History and
Culture, Ida B Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, and the Legal Defense
Fund.
In keeping with Khaled’s philanthropic spirit and commitment, this year the We
The Best Foundation – a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to uplifting individuals
throughout underserved communities across the United States and the support
various non-profits – announces its inaugural scholarship program, in
partnership with Roc Nation.
The 2023 scholarship grant has been awarded to Felisha Agenor. The high
school senior has attended the Overtown Youth Center since elementary school.
Friends and faculty refer to as “The Achiever,” and she lives up to this moniker
with a 4.2 GPA and active participation in seven clubs and sports such as Student
Government Association, National Honors Society, Volleyball, and Softball, to
name a few few. She also works as a Youth Worker for OYC at another local
elementary school.
Furthermore, DJ Khaled also announces his partnership with streetwear retailer Snipes
for a Miami location. Khaled, who serves as Chief Creative Officer for Snipes
has partnered with the leading sneaker and streetwear retailer to bring a new and
exciting retail experience to Miami. Set to open its doors in the heart of Collins
Ave., the We The Best Snipes store will be a true reflection of South Florida’s
sneaker & streetwear culture. With the latest SNIPES apparel and exclusive co-
branded merchandise, this concept store will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping
experience. Visitors will be entertained with a live DJ, a sound booth for up-and-
coming artists, and a showcase of the hottest apparel from local Miami fashion
designers. The We The Best Snipes concept store is set to open later this year.
In more hometown news, DJ Khaled was honored with both the key to the City of
Miami and the key to Miami Beach in recognition of his ongoing work in the
community. By proclamation, February 9th is now recognized as “WE THE BEST”
day in the city of Miami, and November 26th will be “KHALED KHALED” day in
the city of Miami Beach.
It’s about to be his biggest season yet…
