MIAMI – At a press conference (Thursday, February 9th) in his hometown of Miami, Grammy-winning global megastar DJ Khaled announced an exclusive partnership with Def Jam Recordings for his We The Best label, as well as his future multiplayer releases. – platinum recording artist.
Khaled, who has achieved global sales of over 20 million singles and 6 million albums and over 4 billion streams in his illustrious career as an artist, producer, DJ and curator, will also join Universal Music Group as Executive Director. , serving as the global creative consultant for Def Jam and the UMG family of artists around the world.
This momentous announcement serves as a homecoming for DJ Khaled, who originally took over as executive director of advertising and repertoire at the label in 2008, developing hits for stars like Rick Ross and more.
New chapter
DJ KHALED
DJ Khaled states: “This new chapter marks a special time for me. The energy at this stage of my career is at an all-time high and I am grateful to Sir Lucian Grange for allowing me to join his empire at this stage of my journey. Together we will achieve even greater heights and reach a new level. I feel blessed and inspired with new energy. I’m glad not only to become a partner, but also to return home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an outstanding artist, but also a true musical man and visionary who is constantly responsible for bringing some of his next greatest superstars to the world. I am thrilled to rejoin my sister and visionary CEO Latrice Burnett as we have had tremendous success on every project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is a culture and together we will make history again.”
Sir Lucian Grange, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said: “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. I am very pleased to welcome him home to UMG, where we look forward to working together to enhance his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”
Multi-talented
“Apart from a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist and consummate showman, DJ Khaled holds the rare position of a cultural icon,” he said. Tundzhi Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny ability to constantly keep abreast of culture, reach audiences around the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable savvy at marketing, promoting and organizing everything he touches is absolutely unsurpassed. We are thrilled to be partnering with DJ Khaled and We The Best as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and valued leader. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”
GRAMMY Performance
An all-star line-up joined DJ Khaled last week, including longtime friend, collaborator and manager JAY-Z, rap superstars Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, and new labelmate Def Jam Fridayy. “Song of the Year” nominated for the “GOD DID” award in the 65th nominationth The annual Grammy Award is one of six of his nightly nominations and ten Grammy nominations overall.
Throughout his storied career, Khaled has been nominated for 15 BET Awards, 56 BET Hip-Hop Awards, 15 MTV Video Music Awards, and countless awards and recognition around the world.
“GOD MADE”
“GOD DID” is the title track of DJ Khaled’s thirteenth full-length studio album. GOD MADE his fourth career No. 1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 and his fifth consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. The album came out with an unprecedented number of music videos, interviews and cultural talk, and also received 10 records on Billboard Hot 100.
Along with today’s announcement of his new label at Def Jam, Khaled took the opportunity to update the media and fans on more exciting developments in his world.
“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade,” said Latrice Burnett, Def Jam Recordings EVP/President, 4 yearsth and Broadway. “Over the years working together at Epic, Khaled and I have developed a special working bond and overcome barriers through a shared vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have the utmost respect for Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy and boundless positive energy. I’m really excited to welcome him home to Def Jam and can’t wait to see what we have in store next.”
Sneaker release
Khaled has once again joined forces with Jordan for one of the most anticipated sneaker releases of the year, the WE THE BEST AIR JORDAN V. Brought to market in an exciting, inventive and innovative campaign, on par with the respective reputations of both organizations, the collaboration continues a longstanding relationship that began thirteen years before 2010.
A proud member of the Jordan family of athletes, artists and collaborators, DJ Khaled embodies the brand’s spirit of commitment to greatness, pursuit of excellence, love of culture and desire to make an impact on society.
As one of Jordan’s most ardent and vocal supporters, Khaled is proud to present “Another one” with these shoes. This follows a massive fall on Cyber Monday, leading to the largest co-launch in the history of the Jordan brand. With a company focused on “Believe in yourself” for 2023, Khaled is proud to be one of the flag bearers of this positive message.
DJ Khaled’s We The Best Foundation will continue its partnership with the Jordan Brand Black Community Commitment, which has invested nearly seventeen million dollars in over seventy-five nonprofits over the past two years, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Ida B. Wells. Society for Investigative Journalism and Legal Defense Fund.
We are the best fund
In keeping with Khaled’s philanthropic spirit and commitment, this year We The Best Foundation – a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting people in low-income communities across the United States and supporting various non-profit organizations – is announcing its first scholarship program in partnership with Rock Nation.
The 2023 Scholarship has been awarded Felisha Agenor. The high school student has attended the Overtown Youth Center since elementary school. Friends and teachers call “Success,” and she lives up to that moniker with a 4.2 GPA and active participation in seven clubs and sports such as the Student Government Association, the National Honors Society, volleyball and softball, just to name a few. She also works as an OYC youth worker at another local elementary school.
Today, DJ Khaled also announces his partnership with Miami-based streetwear retailer Snipes. Khaled, who is the Chief Creative Officer of Snipes, is partnering with a leading sneaker and streetwear retailer to bring a new and exciting retail experience to Miami. Opening in the heart of Collins Avenue, We The Best Snipes will be a true reflection of South Florida’s sneaker and streetwear culture. Featuring the latest SNIPES apparel and exclusive co-brand merchandise, this concept store will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Visitors will be entertained by a live DJ, a sound booth for up-and-coming artists, and a showcase of the hottest clothes from Miami’s local fashion designers. We The Best Snipes concept store will open later this year.
City Key / Khaled Day
In other 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 continued work in the community. By announcement, February 9th now recognized as “WE ARE BETTER” day in the city of Miami, and November 26th will “KHALED KHALED” day in Miami Beach.
