These days, it seems like everything in the universe comes full circle. With the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop just around the corner, the conversations of where it started and where we’re at often leads to one road. The beginning! The same holds true for one of hip-hop’s leading pioneers and statesman, DJ Khaled.
What started in the early 2000’s for DJ Khaled, has led to unimaginable success which includes over 10+ albums, numerous music awards and his imprint is stamped on the success of millions of records sold globally. DJ Khaled’s label, We The Best Music is a household brand with his very lovable moniker, “Another One”, being chanted by just about everyone who duplicates any feat of success in life.
But every book has a beginning, and for DJ Khaled, his story began as a A&R exec for Def Jam South. As DJ Khaled made his way through the ranks as an artists, producer and label owner, his travels had led him to Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony where he has called home for the past ten years.
Announced just this week, DJ Khaled is bringing his talents back to Def Jam Recordings. The deal will not only bring his imprint label ‘We the Best’ under Def Jam, but opens up the opportunity for a partnership to recapture the magic that made Def Jam the number one destination for hip-hop. In addition to signing to Def Jam, DJ Khaled has been named the Global Creative Consultant for Universal Music Group.
What’s the Significance
As we know, all DJ Khaled does is “Win”, and this is a win for all of us. One thing is for certain, DJ Khaled is in tune with the culture, and has a pulse for what’s trending in entertainment. As global creative consultant for the most powerful entertainment conglomerate in the world will open up the realm of new ideas and firsts.
I had the pleasure of meeting DJ Khaled at the 2017 Global Spin Awards where he was honored as the DJ of the Year. If you ever get a chance to meet DJ Khaled, one thing comes off instantly, he is a people’s person and a true statesman. The relationship building piece, DJ Khaled is masterful at. DJ Khaled’s unique philosophy on the importance of creating a bond between label, artist and the consumers will be astronomical moving forward. With the uprise of the internet, it is imperative to cultivate healthy communication amongst all spectrums to keep the door of opportunity open.
DJ Khaled is one of few in the industry that believes that A&R is still needed. As a Grammy Award winning artist and producer, DJ Khaled has the vision to spot talent and demand the best out of them. His brick and mortar approach is a strategy that has become obsolete over the years. To move like an independent, becomes lost between the technology in our fingers and the constant demand for instant gratification; however, it is the independent principle, where DJ Khaled has found massive success with for nearly two decades now.
The excitement over the well deserved opportunity for DJ Khaled brings hope to the industry. DJ Khaled will reshape the way records are marketed, promoted, and received. To the independent artists, DJ Khaled will provide lanes of travel that will only elevate the opportunities and exposure. For the major artists, DJ Khaled’s vision will help bridge the gap and relations between labels and artists, with the artist in position to win! The team approach is what makes it a strong family. It’s a great win for hip-hop in general.
