DJ Khaled, born Khaled Mohammed Khaled, is an American DJ, record producer, and record executive renowned for his collaborations with prominent music artists and producers. While his own musical skills are debated, his strength lies in orchestrating, directing, and promoting successful collaborations. He is also recognized for his booming voice, motivational pronouncements, and signature catchphrases.
November 26, 1975: Birth of DJ Khaled
On November 26, 1975, Khaled Mohammed Khaled, known professionally as DJ Khaled, was born in New Orleans.
1993: Early Career and Meeting Lil Wayne and Birdman
DJ Khaled began his career at Odyssey record store in New Orleans, where he met Lil Wayne and Birdman in 1993. This marked the beginning of his journey into the music industry.
1998: Move to Miami and Radio Hosting
In 1998, DJ Khaled moved to Miami and began co-hosting "The Luke Show" on WEDR "99 Jamz" with Luther Campbell of 2 Live Crew, gaining recognition in the Miami music scene.
2003: Launch of "The Takeover" Radio Show
In 2003, DJ Khaled started hosting "The Takeover," a weeknight radio show on 99 Jamz, further establishing his presence in radio and music.
June 6, 2006: Release of Debut Album "Listennn... the Album"
DJ Khaled released his debut album, "Listennn... the Album," on June 6, 2006, which debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
2006: DJ Khaled Releases Debut Album "Listennn... the Album"
In 2006, DJ Khaled released his debut album, "Listennn... the Album," marking the beginning of his solo career in the music industry.
November 20, 2007: "We Takin' Over" Certified Gold
DJ Khaled's single "We Takin' Over" from his second album "We the Best" was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America on November 20, 2007.
2007: "We the Best" and Rise to Prominence
DJ Khaled released his second album, "We the Best," in 2007, featuring the hit single "I'm So Hood." This album further solidified his presence in the hip-hop scene.
June 4, 2008: "I'm So Hood" Certified Platinum
DJ Khaled's single "I'm So Hood" from his second album "We the Best" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on June 4, 2008.
2008: Founding of We the Best Music Group
DJ Khaled founded his record label, We the Best Music Group, in 2008, which has since distributed his releases and signed notable artists.
2008: "We Global" and Continued Success
In 2008, DJ Khaled continued his successful run with the release of his third album, "We Global."
2008: Collaboration on "Out Here Grindin"
DJ Khaled and Rick Ross collaborated on the single "Out Here Grindin" in 2008 for Khaled's album, "We Global."
February 2009: Appointment as President of Def Jam South
DJ Khaled was appointed as the president of Def Jam South in February 2009, marking a significant step in his career in the music industry.
March 2, 2010: Release of Fourth Studio Album "Victory"
DJ Khaled released his fourth studio album, "Victory," on March 2, 2010. The album featured collaborations with various artists but achieved lower sales than his previous works.
2010: Release of "All I Do Is Win"
DJ Khaled and Rick Ross's collaborative single "All I Do Is Win" went triple-platinum following its release on Khaled's album "Victory" in 2010.
2010: "Victory" and Chart-Topping Success
DJ Khaled's fourth album, "Victory," was released in 2010, featuring the triple-platinum hit "All I Do Is Win." This album reached the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart.
June 26, 2011: BET Awards Performance
Khaled performed his hit single "I'm on One" at the BET Awards on June 26, 2011.
December 10, 2011: Kiss the Ring Announcement
On December 10, 2011, DJ Khaled took to the internet to announce his upcoming album, "Kiss the Ring," teasing a 2012 release date.
2011: Collaborations on "We the Best Forever"
Rick Ross was featured on two songs from DJ Khaled's fifth studio album, "We the Best Forever," released in 2011. One of those songs, "I'm on One," reached the Billboard Hot 100's top ten.
2011: "We the Best Forever" and Mainstream Breakthrough
In 2011, DJ Khaled's fifth studio album, "We the Best Forever," became his major label debut. The album featured the hit single "I'm on One," which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, marking his first top-ten single.
August 21, 2012: Kiss the Ring Release and Chart Debut
DJ Khaled's album "Kiss the Ring" hit the shelves on August 21, 2012, debuting at an impressive number four on the Billboard 200 chart.
2012: Release of "Kiss the Ring"
DJ Khaled released his sixth studio album, "Kiss the Ring," in 2012.
January 2013: Suffering from Success Inspiration
In January 2013, DJ Khaled was inspired to name his seventh album "Suffering from Success" after a doctor's visit for a bald spot on his beard.
April 14, 2013: Promotional Video and Music Video Release
DJ Khaled released a promotional video for "Suffering from Success" and the music video for his single "No New Friends" on April 14, 2013.
April 19, 2013: "No New Friends" Release
DJ Khaled's single "No New Friends" hit iTunes on April 19, 2013, after premiering the previous day.
May 2013: Collaboration on "The H" Mixtape
In May 2013, DJ Khaled hosted Birdman and Rick Ross's collaborative mixtape, "The H."
June 10, 2013: Suffering from Success Release Date
June 10, 2013, marked the announcement of the release date for "Suffering from Success," slated to drop on September 24, 2013.
July 25, 2013: Public Proposal to Nicki Minaj
On July 25, 2013, DJ Khaled publicly proposed to Nicki Minaj on MTV, presenting a 10-karat diamond ring.
July 29, 2013: Nicki Minaj Denies Proposal, "I Wanna Be With You" Release
Nicki Minaj denied DJ Khaled's proposal during a Funkmaster Flex interview on July 29, 2013, the same day Khaled premiered his new single "I Wanna Be with You," featuring Minaj, Future, and Rick Ross, leading to speculation that the proposal was a publicity stunt.
September 24, 2013: Suffering From Success Release
DJ Khaled's album "Suffering from Success" was released on September 24, 2013.
2013: "Suffering from Success" Released
DJ Khaled released his seventh studio album, "Suffering from Success," in 2013.
April 2014: Release of "They Don't Love You No More"
"They Don't Love You No More," the first single from DJ Khaled's eighth studio album "I Changed a Lot," was released in April 2014 and featured Rick Ross.
April 28, 2014: Jay-Z Collaboration Announcement and "They Don't Love You No More" Release
DJ Khaled revealed in an interview on April 28, 2014, that Jay-Z would feature on his new single, "They Don't Love You No More," also featuring Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and French Montana. The single was released later that day.
July 1, 2014: We the Best Sound Launch
DJ Khaled partnered with Bang & Olufsen to launch his "We the Best Sound" headphone brand on July 1, 2014, promoted in the "They Don't Love You No More" video.
August 8, 2014: "Hold You Down" Artwork Reveal
August 8, 2014, saw the unveiling of the artwork for "Hold You Down," the second single from DJ Khaled's "I Changed A Lot" album.
August 11, 2014: "Hold You Down" Release
DJ Khaled released "Hold You Down," featuring Chris Brown, August Alsina, Future, and Jeremih, along with its music video directed by Gil Green, on August 11, 2014.
August 2014: Collaboration on "Don't Shoot"
In August 2014, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross were both featured on "Don't Shoot," a single by The Game.
November 3, 2014: "Hold You Down" Remix Release
November 3, 2014, marked the release of the "Hold You Down" remix, featuring Usher, Rick Ross, Fabolous, and Ace Hood.
November 2014: Remix of "Hold You Down"
Rick Ross was featured on the remix of DJ Khaled's single "Hold You Down" in November 2014.
May 11, 2015: Departure from Cash Money Records and "How Many Times" Release
DJ Khaled announced his amicable departure from Cash Money Records and released "How Many Times" on May 11, 2015, featuring Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, and Big Sean.
October 23, 2015: I Changed A Lot Release and Artwork Reveal
DJ Khaled's long-awaited album "I Changed A Lot" finally dropped on October 23, 2015, along with the unveiling of its artwork.
2015: I Changed A Lot Release
DJ Khaled's eighth studio album, "I Changed A Lot," was released in 2015.
2015: Rise to Internet Fame
From late 2015 to early 2016, DJ Khaled's Snapchat videos about his "key to success" went viral, catapulting him to internet fame and cementing his status as a "living meme."
2015: "I Changed a Lot" and Growing Recognition
DJ Khaled released his eighth studio album, "I Changed a Lot," in 2015. During this period, he also started gaining significant recognition as a public figure and internet personality due to his social media presence.
February 5, 2016: We The Best Radio Debut
DJ Khaled's "We The Best Radio" show premiered on Beats 1 on February 5, 2016, featuring the debut of Future's album "EVOL."
February 14, 2016: French Montana Mixtape Announcement
On February 14, 2016, DJ Khaled used his "We The Best Radio" platform to announce the upcoming premiere of French Montana's new mixtape.
February 19, 2016: The Wave Gods Premiere
French Montana's mixtape "The Wave Gods" premiered on DJ Khaled's "We The Best Radio" on February 19, 2016.
February 29, 2016: Roc Nation Signing and Major Key Announcement
DJ Khaled signed a management deal with Jay Z's Roc Nation and announced his ninth studio album, "Major Key," slated for a July 29, 2016 release, on February 29, 2016.
June 3, 2016: "For Free" Release and Album Collaborations
DJ Khaled dropped "For Free," the first single from "Major Key," on June 3, 2016, and announced album collaborations with Jay Z, Future, Kanye West, Big Sean, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross.
October 2016: Cîroc Mango Advertising and "Let's Get It: Khaled's Odyssey" Appearance
Riding a wave of internet fame, DJ Khaled appeared in advertising for Cîroc Mango and starred in an episode of "Let's Get It" titled "Let's Get It: Khaled's Odyssey" in October 2016.
October 23, 2016: Birth of Asahd Tuck Khaled
DJ Khaled's wife, Nicole Tuck, gave birth to their son, Asahd Tuck Khaled, on October 23, 2016. DJ Khaled streamed the birth on his Snapchat.
December 24, 2016: DJ Khaled Announces Tenth Studio Album
On December 24, 2016, DJ Khaled took to Twitter to announce that he was working on his tenth studio album.
2016: Collaborations on "Major Key"
Rick Ross was featured on two tracks from DJ Khaled's ninth studio album, "Major Key," released in 2016.
2016: Publication of "The Keys: A Memoir"
In 2016, DJ Khaled's book, "The Keys: A Memoir," was published and became a New York Times bestseller.
2016: "Major Key" and Grammy Nomination
In 2016, DJ Khaled released his ninth studio album, "Major Key." This album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and earning him his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.
January 2017: Purchase of Mulholland Estates Home
DJ Khaled bought Robbie Williams's former home in Los Angeles, California, in January 2017.
January 2017: Studio Sessions and Collaborations
In January 2017, DJ Khaled was spotted in the studio working with potential collaborators for his upcoming album. Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Migos, and Mariah Carey were among the artists seen with him.
2017: "Grateful" Achieves Double Platinum Success
In 2017, DJ Khaled released his tenth album, "Grateful," which became his second consecutive number-one album. The album included the hit singles "I'm the One" and "Wild Thoughts," both of which achieved significant chart success.
2017: Collaborations on "Grateful"
Three songs from DJ Khaled's tenth studio album, "Grateful," released in 2017, featured Rick Ross.
March 1, 2018: DJ Khaled Announces Eleventh Studio Album, "Father of Asahd"
On March 1, 2018, DJ Khaled announced his eleventh studio album, "Father of Asahd," named after his eldest son.
May 2018: Centra Tech Co-founders Indicted for Fraud
In May 2018, the co-founders of Centra Tech Inc., a cryptocurrency firm that DJ Khaled had received a promotional payment from, were indicted on charges of fraud.
August 2018: Launch of "We the Best Home" Furniture Line
DJ Khaled launched his luxury furniture line, "We the Best Home," in August 2018.
November 2018: SEC Settlement for Undisclosed ICO Promotion
In November 2018, DJ Khaled, alongside Floyd Mayweather Jr., reached a $750,000 settlement with the SEC. They were charged with failing to disclose payments received for promoting initial coin offerings (ICOs), including a $50,000 payment Khaled received from Centra Tech Inc. This marked the SEC's first case involving charges for violating rules related to ICO investment touting. As part of the settlement, Khaled agreed to a two-year ban on endorsement or promotional agreements with securities participants.
March 5, 2019: Release Date Announcement for "Father of Asahd"
On March 5, 2019, DJ Khaled announced that "Father of Asahd" would be released in May of that year.
May 17, 2019: "Father of Asahd" Release and Music Video Premieres
DJ Khaled's eleventh studio album, "Father of Asahd," was released on May 17, 2019. He also released several music videos for the album's singles between May 17 and May 20.
December 25, 2019: Voice Role in "Spies in Disguise"
DJ Khaled provided a voice in the animated film "Spies in Disguise," which was released on December 25, 2019.
2019: Voice Acting Debut in "Spies in Disguise"
DJ Khaled made his voice acting debut in the animated film "Spies in Disguise" in 2019.
2019: Collaboration on "Father of Asahd"
Rick Ross was featured on one track from DJ Khaled's eleventh studio album, "Father of Asahd," released in 2019.
2019: "Father of Asahd" and First Grammy Win
DJ Khaled released his eleventh studio album, "Father of Asahd," in 2019. The album included the song "Higher," which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance, marking DJ Khaled's first Grammy win.
January 20, 2020: Birth of Aalam Tuck Khaled
Nicole Tuck gave birth to her and DJ Khaled's second son, Aalam Tuck Khaled, on January 20, 2020.
July 17, 2020: Release of "Popstar" and "Greece"
On July 17, 2020, DJ Khaled dropped two singles, "Popstar" and "Greece," both featuring Drake.
2020: Appearance in "Bad Boys for Life"
DJ Khaled made an appearance in the action-comedy film "Bad Boys for Life" in 2020.
March 2021: Dolce & Gabbana Collaboration
In March 2021, DJ Khaled teamed up with Dolce & Gabbana to create a collection of ready-to-wear clothing and beachwear.
2021: DJ Khaled Releases Self-Titled Album
In 2021, DJ Khaled released his twelfth studio album, which was self-titled, and it reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
2021: Collaboration on "Khaled Khaled"
Rick Ross was featured on one song from DJ Khaled's twelfth studio album, "Khaled Khaled," released in 2021.
July 6, 2022: Announcement of "God Did"
On July 6, 2022, DJ Khaled revealed the title of his 13th studio album, "God Did."
August 26, 2022: Release of "God Did"
On August 26, 2022, DJ Khaled released his 13th studio album, "God Did."
2022: Collaboration on "God Did" and GQ Appearance
Rick Ross had the first verse on the title track of DJ Khaled's thirteenth studio album, "God Did," which was released in 2022. The song was nominated for three awards at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. That year, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross appeared on GQ's "Hype Debate Show" together.
2023: Inaugural We the Best Foundation Golf Tournament
The We the Best Foundation, founded by DJ Khaled, hosted its first golf tournament in 2023 to raise money for Miami youth organizations.