| Name | DJ Khaled |
| Position | CEO of We the Best Music Group |
| Known for | Larger-than-life personality • Signature catchphrases • Influential in hip hop and R&B |
| Occupation | DJ • record executive • record producer • media personality |
| Nationality | American |
DJ Khaled, born Khaled Mohamed Khaled, is an American DJ, record executive, record producer, and media personality. He is the founder and CEO of the record label We the Best Music Group, and has been a prominent figure in hip hop and R&B music since the early 2000s.
Khaled was born in 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Palestinian immigrant parents. He developed an interest in music at a young age, and by the 1990s was working as a radio DJ in the Miami, Florida area.
In 1998, Khaled co-founded the record label Assist Records, which helped launch the careers of several regional hip hop artists. This laid the groundwork for his later success as a record executive and producer.
Khaled's breakthrough came in the mid-2000s, when he began releasing compilation albums that featured collaborations between prominent hip hop and R&B artists. Albums like "We the Best" (2007) and "I Changed a Lot" (2010) helped establish his reputation as a go-to producer and A&R man in urban music.
Khaled's success continued to grow throughout the 2010s. He founded his own label, We the Best Music Group, and produced major hits for artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Nicki Minaj. His 2016 album "Major Key" debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In addition to his music industry work, Khaled has cultivated a public persona as a motivational speaker and social media influencer. His over-the-top personality, catchphrases, and relatable enthusiasm have made him a popular figure, leading to appearances in television, film, and endorsement deals.
Khaled has released several books offering business and life advice, and has become known for chronicling his lavish lifestyle on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. This has further boosted his profile and allowed him to transcend the traditional boundaries of the music industry.
Through his long career as a producer, executive, and media personality, DJ Khaled has cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip hop and R&B. His ability to bring together top artists and cultivate hits has made him an in-demand collaborator, while his larger-than-life persona has made him a household name.
While some have criticized Khaled's music as formulaic or over-commercialized, he is widely respected for his business acumen and talent for identifying and nurturing new talent. His impact on the sound and culture of urban music in the 21st century is undeniable.
