Khaled Mohammed Khaled, professionally known as DJ Khaled, was born on November 26, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents who came to the United States from Palestine. Growing up, he was exposed to Arabic music by his musician parents, but he also developed a passion for rap and soul music. He got his start working at a local record store, Merry-Go-Round, which played a pivotal role in setting the stage for his future music career.
Initially, DJ Khaled gained recognition in the 1990s as a radio host on 99 Jamz, a Miami radio station. He later extended his popularity by collaborating with the hip-hop group Terror Squad, serving as a DJ for their live performances. Over time, he transitioned into music production and independently released his debut album, “Listennn… the Album,” in 2006.
DJ Khaled’s signature traits include his powerful voice, motivational speeches, and memorable catchphrases. While some have questioned his musical contributions, he’s widely acknowledged for his role in organizing, directing, and promoting artists and their work. His albums, including “We the Best,” “We Global,” and “Victory,” found success on the Billboard 200 chart, with hits like “All I Do Is Win.”
His breakthrough into the mainstream came with the release of “We the Best Forever” in 2011, featuring the hit “I’m on One.” DJ Khaled’s subsequent albums, “Kiss the Ring,” “Suffering from Success,” and “I Changed a Lot,” received mixed commercial and critical reception.
In 2015 and 2016, DJ Khaled’s social media activity turned him into a well-known media personality and internet sensation. This momentum led to his ninth studio album, “Major Key,” debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.
He continued his successful streak with “Grateful” in 2017, which included chart-toppers like “I’m the One” and “Wild Thoughts.” “Father of Asahd” in 2019 won him a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance with the track “Higher.” DJ Khaled continued releasing hit albums, including his eponymous twelfth album in 2021 and “God Did” in the following year, both reaching the top of the Billboard 200.
Beyond music, DJ Khaled found success as a writer, with his book “The Keys” becoming a New York Times Best Seller. He also ventured into acting, appearing in movies like “Spies in Disguise” and “Bad Boys for Life.” Furthermore, he established his own record label, “We the Best Music Group,” which not only released his projects but also signed other talented artists.
