Richardine Bartee
Today, DJ Khaled—the multi-platinum global superstar best known for his monster hits and multiple successful brand partnerships made major announcements detailing the next level of his career. At Mr Chows in Miami, the GRAMMY winner and recent GRAMMY performer opened his ‘We The Best’ press conference with high energy and a good spirit.
The multi-platinum-selling artist talked about his partnership with Jumpman 23, his flagship store, with Snipes opening Collins Avenue (marking the first time an artist and sneaker retailer joined forces to create a brick-and-mortar space), his We The Best foundation and its community work, his music scholarship in partnership with Roc Nation and last but not, his exclusive partnership with the legendary Def Jam Recordings, which will allow him to continue to be a top-charting artist and a Global Creative Consultant. As you may know, DJ Khaled used to work at Def Jam as an Executive A&R in 2008, where he developed hits for artists like Rick Ross and several others.
DJ Khaled states, “This new chapter marks a special time for me. The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey. Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner, but to come back home to Def Jam. Tunji Balogun is not only an extraordinary A&R, but a true music-man and visionary who continuously is responsible for introducing the world to some of its next greatest superstars. I’m excited to join my sister and visionary executive LaTrice Burnette once again, as we have had tremendous success on every single project we have collaborated on in the past. Def Jam is the culture and together we will make history yet once again.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman and CEO, said, “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision.”
“Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon,” said Tunji Balogun, Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings. “His uncanny ability to continuously have his finger on the pulse of the culture, to reach audiences all over the world in innovative yet authentic ways, and his remarkable savvy for marketing, promoting and eventizing everything he touches is absolutely second to none. We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and as a valued executive. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”
“DJ Khaled has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade,” said LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings/President, 4th & Broadway. “Throughout our years together at Epic, Khaled and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for Khaled’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next.”
And to end the conference, DJ Khaled was given two keys to Miami by the Francis X Suarez (Mayor) and Dan Gelber (Mayor).
With the amount of hard work and consistency DJ Khaled puts into his career and life, we feel he will continue to be the winner he is in everything he does.
