DJ Khaled has returned to Def Jam Recordings with an exclusive agreement for his label, We The Best, and future musical releases. The multi-platinum recording artist, who has achieved global sales of over 20 million singles, 6 million albums, and 4 billion streams in his career as an artist, producer, DJ, and curator, will also take on an executive role as Global Creative Consultant for Def Jam and Universal Music Group’s family of artists.
In 2008, DJ Khaled first joined Def Jam as an executive A&R and helped to launch the careers of artists such as Rick Ross. “This new chapter marks a special time for me,” said Khaled. “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. I feel blessed and inspired to come back home to Def Jam.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG, welcomed Khaled back to the company, stating, “DJ Khaled is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator.” The Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, Tunji Balogun, added, “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.”
LaTrice Burnette, Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings and President of 4th & Broadway, spoke of her close friendship and working relationship with Khaled. “I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to Def Jam, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next,” she said.
In recognition of his contributions to the community, DJ Khaled was awarded the key to the City of Miami and the key to Miami Beach. February 9th is officially designated as “WE THE BEST” day in Miami, and November 26th as “KHALED KHALED” day in Miami Beach.
