Khaled Khaled—a name fitting for the music mogul who does everything twice as big—has proven over time why he’s simply the best at what he does.
The multifaceted impresario has had a stellar career thus far, as he’s put in overtime to score four No. 1 albums, a Grammy, his own record label, two keys in Florida, his We The Best Foundation, and a plethora of hit records. However, Khaled always basks in the his biggest accomplishment yet: his two young sons Asahd and Aalam, and wife Nicole.
“My family over everything and everything you see me do is for family, my Queen and my kids,” he once told VIBE. “Once I became a father, my life changed. God said, ‘Here’s two beautiful boys, and here’s more blessings.’”
DJ Khaled began etching his name in the music industry early on as an on-air radio personality, before becoming the official DJ for Fat Joe’s Terror Squad in the ’90’s. From there, the rest is history. Besides being responsible for some of the most fire collaborations between Hip-Hop’s hottest, the 48-year-old Palestinian has also added author, philanthropist, label exec, model, Global Creative Director Consultant, sneaker designer, and much more to his resume.
His big personality, confidence, “Khaled-isms” and more are what makes the God Did creator a gem in Hip-Hop. What Khaled has displayed outside of the music makes fans love him just as much as his undeniable production. Whether it’s taking over Snapchat, coming up with his own two step, or getting two holidays named after him in Florida, there’s nothing that Khaled can’t do.
In honor of the We The Best Music CEO’s 48th birthday, take a journey through seven of his biggest and best personal and career moments thus far.
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Becoming a Father and Husband
Image Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images It’s no secret that DJ Khaled is a proud family man!
Khaled has been married to his wife Nicole Tuck — who he often calls “My Queen” — since 2009. The couple share two boys: Asahd and Aalam. The couple welcomed Asahd in October 2016 and Aalam in January 2020.
“God blessed me with two beautiful boys, an amazing queen and mother and blessed me to be a great father,” Khaled told PEOPLE in 2021. “This is the best feeling I ever felt in my life because it’s pure. There’s really no words you can describe the feeling unless you’re a mother or father. It’s just the truth. It’s a feeling that they haven’t even made a word for yet, and it’s unbelievable.”
Becoming a father for the first time was special to Khaled as he honored the life event by naming his eleventh studio album Father of Asahd, after his first born.
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Honored With Keys To Miami and Miami Beach, And Two Holidays
Image Credit: Johnny Nunez/FilmMagic While appearing at a We The Best press conference in February of this year, DJ Khaled was honored by Mayors Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and Francis X. Suarez of Miami, with two keys to Florida cities, as well as his own holidays.
Khaled, joined by music peers and more, received keys to the city of Miami and Miami Beach in recognition of his ongoing work in the community.
By proclamation, Feb. 9 was also made “WE THE BEST” day in the city of Miami, as Nov. 26 is now “KHALED KHALED” day in Miami Beach.
At the press conference, Gelber stated, “ I’m not giving this award to Khaled because of his celebrity, we’re giving it to him because he has taken his celebrity and done something extraordinary and special with it. It’s my honor as Mayor of Miami Beach to give Khaled the key to the city of Miami.”
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We The Best Foundation Golf Classic Charity Event
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for We The Best Foundation Not only does Khaled give his fans great music, he also gives back to the community.
In July, the “Staying Alive” collaborator held his first annual We The Best Foundation Golf Classic Tournament, which saw a heavy star-studded guest list.
Celebrities in attendance included Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jeezy, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, Bun B, Ja Rule, Cedric The Entertainer, Victor Cruz, Odell Beckham Jr., Quavo, King Combs, Shannon Sharpe and several others. The foundation ultimately raised $20,000 for the charity Fore Life. Inc and $10,000 for Circle Of Brotherhood.
In a press release obtained by Billboard, Khaled expressed, “Just to be out on the golf course with close friends and family of mine is a blessing. Giving back makes it even better. I can’t wait to see you all at the first-ever We The Best Foundation Golf Classic. We’re starting something very special here while introducing the sport of golf to a wider community.”
Additionally, in February the We The Best Foundation also gave out its first scholarship grant to high school senior, Felisha Agenor, during a press conference held in Miami.
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2020 Grammy For “Higher” Feat. Nipsey Hussle and John Legend
Image Credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images DJ Khaled won his first grammy ever in 2020 for his Father of Asahd single “Higher” featuring the late Nipsey Hussle and John Legend.
During the ceremony, Nipsey was given tribute through a heartfelt performance by an all-star roster of artists includingLegend, Khaled, Meek Mill, Roddy Rich, Kirk Franklin and YG.
Legend played the piano and sang the chorus of “Higher,” while backed by a Kirk Franklin-led choir. YG, a frequent collaborator of Nipsey’s, also joined the stage in a red suit, speaking to the gang unity between Crips and Bloods that Nipsey endorsed with his music and his life.
While speaking with Billboard at the 64th Grammy awards, Khaled shared that he actually predicted the track would win a nod. He said, “I even told him [Nipsey], ‘We’re going to win a GRAMMY.’ Because that’s how I feel about my album. I really feel like not only is this my biggest, this is very special.”
The song and video released after Hussle’s death in March 2019, encouraging Khaled to donate all proceeds to Hussle’s children.
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Appointed Global Creative Director Consultant At Universal Music Group
Image Credit: Greg Doherty/Getty Images In February, Khaled announced a new position that he’d be taking on outside of everything else he does. The award-winning megastar shared news that he’d be filling the position of Global Creative Director Consultant at Universal Music Group, which owns Def Jam.
“This new chapter marks a special time for me,” DJ Khaled stated in a press release obtained by VIBE. “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.”
He added, “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.”
“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,” stated Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun. “Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better.”
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Walked Hugo Boss 2023 Runway Show With Naomi Campbell
Image Credit: Manny Hernandez/Wireimage)
Khaled made his runway debut at HUGO BOSS this year, as he walked in the brand’s fashion show, which also included Pamela Anderson, Precious Lee, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Law Roach and more.
The man-of-many-hats showed off his best strut with iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell on his arm, flaunting their all-black looks. Khaled wore a dapper black suit, white dress shirt and leather shoes, as Naomi complimented him with a black sleek gown — all courtesy of HUGO BOSS.
“Call me HUGO @boss I had so much fun wit my sis @Naomi,” he captioned an Instagram post at the time.
Khaled also added brand ambassador to his long resume when he modeled Rihanna’s Savage Fenty line for its Valentine’s Day campaign. “I want to thank Rihanna and Savage X Fenty for letting me be part of this campaign,” he explained to BET in January. “Rihanna is a visionary, and for her to give me the opportunity to wear the clothes, it was so dope and organic.”
He added, “I love that she lets me be myself. I promote to the world to always be yourself. She inspires me.”
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Biggest Jordan Collaboration Ever With Air Jordan 5s
Image Credit: Erick Hercules DJ Khaled helped Jordan Brand to have its biggest collaboration ever with his Air Jordan 5s in 2022.
Confirmed by Jordan Brand VP of entertainment marketing, the “We The Best” kicks were “the largest launch of any collaborator in its history.” The kicks are available in colorways Crimson Bliss and Sail.
“The ‘We the Best’ Jordan 5s were the biggest release, number-wise, in Jordan collaboration history,” Khaled reiterated during an episode of Complex’s Sneaker Shopping last month. “Do your research and get to it ASAP. I can send you a clip of them saying it. We’re talking numbers. When I put these out, I wanted to make sure that we get it as a worldwide thing.”
Khaled also took his sneaker obsession to another level this year when he teamed up with Airbnb to offer fans a staycation in a replica of his massive sneaker closet. “Sneakers are an essential part of Hip-Hop culture and collecting them is an art – just like creating music,” said DJ Khaled, a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead from birth.” He added, ”We bring the same passion and energy to the shoe game as we do the studio. That’s why we’re excited to share our sneaker kingdom with fans and give them a chance to walk in our shoes, literally.”
The Miami Airbnb included a stay for two, with an exclusive autographed pair of Jordan 5’s from his collaboration. Guests also received a handwritten welcome note from DJ Khaled upon arrival, with suggestions for the ultimate experience in the 305.
