DJ Khaled has released eight albums, a dozen hits, broken artists, toured the world and made millions in the consumer product and branding industry. He was already a popular figure in Hip Hop culture before he first picked up his phone and recorded himself watering his garden to the sounds of classic Buju Banton and Sizzla, but his stardom in those days pales in comparison to the icon he is now. With over 7 million daily views on his Snapchat stories and a spot as the sole opener for Beyonce‘s Formation stadium tour, DJ Khaled is a full-blown, A-list celebrity, and it caught a lot of people in the entertainment industry, off-guard. But not him.
You hear of ordinary people achieving viral success all the time, but Khaled’s already bubbling and amiable personality was magnified by his hilariously creative and intriguing
That’s been Khaled’s key since he burst onto the scene in 2004, and his diligent attitude indicates that this leg of his career is no accident. He’s been talking about and working towards it for years, and on his first-ever solo Source cover he’s defiant in the face of doubt, suited up as if he’s prepared to visit with Barack Obama at The White House. (Oh, he did that earlier this year.) It’s no secret that DJ Khaled has wanted his own solo Source cover in the past, and this year, he’s done that too. Check out an excerpt of his in-depth interview, where he touches on things you won’t be able to find out about by watching his Snapchat. Oh, and don’t forget, he’s still got albums to make. His 9th solo LP, Major Key, featuring Jay Z, Future, apparently Drake and more, is coming soon.
The music industry often breaks people down into shells of their former selves, especially those at the top of the game. But you are still all heart. And that’s why people love you.
I’ve never been an industry type of person. Meaning as in, the industry gotta respect me. I’ve never been the guy with a hundred phones on his hip, just trying to be cool. I’m not that guy. I’m the guy that knows the answer to every question: it’s called success. I’ve never been the guy who complains. I’ve never been the guy who uses excuses. Nah, I know the answer. The answer is success. Do you know how many times I’ve been frustrated that I haven’t gotten The Source cover by myself? But I’ve never gotten mad. I might passively speak and say, “Hey! You know I deserve this cover…” But this is a special time. I’m getting The Source cover on my 10-year anniversary of We The Best Music. I’ve been in people’s lives musically with anthems for 10 years. I gave you 25 years of blood, sweat and tears: from the garage, to the streets, to where I’m at right now. And I’m not stopping.
In the issue, we also dive into the world of academia’s (and the Obamas’) new obsession with rap, as well as some important testimonials from a few rap stars about the importance of maintaining a certain level of physical and mental health. We talk to rising upstarts like Cousin Stizz, Dreezy and B. Smyth, and dig deep into dancehall culture, which is helping artists like Rihanna, Drakeand Alicia Keys rule the charts in 2016. Also, see what we had to say about Drake’s pivotal Views album, and check out our new summer fashion spread, featuring the beautiful Sevyn Streeter.
In the issue, we also dive into the world of academia’s (and the Obamas’) new obsession with rap, as well as some important testimonials from a few rap stars about the importance of maintaining a certain level of physical and mental health. We talk to rising upstarts like Cousin Stizz, Dreezy and B. Smyth, and dig deep into dancehall culture, which is helping artists like Rihanna, Drake and Alicia Keys rule the charts in 2016. Also, see what we had to say about Drake’s pivotal Views album, and check out our new summer fashion spread, featuring the beautiful Sevyn Streeter.
Get your copy of The Source on newsstands or to your phone, iPad or laptop here on Tuesday.