DJ Khaled collaborated with Jay-Z, Nas, Justin Timberlake, Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Drake, Lil Wayne, Megan Thee Stallion, and HER on his new album.

MBA students and digital marketing professionals have likely selected DJ Khaled for study and case studies due to his massive reach over the past decade.

It might start with the fact that his shout-outs on every tune he’s on now have a global calling card: “DJ Khaled!” Notably, “We The Best Music!” and “Another One!” Khaled has been an accommodating producer for pop stars and hip-hop heavyweights, but he also overuses these same calling cards.

Affection certainly helped him compose his current album Khaled Khaled. A 14-track record that likely began years ago has been released unexpectedly. With this EP, Khaled is aiming for one of the year’s most lavish collaboration albums. Jay-Z, Puff Daddy, Nas, Rick Ross, Justin Timberlake, and Buju Banton, as well as rising stars Cardi B, Justin Bieber, Drake, Big Sean, and Lil Wayne, and newcomers Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion, 21 Savage, Migos, HER, Lil Baby, and DaBaby, rap and sing on the record.

Khaled is his usual energetic, loud, and excitable self in a video interview with Lil Baby, saying he wants to “go harder” and take nothing for granted. “My career’s next level of talent is here. I always done my best in music and business. “The millions were fun, but I’m going for the billion,” he says Lil Baby. 

Khaled also wants to stay true to his roots, providing a shimmering sound for Nas and Jay-Z to rap on “Sorry Not Sorry.” Khaled believes the music reflects “culture of the highest level.” He loves the rap legends. In his Lil Baby interview, he said, “They (collaborators) know my heart is pure, and my soul is clean. Getting the confidence to ask took years. It has backup vocals and a writing credit for Beyonce, so you know Khaled has star power. Khaled showcases his production skills on Timberlake’s emotional, subtle pop single “Just Be,” giving his musicians room while guiding them. Khaled revives Timberlake’s pop, which we adored.

The rest of the record has hits (the dancehall-friendly ‘Where You Come From’) and misses, but Khaled Khaled nails it. More importantly, the DJ was essential. He loudly claims credit on every tune, whether you like it or not. Khaled started with the beat and made sure each production fit each musician he invited to collaborate. Except for Drake’s ‘Popstar’ and ‘Greece,’ which released in July 2020, every tune on Khaled Khaled’s star-studded album is being heard for the first time.

‘Thankful’ with Lil Wayne and Jeremih is heartfelt, while ‘Every Chance I Get’ with Lil Baby and Lil Durk is emboldened but formulaic. Khaled goes old school on “Big Paper,” keeping the beat simple for Cardi B to shine, while HER and Migos dance on “We Going Crazy.” Khaled surprises with a guitar-driven sample for ‘I Did It’ with producers Joe Zarrillo, Tay Keith, and DJ 360. Megan Thee Stallion, Post Malone, Lil Baby, and DaBaby’s crisp, fast vocals make it an album standout. Khaled Khaled thrives by staying on top of radio-friendly, chart-topping music. ‘Let It Go’ with Justin Bieber and 21 Savage is a great example of a lovely production that matches the performers.