DJ Khaled has signed a new partnership agreement with Def Jam Recordings, one of the most prominent record labels in the music industry. The agreement, which was announced on February 9, will bring DJ Khaled's We The Best imprint to Def Jam and he will also serve as a Global Creative Director Consultant for Universal Music Group.
This partnership comes as a new chapter for the Grammy-winning producer, who is thrilled to be joining forces with the iconic label. DJ Khaled stated in a statement, "I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I'm excited to not only partner, but to come back home to Def Jam."
DJ Khaled has a history with Def Jam, having worked as an executive A&R for the label back in 2008. He has since been a recording artist at E1, Cash Money/Universal, Republic Records and has been distributed through Epic Records since 2016. Now, he is coming full circle and returning to Def Jam.
The Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, Tunji Balogun, also expressed his excitement over the partnership. Balogun said, "Beyond a proven hitmaker, incredible producer, undeniable artist, and consummate showman, DJ Khaled occupies the rarified air of cultural icon. 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."
In addition to the Def Jam partnership, DJ Khaled also announced on the same day that he would be offering a complete scholarship to one student to attend the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment at Long Island University starting this fall. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must submit either a written essay or recorded video on topics such as what success means to them, how the scholarship will help them become the best version of themselves and where they see themselves in ten years.
DJ Khaled explained his motivation for offering the scholarship by referencing his wife, Nicole Tuck, and their commitment to giving back to the community. He said, "Me and my queen, ever since we been together, even before we met each other, we both had a love for giving back. Giving back has always been a priority in my life and her life. We're raising our kids to see that you have to work hard but also always give back and show love."
Both the scholarship and Def Jam announcements come on the heels of DJ Khaled's standout performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where he performed the Grammy-nominated track "God Did." These developments are sure to further propel DJ Khaled's career and make him an even bigger cultural icon.
