DJ Khaled And His 'We The Best' Label Sign With Def Jam

DJ Khaled (Photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com)

DJ KHALED has signed a partnership deal that brings his label, WE THE BEST to DEF JAM RECORDINGS. The deal includes future WE THE BEST releases and DJ KHALED releases. KHALED, who has sold over 20 million singles and 6 million albums as well as picking up over 4 billion streams, also becomes a Global Creative Consultant to DEF JAM and UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP's artists.

DJ KHALED noted, "This new chapter marks a special time for me. 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. 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."

UMG Chairman and CEO Sir LUCIAN GRAINGE added, "DJ KHALED is a great artist, hitmaker, mentor and cultural innovator. It gives me great pleasure to welcome him home to UMG where we look forward to working together to amplify his brilliant creative instincts and unique vision."

TUNJI BALOGUN, Chairman and CEO at DEF JAM RECORDINGS 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."

DEF JAM RECORDINGS EVP and 4TH & BROADWAY Pres. LATRICE BURNETTE notes, "DJ KHALED has been a dear friend and close collaborator of mine for over a decade. Throughout our years together at EPIC, KHALED and I developed a special working bond and broke barriers through a united vision, focused partnership and hard work. I have a tremendous respect for KHALED’s artistry, creativity, work ethic, marketing savvy, and boundless positive energy. I’m thrilled to welcome him back home to DEF JAM, and can’t wait to see what we cook up next."

In this busy day for DJ KHALED, he announced a new partnership with sneaker and streetwear retailer SNIPES for a new MIAMI location. KHALED is Chief Creative Officer for SNIPES and the WE THE BEST branded SNIPES store is scheduled to open in MIAMI later in 2023.

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