Image from ABC News
After announcing in 2020 that a new album is in the works, DJ Khaled finally reveals the release date, cover art, and tracklist for his 12th studio album Khaled Khaled. In a social media post, he shares, “ALBUM 100% DONE! IT’S TIME,” adding an alarm clock emoji. “I TOLD MY TEAM LET’S PUSH THE BUTTON! #KHALEDKHALED THIS FRIDAY APRIL 30TH!”
He also shared the album cover art in a separate social media post, writing, “This is my name. This is my legacy. This is my COVER. Time to bring MORE LIGHT.” The cover features a photo of DJ Khaled together with his two sons, Asahd and Aalam.
Aside from gracing the album’s cover, DJ Khaled’s sons also have a significant role in the record. In another social media post, he revealed that Asahd and Aalam are executive producers of this album.
DJ Khaled is known for his many collaborations with various artists such as Lil Wayne, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Jay Z. As with his previous albums, Khaled Khaled also features a star-studded tracklist. After confirming that Megan Thee Stallion would be working with him on this project, he also revealed that Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake are on the album as well. The thirteen-track album also features collaborations with H.E.R., Lil Baby, Migos, Bryson Tiller, Meek Mill, and Jay Z. DJ Khaled’s 2020 hits “Greece” and “Popstar,” both collaborations with Drake, are also on this new album.
DJ Khaled has gone on social media to share his excitement about this new project. He had posted about video calls from Justin Bieber and Justin Timberlake, as well as jumping fully clothed into his pool when he finally finished working on a track. He also got candid about getting an unexpected visit from Kanye West, where the two artists bonded and listened to each other’s music.
DJ Khaled was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Palestinian immigrants, both of whom are musicians. Growing up, his parents would play Arab music, which soon led to the artist’s interest in rap and soul music at a young age.
In 2006, DJ Khaled released his debut studio album Listennn…The Album where it premiered at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Since then, he has released ten other albums, which have also done well on the charts. In 2019, he released his eleventh album Father of Asahd, titled after his older son Asahd. The album’s track “Higher,” featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend, garnered DJ Khaled a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Aside from making music, DJ Khaled also appeared in cameos for a few films, including Pitch Perfect 3 and Bad Boys for Life.
DJ Khaled has been posting several teasers for his newest album Khaled Khaled. His collaborations with the music industry’s biggest stars have been highly anticipated. With this album dedicated to his sons and his legacy, DJ Khaled created a unique and meaningful project. And with the album’s release coming at the end of April, fans will not have to wait much longer to hear the epic songs on this new album.Khaled Khaled, DJ Khaled’s twelfth studio album will drop on April 30th. More updates are available on his Instagram page.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Khaled
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9564584/dj-khaled-khaled-khaled-album-tracklist
https://www.instagram.com/djkhaled/
https://www.complex.com/music/dj-khaled-justin-timberlake-justin-bieber-album-khaled-khaled
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