The Voice‘s latest addition to its ever-growing class of diverse advisors is social media superstar DJ Khaled. Khaled is the undisputed king of Snapchat, the social media app that helps users document their lives in a series of pictures or “snaps.”
Working alongside Alicia Keys, Khaled, an in-demand music producer, will bring his unique take on the music industry to The Voice. Khaled will join John Legend, Celine Dion and Luke Bryan as they work alongside show coaches Blake Shelton, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani to get the best performances out of the latest batch of singing hopefuls on The Voice.
But how much do you really know about DJ Khaled? Here’s the rundown.
Embracing my blessings ! FaceTime wit my son ASAHD #WeTheBest
His Given Name Is Khaled Khaled
DJ Khaled has a unique name, Khaled Mohamed Khaled. He was born on November 26, 1975 in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Palestinian parents who had immigrated to the United States. He once described himself as a devout Muslim, but now is a more spiritual person than one who follows the teachings of one organized religion. Khaled started developing an interest in rap and soul music at a young age and his parents supported that, although they preferred listening to Arabic music.
In the lab making MORE ANTHEMS !!! You’ll see ! @wethebestmusic #2017 ðŸ¦ðŸ”‘
Khaled Got His Start in the Biz as a Radio DJ
His first job was as a clerk at Odyssey Records in the Carrollton Shopping Plaza in Mid-City New Orleans, according to a story published by The Miami New Times, but he reportedly aggravated the owner by always borrowing his phone to make long-distance calls to radio stations and record companies to further his fledgling career. He began his professional career after a chance meeting with Marcello Valenzano and Andre Christopher Lyon, who were at the helm of a pirate radio station in Miami that spun tunes with a Caribbean flair. The two, who would later become the Grammy-nominated hip-hop production duo Cool and Dre, took Khaled in and allowed him work as a DJ. The two would eventually surrender their station to Khaled and in just nine months, he became a force to be reckoned with on the Miami airwaves.
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‘We Takin’ Over’ Was His First Major Hit Back in 2006
Featuring hip hop royalty Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Birdman and Lil Wayne, the video portrayed the group driving a car backwards on the I-95 highway. Following that, Khaled found major success with the tunes “I’m So Hood” and “All I Do Is Win.” The DJ and music producer would later score a Grammy nod in 2012 with the tune “I’m on One.”
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He Became a Household Name and Motivating Force to Millions Thanks to Snapchat
After posting “snaps” or “stories” of his day-to-day life, Khaled (djkhaled30) found himself a new army of followers, millions of people who check his social media feed each day as he delivers a new set of “Major Key Alerts” and “vibes,” which are pathways to success and how to reach your highest potential as a person. Khaled also talks about the concept of “they.” According to the DJ, “they” are people who don’t want you to succeed and in his daily Snapchat story, he informs his followers how to rise above them and reach their fullest potential.
Having a Chairman executive meeting wit ASAHD going over my new ALBUM .. going over what VOCALS came in and vocals that we waiting on as well the time line for all the anthems to be mix master as well album art and timeline to release the title of the album .. ASAHD IS TELLING ME WE MIGHT HAVE LET A FEW 🔑s go SOON .. MY SON IS THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR MY NEW ALBUM .. IM SO BLESSED TO BE BLESSED WIT ASAHD GREATNESS HES A GENUIS !! ðŸ¦ðŸ”‘ @wethebestmusic @epicrecords @rocnation
Khaled Is a New Father
Khaled recently became a father to Ashad Khaled. He and fiancee Nicole Tuck welcomed their son on October 23, 2016. The DJ took to Snapchat to document the birth of their child as it was occurring. Ashad regularly appears on the mogul’s snaps straight from his Miami mansion and according to his official Instagram, Ashad is credited as an executive producer on Khaled’s upcoming album. Said Khaled on Instagram, “Having a chairman executive meeting with Asahd, going over my new album. Going over what vocals came in and vocals that we’re waiting on, as well as the timeline for all the anthems to be mixed and mastered, as well as album art and timeline to release the title of the album.”
The Voice returns to NBC with the debut of season 13 on Monday, February 27 at 8/7c on NBC with coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys.
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(Images courtesy of NBC, Instagram)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
Lucille has over 30 years of experience as a writer and editor for various entertainment entities, including print and digital publications such as The Inquisitr, Monsters & Critics, Entertainment Daily, She Knows, BuddyTV, Starpulse, and Fashion & Style.