DJ Khaled Opens Up on Drake vs. Kendrick, Jay-Z & Beyoncé, and His Top 5 DOA
When you put Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and DJ Khaled in one room, you’re bound to get legendary stories, unfiltered opinions, and a dose of hip hop history. On a recent episode, the Bronx icons sat down with Khaled for a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from industry feuds to his early grind in the Miami club circuit.
Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake: “Hip Hop Needs It”
Of course, the conversation couldn’t skip the biggest headline in rap: the ongoing battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. When pressed, Khaled didn’t pick sides—but instead framed the feud as part of the culture. “Hip hop needs competition,” he explained. “It pushes the music forward. As long as it stays on wax, it’s love.” His balanced perspective reminded listeners of the way past rivalries have fueled some of the greatest records of all time.
Reconciling Beefs: Jada, Beanie Sigel & Beyond
Khaled also spoke on his behind-the-scenes role as a peacemaker. He recalled moments when he tried to help cool down tensions—whether it was Jadakiss vs. Beanie Sigel or the long-running rift between Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. “We all one family in this hip hop thing,” he said. “At the end of the day, I want to see everybody win.”
Jay-Z & Beyoncé: “Shining” and “God Did”
One of the highlights came when Khaled opened up about his creative process with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. He revealed the magic behind their 2017 hit “Shining”, describing the track as “a blessing straight from the heavens.” He also shared the backstory of how Jay jumped on “God Did” alongside Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and John Legend, calling it “one of the most important moments of my career.”
Miami Anthems and DJ Mount Rushmore
The conversation shifted to Miami, the city that shaped Khaled’s grind. He reminisced about the club scene that made him and rattled off his list of top Miami hip hop anthems—the tracks that defined his come-up and cemented his role as a culture curator.
When asked to rank his Top 5 DJs of All Time, Khaled didn’t hesitate to salute the legends while paying homage to his own mentors. “Without DJs, there’s no culture. We break the records, we set the vibe,” he said. His list sparked plenty of debate, the kind of barbershop conversation hip hop lives for.
Brotherhood, Big Pun, and Legacy
Khaled ended the session with a heartfelt thank you to Joe and Jada, praising their brotherhood and impact on the game. He reflected on Fat Joe and Big Pun’s collaborations, calling them “timeless records that influenced the entire industry.” The stories from his early days in Miami—grinding in the clubs, building connections one record at a time—painted the picture of a man who’s always believed in his own mantra: “We the Best.”