Hip-hop star DJ Khaled is generating music and motivating people. Starting with vinyl in his garage in the 1990s, Khaled has performed at the GRAMMYs. Today, the GRAMMY-winning producer and artist has many duties.

“I’m a father, producer, DJ, music executive, executive, and young entrepreneur,” Khaled told GRAMMY U National Representative Carlie Anderson. 

At a Soho Beach House event on Aug. 16, Khaled spoke with GRAMMY U followers, demonstrating his role as a mentor. Khaled spoke with Billboard’s R&B and Hip-Hop Deputy Director Carl Lamarre.

The chat wasn’t planned, but Khaled took advantage of the chance to speak to GRAMMY U’s younger audience, instructing others to calm down so he could focus on Anderson.  

Khaled discussed his 2006 debut album Listennn…the Album and hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. Khaled, like many artists and fans, considers hip-hop a lifestyle. 

Khaled says, “Hip-hop is not only everything to me, it is a force of greatness.” Hip-hop saved and altered my life. I adore hop-hop. Hip-hop blessed and inspired me and raised me.”

Khaled remembered finding hip-hop on his own and immersing himself in the culture. As a significant cultural contributor, Khaled often comments on how the culture shaped him.

Khaled takes his role as an inspiration seriously. He advised aspiring musicians: “Be yourself.

“The world is yours,” Khaled said. “Being you is the most beautiful thing in the world.”

After five 2023 GRAMMY nominations and performances with Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Rick Ross, Khaled shows no signs of stopping. Til Next Time, his 14th studio album, was revealed in August. After leaving Sony Music to join Universal Music Group in February, the rapper will release his debut project with Def Jam. Khaled became UMG Global Creative Consultant with this arrangement.

His record was announced with a four-minute trailer starring his wife and two children. The video balances Khaled’s comedic moments with his uplifting messages. 

“Success ain’t easy,” Khaled stated in the clip. “You gotta want it so bad that you’re willing to put everything on the line, even if you gotta risk your own life.” 

Big album features are expected from Khaled. The first single, “Supposed to Be Loved,” features Future, Lil Baby, and Lil Uzi Vert, who is working with the musician for the first time. 

Khaled, a master collaborator, told GRAMMY U that his partners often inspire him. Khaled remembers Dr. Dre, Puff Daddy, Fat Joe, and Jay-Z, who “shown us that anything and everything is possible” in this industry.

Khaled also thanked his fans for supporting him throughout his career. 

“My fans are my inspiration,” Khaled says. “They keep me going and keep me doing what I love to do, making music and representing hip-hop.” 

Khaled hopes to further hip-hop with Til Next Time and other projects. He considers this event the first of many: “Not only hip-hop 50, it’s hip hop forever.”