Multi-platinum producer DJ Khaled unveiled his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday (April 11) for a career that has included six albums and four singles topping the charts, and four Grammy nominations.
Tributes pour in for the Major Keys DJ from Terror Squad affiliate Fat Joe and Miami neighbor Sean Combs who were also on hand to help him unveil the major honor. Combs and Fat Joe worked with Khaled for several tracks including the 2010 remix of DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.'”
Fat Joe who was the first to pay tribute said, “When I first met Khaled I fell in love with him, his charisma, his personality, and I knew that one day everybody else in the world will get what I got. Special guy, when I met him he made me move out from new York to Miami to be close to him.”
“That energy was so infectious, when I think if Khaled i think of love thats the only reason why you see all the heavyweights, everybody flew in for this. Love of his family and his kids,” he continued.
Sean Combs in his tribute said, “I am definitely honored and humbled to be here today, with my brother DJ Khaled. I have seen his journey, up close and personal, I have seen his relentlessness, your journey is an inspiration to every artist, every upcoming artist, and entrepreneur and every hustler around the world.”
“You worked harder than everybody and you wanted to have an impact on the world.”
Jay Z, Future, Jeezy, LA Reid and Teyanna Taylor were also present at the the ceremony was held at 6212 Hollywood Blvd., next to Amoeba Music.
An emotional Khaled in his response paid tribute first God then to his children and wife Nicole. “I want to thank my wife and two beautiful boys, Asahd you good? Alaam you good? You know we the biggest right?” he said encouragingly to his children who were present. “I love you, without my kids and my wife, man I love them so much and just want to take time out to big them up and tell them I love you.”
Visibly taken aback by the moment he said, “Nicole I love you so much, not only dealing with me but taking care of our kids, I am not a regular type of person, there is only one Khaled and I just to say thank you,” as he wiped tears from his eyes.
“I want my star to represent the light that shine on everybody, god put me here to be the light,” he continued.
The star is the 2,719th since the completion of the Walk of Fame in 1961 with the first 1,558 stars.
Born Khaled Mohammed Khaled on Nov. 26, 1975, in New Orleans, DJ Khaled started to learn how to DJ in the garage of his family house in Orlando, Florida when he was 13. He began co-hosting a program on Miami radio station WEDR-FM (99.9) in 1998 with Luther Campbell, best known as the leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew.
He came to Jamaica on an invitation by Sharon Burke to perform at a sound-clash. He got the approval of Bounty Killer, Capleton, Sizzla and Buju Banton who gave him dub-plates to kick start his DJ career.
He has been instrumental in selling dancehall and Jamaican culture via his music and on his 28 million strong instagram page where he regularly shares aspects of the culture. His last two albums were partially recorded in Jamaica and he is a mainstay during “album mode” at the luxurious Rio Chico resort dubbed ‘Holy Mountain’ in Ocho Rios St. Ann.
DJ Khaled’s debut album “Listennn… the Album” was released in 2006, reaching third on Billboard’s rap and R&B/hip-hop charts. His second album, “We the Best” released in 2007 was second on both charts.
In 2011, DJ Khaled had his first No. 1 single, “I’m on One,” which featured Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne, which also brought him his first Grammy nomination. He also had his first No. 1 album in 2011, “We the Best Forever.”
Bounty Killer paid tribute to the Where You Come From DJ who frequently include Jamaican artists and dancehall samples on his albums.
“Congrats @djkhaled such a historical and auspicious moment I’m feeling so elated and proud to be a part of this man illustrious and colorful journey Talent Confidence and Determination did all that salute bredda I already told them!!
Win With Us Or Watch Us Win🥇🎈🥂🍾🎉,” he posted on Instragram.
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Watch full ceremony below