Released: 2022
Label: Epic/We The Best
Featuring: Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, JAY-Z, John Legend, Fridayy, Kanye West, Eminem, Future, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, 21 Savage, Roddy Ricch, Quavo, Takeoff, SZA, Nardo Wick, Kodak Black, Don Toliver, Travis Scott, Gunna, Latto, City Girls, Skillibeng, Buju Banton, Capleton, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Juice WRLD, Jadakiss, Vory
Soaked in confidence and fueled by a masterful combination of anthems and reflection, DJ Khaled’s ‘GOD DID’ is far more than a showcase of the hit-maker’s musical prowess; it’s a sonic journey into the heart of hip-hop. This album serves as a testament to trial and triumph, perfectly encapsulating the journey from struggle to prosperity with its layered narratives and bold assertions. With a star-studded lineup that includes Drake, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, JAY-Z, Future, and many others, ‘GOD DID’ pushes boundaries in exploring the experiences and realities that shape the world of hip-hop. Each track maintains its distinct flavor, all the while weaving a cohesive story of resilience, faith, ambition, and the sheer power of self-belief. So let’s get into it. From “NO SECRET” to “GRATEFUL,” here we are breaking down the album “GOD DID” by “DJ Khaled”.
1 NO SECRET
Features: Drake
Drake’s smooth delivery on lines like “They tryna sink they teeth in, they act like we friends” underscores the facade often encountered in the climb to the top. A standout hard-hitting line, “Good evening, I walked out the precinct, No evidence to keep me out, I’m top dog, no secret, oh,” encapsulates the art of maintaining one’s standing amidst adversity and skepticism, asserting dominance unapologetically in the game.
2 GOD DID
Features: Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, JAY-Z, John Legend, Fridayy
It’s a celebration of overcoming doubts, with each verse unfolding tales of resilience, success against the odds, and divine favor. The artists reflect on their journeys, the skepticism they faced, and the unparalleled strength they found in their faith and hustle. Jay-Z’s verse stands out, delivering a powerful narrative of transformation and triumph, “Hov did. Please, Lord forgive me for what the stove did. Nobody touched the billi’ until Hov did.” This line hits hard, encapsulating Jay-Z’s journey from the streets to billionaire status, underscoring the essence of the track – a profound acknowledgment of divine intervention and self-determination in the face of adversity.
3 USE THIS GOSPEL – REMIX
Features: Kanye West, Eminem
Both legends stay true to form—Kanye with his hallmark blend of faith and hubris, Eminem with his introspective grit, battling demons and seeking redemption. A standout line from Eminem, “Bible at my side like a rifle with a God-given gift,” hits hard, encapsulating the song’s theme of finding strength and protection in faith amidst life’s battles. Their verses serve as a raw testament to the struggle and solace found in spirituality, making this track a profound piece of hip-hop gospel.
4 BIG TIME
Features: Future, Lil Baby
Through potent verses, they depict a life lavished with “Rainbow Audemar” watches and constant security, illustrating not just wealth but a level of importance that demands protection. With lines like “I got more than one main bitch, ’cause I’m big time,” the lyrics embrace and boast about the extravagant and often controversial aspects of their lifestyles. This line hammers home the theme of excess and opulence that defines being “big time” in their world, spotlighting a carefree attitude towards relationships and possessions, wrapped in the unyielding confidence of those who’ve made it big.
5 KEEP GOING
Features: Lil Durk, 21 Savage, Roddy Ricch
The triad navigates through themes of survival, ambition, and the inescapable gaze of both the streets and the feds. With a gritty realism, they paint vivid pictures of their journeys from the trenches to triumph, never shying away from the rawness of their experiences. A standout line, “I’m getting money, he getting money, feel like Big Meech and Southwest T,” encapsulates the essence of their message—despite the chaos, the goal is to keep elevating, no matter what.
6 PARTY
Features: Quavo, Takeoff
With lyrics that paint vivid pictures of lavish parties, expensive tastes, and the relentless pursuit of pleasure, the song encapsulates the spirit of victory that DJ Khaled often champions. Quavo and Takeoff, in their quintessential flow, blend braggadocio with moments of introspection about their journey from rags to riches. A line that hits hard and encapsulates the essence of the track is, “I lost my grandma, we lost Lil Keed / Had a nigga feelin’ like Gotit,” highlighting that even amidst celebration, there’s room for reflection on personal losses and the bittersweet nature of success.
7 STAYING ALIVE
Features: Drake, Lil Baby
Drake and Lil Baby trade verses that showcase their journey from hardship to the zenith of success, harboring a no-quit attitude despite the pressures and temptations that come with their status. A standout line, “Wanted me to lie, wanted me to cry, wanted me to die, I’m staying alive,” epitomizes not just the song’s essence but also the relentless spirit required to navigate the complexities of life and the music industry.
8 BEAUTIFUL
Features: Future, SZA
DJ Khaled, Future, and SZA blend their distinctive sounds to craft a track that’s as opulent in its soundscape as it is intimate in its lyrical content. This song plunges into the depths of romance, toxicity, and the complex dynamics of a relationship embroiled in the modern trappings of fame and materialism. A standout line, “Every single night, we burn sage ’cause we toxic,” encapsulates the duality of trying to purify a relationship that’s inherently flawed, highlighting the track’s exploration of love’s beautiful yet sometimes detrimental nature.
9 IT AIN’T SAFE
Features: Nardo Wick, Kodak Black
This track isn’t just a showcase of luxury and bravado but a declaration of survival, resilience, and the unspoken rules that govern the streets. Through a blend of aggressive beats and raw lyrics, they articulate the reality of living life on the edge, where every move is a statement and every success has its adversaries. Nardo Wick and Kodak Black weave their unique narratives around this central theme, punctuating the air with lines like, “I don’t got no brakes, it ain’t not stoppin’ this.” It’s a gritty celebration of their ascent, backed by the understanding that with visibility comes vulnerability, hence the refrain, “it ain’t safe.” This track, emblematic of the album’s broader themes, seamlessly merges the celebration of success with the cautionary tales that come with it.
10 LET’S PRAY
Features: Don Toliver, Travis Scott
Encapsulating the duality of human nature and ambition, underlined by a relentless pursuit for more, all while grappling with the moral complexities such aspirations entail. A standout line, “I know you pray to God when you want somethin’ from me,” encapsulates this tension perfectly, highlighting the human tendency to seek divine intervention when desires peak or when in dire situations. The song’s introspective lyrics don’t shy away from the struggles and the contradictions that define our paths to greatness.
11 FAM GOOD, WE GOOD
Features: Gunna, Roddy Ricch
With every bar spit, they draw lines around the paramount importance of ensuring the well-being of their circle, articulating a no-loss policy as long as their kin are cared for. It’s a track that resonates with the universal grind and hustle spirit, where success isn’t measured by personal accolades but by the ability to uplift those around you. Gunna’s declaration, “My family’s straight, got the chip, I been holding my weight,” serves as a standout line, embodying the track’s core message with stark clarity and reinforcing the collective triumph over individual gain.
12 BILLS PAID
Features: Latto, City Girls
Featuring Latto and City Girls, serves as a bold assertion of financial independence and empowerment but with an edge, emphasizing the desire for a partner who can match this independence. It’s a track that doesn’t shy away from expectations in relationships, especially where financial reciprocity is concerned. The anthem radiates a level of confidence and self-assurance that’s palpable. One line encapsulates its spirit perfectly: “Boss bitch, got my own but you can upgrade it.” This lyric not only champions self-reliance but also flips traditional gender expectations, inviting a narrative where being financially supported is a choice rather than a necessity.
13 WAY PAST LUCK
Features: 21 Savage
Savage’s raw narrative weaves tales of adversity, betrayal, and ultimate triumph, all while maintaining his roots and authenticity. A standout line that encapsulates this journey is “40 million a year, this shit right here way past lucked up,” illustrating the transition from rough beginnings to commanding enormous success, emphasizing that it’s not by chance but through relentless effort and vision.
14 THESE STREETS KNOW MY NAME
Features: Skillibeng, Buju Banton, Capleton, Bounty Killer, Sizzla
It’s a celebration of enduring spirit, and a nod to the streets that raised these icons, blending raw lyrical prowess with beats that hit as hard as the truths they speak. A standout line capturing the essence of struggle and strength is, “These streets knows my name, yeah / These legs knows my pain.” It’s a testament to their unwavering presence and impact in both their communities and the music scene, proving that real recognize real, and the streets never forget their own.
15 Juice WRLD DID
Features: Juice WRLD
Juice WRLD’s verse is a raw, unfiltered stream of consciousness that taps into themes of survival and loyalty to one’s roots and group, swaying between his notorious dark imagery and a celebration of his achievements. A standout line, “My dreads, they hang like Shabba Ranks / My gun Chief Keef, the b***h go bang-bang,” not only pays homage to cultural icons but encapsulates the blend of pride and combativeness that defines the track.
16 JADAKISS INTERLUDE
Features: Jadakiss
The verse is a vivid painting of the city’s gritty reality, encompassing everything from the struggle for survival amidst poverty to the pride of upbringing in the concrete jungle. Jadakiss’ lyrics “I’m the single parent household with nothin’ in the ‘frigerator” hit hard, shining a light on the stark realities many face, yet also highlighting the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. This interlude isn’t just a song; it’s a raw homage to the city that made him, a reminder of the unyielding tenacity that defines New York.
17 ASAHD AND AALAM CLOTH TALK
The repetition of “God did” serves as an affirming mantra, suggesting that behind every success story, there’s a divine script at play. It’s less about the complexity of the words and more about the powerful, life-affirming energy behind them, painting Khaled not just as a music mogul, but a devoted father instilling values of gratitude and faith.
18 GRATEFUL
Features: Vory
There’s a palpable gratitude for all experiences — the losses, the wins, and the journey. Amidst a world where setbacks are often seen as defeats, this song turns them into badges of honor and reasons for gratitude. Vory’s soulful delivery encapsulates this sentiment, especially when he sings, “Every loss I had to take, I took it on the chin.” It’s a powerful line that speaks to resilience, acknowledging the bumpy road to success without lingering on the setbacks.
