Released: 2016
Label: Epic/We The Best
Featuring: JAY-Z, Future, Drake, Nas, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Betty Wright, J. Cole, Bryson Tiller, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Rick Ross, Kodak Black, Jeezy, French Montana, YG, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Jadakiss, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Kent Jones, Travis Scott, Lil Wayne, Meghan Trainor, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Mavado
DJ Khaled’s “Major Key” album, released in 2016 by Epic/We The Best, is a triumphant tour de force in hip-hop production. The album features a stellar line-up of the genre’s most influential artists, including JAY-Z, Future, Drake, Nas, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Betty Wright, J. Cole, Bryson Tiller, and many more. Each track on “Major Key” is its own universe, narrating unique stories and perspectives that reflect the broad spectrum of hip-hop music’s cultural, social, and personal narratives. DJ Khaled’s expert curation marries diverse lyrical styles with an equally eclectic range of beats, crafting an album that not only hits hard but also resonates on a deeper level. From celebrating triumphs to reflecting on struggles and aspirations, the featured artists deliver a multi-faceted exploration of life’s major keys. So let’s get into it. From “I Got The Keys” to “Progress”, here we are breaking down the album “Major Key” by “DJ Khaled”.
1 I Got the Keys
Features: JAY-Z, Future
Dropping knowledge with each verse, they navigate the complexities of achieving autonomy in a system designed to hold you back. Jay-Z’s assertive delivery of, “‘Til you own your own you can’t be free,” underlines a core message of the track—ownership is the ultimate key to liberty. With a backdrop of sharp beats, this anthem not only celebrates their triumphs but also offers a gritty blueprint for aspiring moguls in the cutthroat terrains of music and beyond. It’s a masterclass in leveraging your worth, wrapped in a defiant celebration of resilience and self-made success.
2 For Free
Features: Drake
Featuring Drake, the OVO titan flexes lyrical muscles over a backdrop of slick, sun-kissed beats, crafting an anthem that cheekily addresses the rewards of his success—both material and romantic. Drake’s casual bravado shines as he marvels at his staying power and the allure that keeps the company clamoring for more, free of charge. Among the playful boasts, one line resonates with its candid blend of humor and hubris: “Is it just me? Or is this sex so good I shouldn’t have to fuck for free?” This line encapsulates the track’s effortless swagger and the high life that comes with being at the pinnacle of the game.
3 Nas Album Done
Features: Nas
Nas navigates through topics of cultural significance, economic empowerment, and the essence of his enduring legacy with the smooth confidence of a veteran. A standout line, “My signature fade with the Bevel blade, that’s a major key,” not only showcases his attention to detail and personal branding but also metaphorically represents precision and excellence in his craft. Nas’s mastery in weaving complex narratives and impactful messages within bars reaffirms his position as a revered figure in hip-hop, driving home the point that his artistry is both timeless and iconic.
4 Holy Key
Features: Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Betty Wright
Big Sean introspects on personal growth and the distortion of love, whereas Kendrick Lamar delves into the societal and environmental abyss, advocating for a higher consciousness and spiritual awakening. A standout hard-hitting line from Kendrick, “The universe and the heavens work in my DNA,” encapsulates the profound personal and collective introspection the track embodies, highlighting an intrinsic connection between individual identity and the cosmos.
5 Jermaine’s Interlude
Features: J. Cole
Cole offers a profound meditation on the struggles and disillusionment with fame, layered over DJ Khaled’s polished production. Cole’s introspection touches on the ephemeral nature of success and the moral compromises often demanded in the pursuit of it. A standout line, “Tables do turn and labels do burn, the second they ask you to sell your soul,” encapsulates the song’s heart, urging artists to stay true to themselves in the face of industry pressures. Through vivid storytelling, Cole confronts societal ills and personal demons, ultimately questioning whether the celestial promises of success are worth the spiritual cost.
6 Ima Be Alright
Features: Bryson Tiller, Future
Through their verses, they address the harsh realities of shifting loyalties and the unrelenting desire of others to see them falter, encapsulating a narrative familiar to many at the top. Future’s assertion, “Hey, they talkin’ shit, that’s what they tellin’ me,” underlines the constant scrutiny and negativity they face, yet through it all, the song’s vibe is unmistakably victorious. It’s a testament to enduring the storm, holding fast to one’s roots, and emerging unscathed on the other side. “Ima Be Alright” isn’t just a track; it’s an anthem for persistence amidst adversity.
7 Do You Mind
Features: Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Future, Rick Ross
This track harnesses the collective star power of its contributors, weaving together a narrative of seduction, affluence, and relationship dynamics. Each artist brings their flavor, from Nicki’s assertive bars to Ross’s signature opulence, underpinned by Khaled’s knack for curating hits. A standout line from Nicki Minaj, “He got Nicki, he know that he hit the jackpot,” captures the essence of confidence and allure that defines the entire track.
8 Pick These Hoes Apart
Features: Kodak Black, Jeezy, French Montana
The track is lined with braggadocio and candid reflections on fleeting encounters, underscored by a standout line from Kodak Black, “Love ’em with your mind and never with your heart.” This lyric encapsulates the song’s gritty realism and the artists’ struggle with emotional detachment amidst their luxurious lifestyles, all while navigating the allure and pitfalls of fame.
9 Fuck Up the Club
Features: Future, Rick Ross, YG, Yo Gotti
The collaborative lyricism spins a narrative of success, wealth, and unabashed celebration. Rick Ross, with his signature bravado, delivers a line that encapsulates the essence of their untouchable status: “Still tippin’ them scales, I’m Ross, fit in the Wraith.” This anthem is a bold declaration of dominance, where luxury and success aren’t just enjoyed but are wielded as symbols of their unparalleled position in the hierarchy.
10 Work for It
Features: Big Sean, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz
The track juxtaposes the relentless pursuit of success with the emotional toll of maintaining a relationship, highlighted by Big Sean’s verse, “I’m addicted to your ass and titties / When you dance the bedroom turn to Magic City.” This line not only showcases Big Sean’s signature witty lyricism but also mirrors the song’s overarching theme of the sacrifices and adjustments made in the name of love and success, painting a vivid picture of the balance between personal desires and professional ambitions.
11 Don’t Ever Play Yourself
Features: Jadakiss, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Kent Jones
Each artist delivers cautionary tales and braggadocious bars that pierce through the fluff of the industry, offering a raw, unfiltered look into the ethos of survival and success in the game. Fabolous sets the tone with a line that encapsulates the song’s essence, “If you don’t move, I’ll beat a nigga past painful,” defining the track’s call to assertiveness and resilience in the face of adversity.
12 Tourist
Features: Travis Scott, Lil Wayne
With Travis Scott’s autotuned declarations of opulence and Wayne’s clever wordplay, the track is a testament to the highs of fame and the temptations that come with it. One standout line, “She might be a tourist and terrorist. A Hell’s Angel acting like she heaven sent, Lord,” delivered by Lil Wayne, encapsulates the song’s blend of danger and allure, highlighting the duality of their glamorous yet precarious lives.
13 Forgive Me Father
Features: Meghan Trainor, Wiz Khalifa, Wale
With a harmonious blend of pop and hip-hop, they narrate the struggles of overcoming personal demons and the pursuit of growth despite the fame and the changes it brings. Wale’s verse stands out, offering a raw glimpse into his journey of self-improvement and responsibility, especially after becoming a father. A striking line, “I ain’t been the same since I had a kid,” encapsulates the transformative power of parenthood, steering him towards a path of protection and introspection.
14 Progress
Features: Mavado
Mavado delivers a powerful message about navigating life’s hardships with determination, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and not being weighed down by those who do not wish to see you succeed. The track resonates with anyone striving for betterment in the face of obstacles. A standout line that captures the essence of the song’s message is, “Man fi go through life without no stress, Be friends with some people that’s hopeless, Cause dem a nuh, no progress.” This lyric underscores the importance of distancing oneself from negativity and staying focused on one’s journey toward progress.
