With the current seat open at Def Jam for the coveted position as President of the company, we’ve seen some hip-hop heavyweights step up in attempt to grab the spot.
EXCLUSIVE: DJ Khaled Gives Uncle Rush The Full Ricky Rozay Update
Few should be taken as seriously as DJ Khaled, who has an undeniable work ethic, connections for days and of course, his “We the Best” mentality.
DJ Khaled spoke with the bossman Uncle Rush to let him know his mindset on what could potentially be his next job. Check out what he had to say.
DJ Khaled: I understand artists. I am going to go out of my way for these artists to make sure that they are good but, at the same time, these artists trust and respect me.
I work non-stop. I am everywhere. With Ross’s album, we go hard to make these classics. I know we have proved it in the past 6 or 7 years and this album that we are about to turn in is the biggest album of his career. It is so big that a lot of eyes are going to be opened when this drops.
Russell Simmons: What you need to do is continue the creative process and the more honest to the streets you are, the better.
DJ Khaled: I am hip hop and I have lived it and that’s all I know. At the same time, I am a business man and I know the game but, I also know the business.
Russell Simmons: And, if you’re a team player, you aren’t going to come in and restructure.
DJ Khaled: No, never that! I would rely on the team to help me so I can help them. That is how a real leader wins, it is called having the best team ever. I do feel like we have the best team and I just want to add my creativity to the leadership, especially when it comes to hip-hop. When it comes down to hip-hop we need somebody out there who is going to keep it 100 and at the same time can make things better.
Russell Simmons: Everybody seems to be rooting for you.
DJ Khaled: That’s the energy I have been getting from everybody. At one time you had to come from something in order to be where you’re at and it’s the same with any other person out there. I feel like this is just part of my story and my legacy, I am supposed to have this position.
My goal for Def Jam is to inspire the team artist to win more! I want to bring exciting energy to the game! I want to bring more great music! I have an amazing ear and if I’m not making the hit I’m finding the hit! I believe in team work! I worked so hard to get where I am now and I won’t stop! I feel like I’m today’s best exec of today’s times. Thank you for believing in me and if I do get the opportunity, I will make you proud and if I don’t get it I will work even harder till I get it!
