DJ Khaled receives yet “another one” to add to his accolades as the newest recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (April 11th).
It’s fair to say that the honour is a fitting reward for the We The Best CEO’s decades of determination, persistence and hard work.
As the New Orleans-born son of Palestinian immigrants, Khaled came from humble beginnings and worked tirelessly to become the star that he is today.
The critically-acclaimed producer was joined by a number of his long-time friends and collaborators including JAY-Z, P Diddy, Fat Joe and more.
Fat Joe started the ceremony recalling how they first met 25 years ago, “When I met him, he made me move out of New York to Miami. When I think of Khaled, I think of love. That’s the only reason why you see the heavyweights here like you see them.”
Diddy followed, congratulating his long-time friend and highlighting Khaled’s tenacity, “I remember that day when you told me, ‘They don’t believe me, Puff.’ I was like ‘Khaled, what are you talking about? You’re doing great…’But they don’t believe me.’ I remember from that day, you worked all the way up.” He continued, “You’re a pioneer; you’re an icon and a brilliant businessman. But most importantly, you’re a great friend to all of us here…Your energy and your work ethic [are] unmatched, we celebrate you for everything.”
Rick Ross, one of Khaled’s earliest friends in the industry, said of the latter’s early days, “There were always a lot of things to like about him, but preeminent among those was that he always busted his ass. He would go to three and four clubs a night, do radio during the day, mixtapes at night. He was everywhere. We were both hard workers. Still are.”
In an emotional acceptance speech, Khaled confessed, “Everybody who puts out great work loves greatness to come back. Now, am I driven by awards or other accolades? No. That I came from nothing, that I made it this far, and that I keep going and I keep growing — that’s what drives me. Being a father of two children drives me. Being a good man drives me — being there for my family and my children. I’m grateful for [the] blessings that God gave me. Getting this star, that acknowledgement is a blessing.”
Finally, he reminded fans and all those in attendance, “There’s only one Khaled, that’s all I gotta say. We the best. It’s not just me, it’s we.”
