Major Key (album)
Major Key | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | July 29, 2016 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 57:53 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
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DJ Khaled chronology | ||||
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Singles from Major Key | ||||
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Major Key (stylized as Major 🔑) is the ninth studio album by American musician DJ Khaled. It was released on July 29, 2016, by Epic Records and We the Best Music Group. The album features guest appearances from Future, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Drake, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Betty Wright, J. Cole, Bryson Tiller, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, 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 and Mavado.
Major Key was supported by four
Background
The album's title and themes originate from Khaled's recently raised profile in social media. In late 2015, Khaled became highly popular on Snapchat, sharing his advice that he calls his "keys to success", utilizing the 'key' emoji as a symbol of his knowledge.[2] The album's title is also a play on words, alluding simultaneously to the major mode and songs being performed in a major key. Some songs featured in this album, like "For Free" featuring Drake, have Khaled announcing the album name in the beginning of the song, shortly after announcing his record label, like in many other recent songs.
Release and promotion
On April 12, 2016, DJ Khaled announced that he has signed a record deal to Epic Records. He also made the announcement that the title to the album would be called Major Key.[3] On April 18, DJ Khaled joined Beyoncé on her The Formation World Tour.[4] On Twitter, Future hinted that the song with DJ Khaled and Jay-Z was going to be a single for the album.[5] On May 28, 2016, DJ Khaled shot and posted a photo for the album cover artwork, featuring him sitting on a throne, and a bunch of flowers surrounding him and a live lion.[6]
Recording and production
In an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, record producer Southside revealed that he was producing a song for DJ Khaled, Jay-Z and Future's single.[7] In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, DJ Khaled spoke about the album and revealing on who the guest appearances stated "I've got another record with me, Future, and Jay Z. I want to clarify and make sure everybody knows that I have two verses from Jay Z on this record with me and Future. Amongst other artists, me and Kanye West, we talking right now about making something special. Me and Rick Ross. Ross is definitely on the album. Lil Wayne, Big Sean, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Travis Scott, the list goes on."[8] He also hinted that he was going to collaborate with artists such as Mariah Carey and Drake on his Snapchat and Instagram.[6] DJ Khaled slated that the album would have no more than 14 songs.[9]
Singles
The official lead single from Major Key, "
The official second single from Major Key, "I Got the Keys", was released on June 4, 2016. The song features guest appearances from American rappers Future and Jay-Z, with production by Southside, Jake One and G Koop.[12] The music video was released after the 2016 BET Awards.[13]
On July 22, 2016, DJ Khaled would premiered his third single from the album, "Holy Key" featuring Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean and Betty Wright, during episode 24 of his primetime radio show We The Best Radio on Beats 1 radio.[14]
"Do You Mind" featuring Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Future and Rick Ross, was released as the fourth single on July 28, 2016.[15]
Critical reception
Aggregate scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Consequence of Sound | B−[1] |
Entertainment Weekly | B+[19] |
Exclaim! | 4/10[20] |
HipHopDX | 3.2/5[21] |
Pitchfork | 6.9/10[22] |
PopMatters | 6/10[23] |
RapReviews.com | 7/10[24] |
Rolling Stone | [25] |
Spin | 6/10[26] |
Major Key received generally positive reviews from critics. At
Steve "Flash" Juon of RapReviews.com said, "If you're not expecting an hour of profound wisdom from start to finish this is an ideal late summer mixtape to ride around to."[24] A. Harmony of Exclaim! said, "It starts off deceptively strong, with standouts like "I Got the Keys", "Nas Album Done" and "For Free" all loaded near the beginning. But once the album advances past this bit of clever sequencing, it barely strikes a chord."[20] Michael G. Barilleaux of No Ripcord said, "The production on this album is bearable and more or less gets the job done, but is mostly composed of bothersome loops. This leaves the bulk of the work to the emcees. And quite frankly, some show up, and some most certainly do not."[27] Nathaniel Schwass of PopMatters said, "While Major Key proves that DJ Khaled is not simply a meme, Khaled swings too hard and misses too often with each attempt at a radio hit."[23] Christopher R. Weingarten of Rolling Stone said, "As with every Khaled LP, the end result is a blast in small doses but a little bludgeoning taken as a whole."[25] Matthew Ramirez of Spin said, "The problem with the fantasy of a major Khaled Album though, is that, like a summer blockbuster, Major Key is too front-loaded."[26]
Accolades
Publication | List | Rank |
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Complex
|
The 50 Best Albums of 2016 | 48[28] |
XXL | 50 Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2016 | 50[29] |
Ceremony | Category | Result |
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2017 Grammy Awards | Best Rap Album | Nominated[30] |
Commercial performance
In its home country of the United States, Major Key debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, with 96,000 equivalent album units, marking Khaled's first number one album.[31] While it was the best-selling album of the week, selling 59,000 copies in its first week.[32] The album sales launch is DJ Khaled's second-biggest first week in his career, behind We the Best (2007).[31] In its second week, the album remained in the top ten at Billboard 200, fell to number seven, with 43,000 equivalent album units, it sold 12,000 copies.[33][34] On September 27, 2019, Major Key was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[35]
Track listing
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
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1. | " Usher Raymond IV | 4:50 | ||
11. | "Don't Ever Play Yourself" (featuring Jadakiss, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes & Kent Jones) |
|
| 5:31 |
12. | "Tourist" (featuring Travis Scott & Lil Wayne) | 4:33 | ||
13. | "Forgive Me Father" (featuring Meghan Trainor, Wiz Khalifa & Wale) |
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| 4:06 |
14. | "Progress" (performed by Mavado) |
| Mineral Boss Productions | 2:58 |
Total length: | 57:53 |
Track notes
Sample credits
- "For Free" contains interpolations of "Fuck Me For Free", performed by Akinyele; reused lyrics from "Blow the Whistle", performed by Too Short; and resung lyrics from "For Free? (Interlude)", performed by Kendrick Lamar.
- "Nas Album Done" contains a sample of "Fu-Gee-La", performed by Fugees.
- "Holy Key" contains a sample of "So Tired", performed by The Chambers Brothers.
- "Jermaine's Interlude" contains a sample of "It's Possible", composed by Piero Piccioni.
- "Do You Mind" contains samples of ".
- "Work for It" contains a sample of "Pop Style", performed by Drake featuring The Throne.
Personnel
Artists
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Technical personnel
Record producers
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Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Canada (Music Canada)[55] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[35] | Platinum | 1,000,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- ^ Consequence of Sound. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
- ^ McCluskey, Megan (January 8, 2016). "Understanding the Key Emoji and DJ Khaled's 'Major Keys to Success'". Time. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Platon, Adelle (April 12, 2016). "DJ Khaled Talks Reuniting With L.A. Reid for Epic Deal, 'Major Key' Album & Making Movies on Hot 97". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Platon, Adelle (April 18, 2016). "DJ Khaled Joins Beyonce's Formation Tour". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- Complex. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ a b Smith, Trevor (May 28, 2016). "DJ Khaled Says The Drake Vocals Are In, Shoots "Major Key" Cover With Lion". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Schwartz, Danny (April 11, 2016). "Future & Jay Z To Release Single With DJ Khaled". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Eric (May 20, 2016). "DJ Khaled confirms Major Key will feature Drake, Jay Z, Future, Lil Wayne, and more". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ Walker, Angus (June 3, 2016). "DJ Khaled Says 'Major Key' Will Feature Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay Z & Many More". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
- ^ Walker, Angus (June 3, 2016). "DJ Khaled – For Free Feat. Drake | Stream [New Song]". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
- ^ Lozano, Kevin (June 3, 2016). "Drake and DJ Khaled Share New Song 'For Free': Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 3, 2016.
- ^ "I Got the Keys". Amazon.
- ^ "NEW MUSIC: DJ KHALED FEAT. JAY Z & FUTURE – 'I GOT THE KEYS'". Rap-Up. June 26, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Reveals 'Holy Key' Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean & Betty Wright Will Drop Friday". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Schwartz, Danny (July 28, 2017). "DJ Khaled – Do You Mind Feat. Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Future, August Alsina, Jeremih & Rick Ross". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
- ^ "Major Key by DJ Khaled reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "Reviews for Major Key by DJ Khaled". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Andy Kellman. "Major Key – DJ Khaled". AllMusic. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Nolan Feeney (July 29, 2016). "DJ Khaled's 'Major Key': EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b A. Harmony (August 5, 2016). "DJ Khaled Major Key". Exclaim!. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Scott Glaysher (August 3, 2016). "DJ Khaled Major Key Album Review". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Kris Ex (July 29, 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Nathaniel Schwass (August 29, 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key". PopMatters. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Steve "Flash" Juon (July 29, 2016). "RapReviews.com Feature for August 9, 2016 – DJ Khaled's "Major Key"". RapReviews.com. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Christopher R. Weingarten (July 29, 2016). "Review: DJ Khaled Doesn't Let Viral Fame Change Him on 'Major Key'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ a b Matthew Ramirez (August 4, 2016). "Review: DJ Khaled, 'Major Key'". Spin. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- ^ Michael G. Barilleaux (August 12, 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key – Music Review". No Ripcord. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
- Complex. December 5, 2016. Retrieved December 5, 2016.
- ^ "50 Best Hip-Hop Projects of 2016". XXL. December 19, 2016. Retrieved December 25, 2016.
- ^ Unterberger, Andrew (December 6, 2016). "Grammy 2017: The Complete List of Nominees". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ a b "DJ Khaled Earns His First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Major Key'". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
- ^ Walker, Angus (August 6, 2016). "DJ Khaled Dethrones Drake & Gets First No. With "Major Key"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ "'Suicide Squad' Soundtrack Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ ""Suicide Squad: The Album" Debuts At #1 On Billboard Top 200 Chart". HipHopDX. August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
- ^ a b "American album certifications – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "Australiancharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ "Austriancharts.at – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Ultratop.be – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Lescharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
- Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Charts.nz – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ 5, 2016/40/ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
- ^ "Swedishcharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
- ^ "Swisscharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
- ^ 5, 2016/7502/ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ 5, 2016/115/ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2016.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2016". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Music Canada.