Major Key (album)

Major Key
Studio album by DJ Khaled
Released	July 29, 2016
Recorded	August 2015 – June 2016
Genre	Hip hop trap R&B[1]
Length	57:53
Label	We the Best Epic
Producer	DJ Khaled (also exec.) 808-Ray Ben Billions Cool & Dre DJ Nasty & LVM Dyryk Edsclusive Frank Dukes G Koop Hollywood JB Jake One Jordan Ullman Kent Jones Key Wane Lee on the Beats Metro Boomin Mineral Boss Productions Nineteen85 Qolorsound Southside TBHits The Beat Bully
DJ Khaled chronology
I Changed a Lot (2015) Major Key (2016)
Singles from Major Key
"For Free" Released: June 17, 2016 "I Got the Keys" Released: July 4, 2016 "Holy Key" Released: July 22, 2016 "Do You Mind" Released: July 28, 2016

Major Key (stylized as Major 🔑) is the ninth studio album by 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.^[2]

The album was supported by four singles, "For Free", "I Got the Keys", "Holy Key" and "Do You Mind". Major Key received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in November 2016.

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.^[3] The album's title is also a play on words, alluding simultaneously to the musical scale 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.^[4] On April 18, DJ Khaled joined Beyoncé on her The Formation World Tour.^[5] On Twitter, Future hinted that the song with DJ Khaled and Jay Z was going to be a single for the album.^[6] 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.^[7]

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.^[8] 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."^[9] He also hinted that he was going to collaborate with artists such as Mariah Carey and Drake on his Snapchat and Instagram.^[7] DJ Khaled slated that the album would have no more than 14 songs.^[10]

Singles

On June 17, 2016, DJ Khaled released the official lead single from Major Key, called "For Free".^[11] The song features guest vocals from Canadian rapper Drake, with productions by Nineteen85 and Jordan Ullman.^[12] The full title of the lead single is "Fuck Me for Free". The track premiered on Beats1, during an interview with Zane Lowe and Khaled.^[13] On July 4, 2016, the second single, "I Got the Keys" was released, featuring American rappers Future and Jay Z with productions by Southside, Jake One, and G Koop.^[14] The music video was released after the 2016 BET Awards.^[15] On July 22, 2016, DJ Khaled premiered the third single "Holy Key" featuring Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean and Betty Wright on episode 24 of his primetime radio show We The Best Radio on Beats 1 Radio.^[16] "Do You Mind" featuring Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Future and Rick Ross, was released as the fourth single on July 29, 2016.^[17]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
AnyDecentMusic?	6.1/10[18]
Metacritic	66/100[19]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[20]
Consequence of Sound	B–[1]
Entertainment Weekly	B+[21]
Exclaim!	4/10[22]
HipHopDX	3.2/5[23]
PopMatters	6/10[24]
Pitchfork	6.9/10[25]
RapReviews.com	7/10[26]
Rolling Stone	[27]
Spin	6/10[28]

Major Key received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 66, based on 10 reviews.^[19] KC Orcutt of Consequence of Sound said, "As might be expected from a record this big with a rolodex this wide-ranging, Major Key is an absolutely mixed bag. Khaled utilizes full-speed-ahead intensity, big room trap, and syrupy R&B, all without leaving room to breathe. But then again, Khaled's presence unifies Major Key."^[1] Nolan Feeney of Entertainment Weekly said, "His bottomless stock of anthemic crowd-pleasers may not be game-changing, but few albums this year have come preloaded with this many obvious singles."^[21] Scott Glaysher of HipHopDX said, "There are instances on this album that do prove Khaled's worth as a Hip Hop orchestrator in terms of matching high profile rappers with quality beats but unfortunately, they come too few and far between."^[23] Kris Ex of Pitchfork said, "Like all of his albums, Major Key is a mixed bag, fitting for a maestro who traffics in a blend of chest-thumping and humility that's both as comical as it is prophetic."^[25] 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."^[26]

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."^[22] 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."^[29] 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."^[24] 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."^[27] 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."^[28]

Commercial performance

In its home country of United States, Major Key debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with 96,000 equivalent album units, marked Khaled's first number one album.^[30] While it was the best-selling album of the week, selling 59,000 copies in its first week.^[31] The album sales launch is DJ Khaled's second-biggest first week in his career, behind We the Best (2007).^[30] In its second week, the album remained in the top ten at Billboard 200, fell to number 7, with 43,000 equivalent album units, it sold 12,000 copies.^[32][33] On November 21, 2016, Major Key was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).^[34]

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Producer(s)	Length
1.	"I Got the Keys" (featuring Jay Z and Future)	Khaled Khaled Shawn Carter Nayvadius Wilburn Joshua Luellen Jacob Dutton Robert Mandell	Southside DJ Khaled Jake One^[a] G Koop^[a]	3:39
2.	"For Free" (featuring Drake)	Khaled Kenneth Grant Kacy Brooks LaMarquis Jefferson Paul Jefferies Jordan Ullman Akinyele Adams Frankie Malave Craig David James Phillips Todd Shaw Jonathan Smith Aubrey Graham	Nineteen85 Ullman	3:03
3.	"Nas Album Done" (featuring Nas)	Khaled Rayshon Cobbs Jr. Jean Michaels Velisha Brockert Allen McGrier Andre Lyon Marcello Valenzano Mary Brockert Salaam Remi Lauryn Hill Wyclef Jean Pras Michel Nasir Jones	DJ Khaled 808-Ray Cool & Dre	3:16
4.	"Holy Key" (featuring Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar and Betty Wright)	Khaled Lyon Valenzano Edward Davadi Jr. Giuseppe Donaggio Vito Pallavicini Sean Anderson Kendrick Duckworth Bessie Norris	DJ Khaled Edsclusive Cool & Dre	4:41
5.	"Jermaine's Interlude" (featuring J. Cole)	Khaled Justin Bryant Piero Piccioni Jermaine Cole	Hollywood JB	3:03
6.	"Ima Be Alright" (featuring Bryson Tiller and Future)	Khaled Wilburn Maurice Jordan Anthony Tucker Bryson Tiller	The Beat Bully DJ Khaled	4:06
7.	"Do You Mind" (featuring Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jeremih, Future and Rick Ross)	Khaled Wilburn Michael Johnson Johnny Mollings Leonardo Mollings Kevin Cossom Anthony Norris Sean McMillion Ralph Jeanty Onika Maraj Chris Brown August Alsina Jeremy Felton William Roberts II	DJ Khaled DJ Nasty & LVM^[a] Lee on the Beats^[a]	5:25
8.	"Pick These Hoes Apart" (featuring Kodak Black, Jeezy and French Montana)	Khaled Cossom Benjamin Diehl Derek Garcia Dieuson Octave Jay Jenkins Karim Kharbouch	Ben Billions Dyryk DJ Khaled^[a]	4:51
9.	"Fuck Up the Club" (featuring Future, Rick Ross, YG and Yo Gotti)	Khaled Wilburn Roberts Lyon Valenzano Eric Kovacs Keenon Jackson Mario Mims	DJ Khaled Qolorsound Cool & Dre	3:51
10.	"Work for It" (featuring Big Sean, Gucci Mane and 2 Chainz)	Khaled Anderson Leland Wayne Adam Feeney Jermaine Dupri Usher Raymond IV Manuel Seal, Jr. Radric Davis Tauheed Epps	Metro Boomin Frank Dukes	4:50
11.	"Don't Ever Play Yourself" (featuring Jadakiss, Fabolous, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and Kent Jones)	Khaled Lyon Valenzano Kovacs Jason Phillips John Jackson Joe Cartagena Trevor Smith, Jr. Daryl Jones	DJ Khaled Qolorsound Cool & Dre	5:31
12.	"Tourist" (featuring Travis Scott and Lil Wayne)	Khaled Dwane Weir II Jacques Webster Dwayne Carter, Jr.	Key Wane Travis Scott	4:33
13.	"Forgive Me Father" (featuring Meghan Trainor, Wiz Khalifa and Wale)	Khaled Travis Sayles Michael Foster Thomas Brown Meghan Trainor Cameron Thomaz Olubowale Akintimehin	TBHits Sayles Foster Trainor DJ Khaled^[a]	4:06
14.	"Progress" (performed by Mavado)	Khaled Clem Jones Tawanna Jones David Brooks	Mineral Boss Productions	2:58
Total length:				57:53

Track notes

• ^{^a} signifies a co-producer
• "Jermaine's Interlude" contains additional vocals from EarthGang and J.I.D

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 samples of "Fu-Gee-La" performed by Fugees
• "Holy Key" contains a sample from "So Tired" performed by The Chambers Brothers
• "Jermaine's Interlude" contains samples of "It's Possible" composed by Piero Piccioni
• "Do You Mind" contains samples of "Lovers & Friends" performed by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, featuring Usher and Ludacris, and "Money Ain't a Thang" performed by Jermaine Dupri, featuring Jay Z

Personnel

Artists DJ Khaled – primary artist (all tracks) Future – featured artist (tracks 1, 6, 7 ,9) Big Sean – featured artist (tracks 4, 10) Rick Ross – featured artist (tracks 7, 9) Jay Z – featured artist (track 1) Drake – featured artist (track 2) Nas – featured artist (track 3) Kendrick Lamar – featured artist (track 4) Betty Wright – featured artist (track 4) J. Cole – featured artist (track 5) Bryson Tiller – featured artist (track 6) Nicki Minaj – featured artist (track 7) Chris Brown – featured artist (track 7) August Alsina – featured artist (track 7) Jeremih – featured artist (track 7) Kodak Black – featured artist (track 8) Jeezy – featured artist (track 8) YG – featured artist (track 9) Yo Gotti – featured artist (track 9) Gucci Mane – featured artist (track 10) 2 Chainz – featured artist (track 10) Jadakiss – featured artist (track 11) Fabolous – featured artist (track 11) Fat Joe – featured artist (track 11) Busta Rhymes – featured artist (track 11) Kent Jones – featured artist (track 11) Travis Scott – featured artist (track 12) Lil Wayne – featured artist (track 12) Meghan Trainor – featured artist (track 13) Wiz Khalifa – featured artist (track 13) Wale – featured artist (track 13) Mavado – featured artist (track 14) EarthGang – background artist (track 5) J.I.D – background artist (track 5)

Technical personnel Noah "40" Shebib – recording (track 2) Peter "Zlender" Vickers – assistant mixer (track 1) Record producers DJ Khaled – production (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13) Cool & Dre – production (tracks 3, 4, 9, 11) Qolorsound – production (tracks 9, 11) Metro Boomin – production (track 10) Frank Dukes – production (track 10) Southside – production (track 1) Jake One – production (track 1) Key Wane – production (track 12) Travis Scott – production (track 12) TBHits – production (track 13) DJ Nasty & LVM – production (track 7) Lee on the Beats – production (track 7) The Beat Bully – production (track 6) Nineteen85 – production (track 2) Jordan Ullman – production (track 2) Meghan Trainor – production (track 13) 808-Ray – production (track 3) G Koop – production (track 1) Edsclusive – production (track 4) Hollywood JB – production (track 5) Ben Billions – production (track 8) Travis Sayles – production (track 13) Dyryk – production (track 8) Michael Foster – production (track 13) Mineral Boss Productions – production (track 14)

Charts

Chart (2016)	Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[35]	6
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[36]	30
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[37]	15
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[38]	43
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[39]	3
Dutch Albums (MegaCharts)[40]	38
Irish Albums (IRMA)[41]	36
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[42]	15
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[43]	32
Scottish Albums (OCC)[44]	40
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[45]	58
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[46]	97
UK Albums (OCC)[47]	7
UK R&B Albums (OCC)[48]	1
US Billboard 200[49]	1
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[50]	1

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/Sales
United States (RIAA)[34]	Gold	500,000
^*sales figures based on certification alone ^^shipments figures based on certification alone

References

1. KC Orcutt (July 31, 2016). "DJ Khaled – Major Key". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
2. "Major Key by DJ Khaled on Apple Music". Apple Inc. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
3. McCluskey, Megan (2016-01-08). "Understanding the Key Emoji and DJ Khaled's 'Major Keys to Success'". Time. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
4. Platon, Adelle (2016-04-12). "DJ Khaled Talks Reuniting With L.A. Reid for Epic Deal, 'Major Key' Album & Making Movies on Hot 97". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
5. Platon, Adelle (2016-04-18). "DJ Khaled Joins Beyonce's Formation Tour". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
6. Diep, Eric (2016-05-14). "Future and DJ Khaled Say Jay Z's New Song Is a Summer Anthem". Complex. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
7. Smith, Trevor (2016-05-28). "DJ Khaled Says The Drake Vocals Are In, Shoots "Major Key" Cover With Lion". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
8. Schwartz, Danny (2016-04-11). "Future & Jay Z To Release Single With DJ Khaled". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
9. Brown, Eric (2016-05-20). "DJ Khaled confirms Major Key will feature Drake, Jay Z, Future, Lil Wayne, and more". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2016-05-29.
10. Walker, Angus (2016-06-03). "DJ Khaled Says "Major Key" Will Feature Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jay Z & Many More". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2016-06-04.
11. "For Free". Amazon.com.
12. Walker, Angus (2016-06-03). "DJ Khaled – For Free Feat. Drake | Stream [New Song]". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2016-06-03.
13. Lozano, Kevin (2016-06-03). "Drake and DJ Khaled Share New Song "For Free": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2016-06-03.
14. "I Got the Keys". Amazon.com.
15. "NEW MUSIC: DJ KHALED FEAT. JAY Z & FUTURE – 'I GOT THE KEYS'". Rap-Up. 2016-06-26. Retrieved 2016-06-27.
16. "DJ Khaled Reveals "Holy Key" Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean & Betty Wright Will Drop Friday". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
17. "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
18. "Major Key by DJ Khaled reviews". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
19. "Reviews for Major Key by DJ Khaled". Metacritic. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
20. Andy Kellman. "Major Key – DJ Khaled". AllMusic. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
21. Nolan Feeney (July 29, 2016). "DJ Khaled's 'Major Key': EW review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
22. A. Harmony (August 5, 2016). "DJ Khaled Major Key". Exclaim!. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
23. Scott Glaysher (August 3, 2016). "DJ Khaled Major Key Album Review". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
24. Nathaniel Schwass (29 August 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key". PopMatters. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
25. Kris Ex (July 29, 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
26. Steve "Flash" Juon (July 29, 2016). "RapReviews.com Feature for August 9, 2016 – DJ Khaled's "Major Key"". RapReviews.com. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
27. 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.
28. Matthew Ramirez (August 4, 2016). "Review: DJ Khaled, 'Major Key'". Spin. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
29. Michael G. Barilleaux (12 August 2016). "DJ Khaled: Major Key – Music Review". No Ripcord. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
30. "DJ Khaled Earns His First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Major Key'". Billboard. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
31. Walker, Angus (August 6, 2016). "DJ Khaled Dethrones Drake & Gets First No. With "Major Key"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
32. "'Suicide Squad' Soundtrack Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
33. ""Suicide Squad: The Album" Debuts At #1 On Billboard Top 200 Chart". HipHopDX. August 15, 2016. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
34. "Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
35. "Australiancharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
36. "Austriancharts.at – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
37. "Ultratop.be – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
38. "Ultratop.be – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
39. "DJ Khaled – Chart history" Billboard Canadian Albums Chart for DJ Khaled. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
40. "Dutchcharts.nl – DJ Khaled – Major Key" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
41. "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 31, 2016". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
42. "Charts.org.nz – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
43. "Norwegiancharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
44. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 7, 2016.
45. "Swedishcharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 5, 2016.
46. "Swisscharts.com – DJ Khaled – Major Key". Hung Medien. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
47. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
48. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
49. "DJ Khaled – Chart history" Billboard 200 for DJ Khaled. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
50. "DJ Khaled – Chart history" Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for DJ Khaled. Retrieved August 9, 2016.