5 Best Songs from DJ Khaled's 'Grateful'

DJ Khaled has been putting in plenty of work in recent years, building his brand as one of the more gregarious personalities in entertainment while becoming one of the hardest working people in show business. After nearly a decade of serving as a liaison between the biggest rap artists in the game and scoring multiple hit records as a curator through his steady stream of album releases, DJ Khaled has reached a peak in popularity, utilizing social media to engage the public, and his relationships to craft some of the biggest rap songs in recent memory.

In 2016, the release of DJ Khaled's Major Key album and it's impending success was only confirmation as DJ Khaled's ascension from being seen as a mere DJ to being a brand in his own right and the straw that stirs the drink. Earning a Gold plaque off the strength of Major Key, DJ Khaled has become more focused than ever, putting his grind into over-drive with the birth of his son, Asahd, an event that has fueled the maestro's drive and optimistic outlook, both of which Khaled conveys himself on his new album, Grateful.

The tenth studio album in his catalog, Grateful is a celebration of life for DJ Khaled, as he pulls out all of the stops and puts forth the most anticipated release of his career. Featuring appearances from megastars Beyonce, Jay Z, Rihanna, Drake, Calvin Harris, Nicki Minaj, and Alicia Keys, in addition to the likes of Future, Migos, Chance the Rapper, Travi$ Scott, and Rick Ross, Grateful is stacked with blockbuster collaborations that are sure to rule the summer and help continue DJ Khaled's reign.

Having given the album a few spins, we share 5 songs from Grateful that particularly piqued or interest, as they should yours. Did your favorite make the cut?

5
"Good Man"
DJ Khaled Featuring Pusha T & Jadakiss
Grateful is dominated by catchy refrains and syrupy melodies, but one of the more aggressive offering on the album comes courtesy of "Good Man," which features Pusha T and Jadakiss volleying couplets over a soulful, chopped-up voice sample. Produced by Cool & Dre 808-Ray, "Good Man" captures two of rap's most vaunted wordsmiths doing what they do best, delivering stanzas that leave you marveling at their ability to string together smug couplets together with relative ease.
4
"To the Max"
DJ Khaled Featuring Drake
The third single released from Grateful, "To the Max" is the latest hit record from Drake, who continues his tradition of appearing on albums from DJ Khaled, as well as their tradition of making an impact on the Billboard charts as a tandem. Containing elements of Florida's "jook" sound, which is currently seeing an increase in popularity on the mainstream level, "To the Max" is one of 2017s definitive singles.
3
"Wild Thoughts"
DJ Khaled Featuring Rihanna & Bryson Tiller
One of the more anticipated pairings on DJ Khaled's Grateful album was Rihanna and Bryson Tiller teaming up for "Wild Thoughts," an early candidate for Song of the Summer. Powered by a sample Santana's 1999 hit "Maria Maria," "Wild Thoughts" is a duet between two of r&b's brightest stars of today and one of the more addictive selections.
2
"Don't Quit"
DJ Khaled & Calvin Harris Featuring Travi$ Scott
DJ Khaled calls in producer Calvin Harris to provide the backdrop for "Don't Quit," an uptempo ditty that has all the makings of a crossover smash. Featuring Travi$ Scott and Jeremih, "Don't Quit" is one of a slew of records from Grateful that is sure to be in heavy rotation throughout the summer and is added evidence of DJ Khaled's ability to galvanize a group of stars for the purpose of hit-making.
1
"Nobody Knows"
DJ Khaled Featuring Alicia Keys & Nicki Minaj
DJ Khaled may be known more for his style than his substance, rap's favorite curator's latest release contains a bit of the latter, particularly the Cool & Dre and 808-Ray produced numberm "Nobody Knows," which features Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj. Turning in a glowing vocal performance on her part, Alicia Keys sets the stage for Nicki Minaj, who lays down some of the most focused bars listeners have heard from her in quite some time and continues her gradual return to form. Other songs on Grateful may go on to have greater mainstream success, but "Nobody Knows" is arguably the finest moment on the album and captivates the listener, making it a triumphant crescendo.

Source: 5 Best Songs from DJ Khaled’s ‘Grateful’

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