"To get on the stage, it took years to say what I am about to announce today. I always talk about bringing blessings and talking that into existence. But there is nothing like hard work, paying it off, and connecting to everything you say you are going to do in life," said DJ Khaled, on Thursday, February 9, at a press conference in Miami, Florida, to announce a series of exciting new projects and partnerships.

The award-winning producer shared that he and his label, We The Best, have signed with Def Jam Records and that he will now serve as a creative consultant for Universal Music Group.

Def Jam Chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun and Def Jam Vice President LaTrice Burnette were on hand to congratulate Khaled on this milestone, with Balogun stating, "We are thrilled to partner with DJ Khaled and We The Best, both as a multi-platinum, award-winning artist and a valued executive. Without a doubt, Khaled can only make us better."

For Khaled, this partnership represents a full-circle moment, as he began his career with a brief stint as a Def Jam A&R. He and Burnette previously worked together at Epic Records, where Khaled released five commercially successful albums.

"I ain't playing. I am coming with it. I am in the studio right now working on my new album, and let me tell you. I work off inspiration, and I am inspired,” Khaled said.

In addition to his work in the studio on his next album, Khaled also announced the launch of the DJ Khaled Scholarship Giveaway. Through We The Best Foundation, Khaled and his family have established a scholarship that will offer four-year tuition to Roc Nation's School of Music, Sports, and Entertainment at Long Island University in New York.

"Me and my queen ever since we've been together, even before we met each other, we both had a love for giving back. Giving back has always been a priority in my life and her life. We're raising our kids to see that you have to work hard but always give back and show love," said Khaled.

Music engineer and producer Young Guru, responsible for the production of Jay-Z's albums, expressed excitement about the formation of this partnership, noting that it is all about giving back to the next generation. Guru explained that the Roc Nation program will provide students with up-to-date information and skills, stating, "We felt this was necessary for our new generation because sometimes people teach old information, and I ensure that what we teach is up to date. It's a new world, and there is a new way of moving. When we look at DJ Khaled, we can understand how someone can start with just a simple label as a DJ and become a worldwide brand."

High schoolers enrolling in the fall 2023 semester are eligible to apply for the scholarship, with a deadline of April 15. Applications are here.