DJ Khaled recently opened up about the significance of his family and close-knit relationships within the music industry in an interview with Haute Living for their October 2022 cover story. The interview coincided with the release of his 13th studio album, “God Did,” and Khaled emphasized how these connections have shaped his personal and professional life.

Khaled, known for collaborating with top artists like Eminem, SZA, Justin Bieber, 21 Savage, Rihanna, Lil Durk, Roddy Ricch, Travis Scott, Latto, Kodak Black, John Legend, and the late Juice WRLD, shared that many of these relationships go beyond the studio. “A lot of the artists you see me working with, I worked with them at the beginning of their careers, just like they worked with me at the beginning of mine. Respect for each other is on the highest level, because we came up from the mud to the marble floors. Also, we know who we are as individuals, as hustlers. And so, a lot of these kings and queens, I consider them family,” he explained.

Among those he considers family are some of the biggest names in the industry. “Jay-Z is family to me; Drake, [Rick] Ross, Lil Wayne, Future… they’re family,” Khaled stated. He highlighted that their bond extends beyond music, often involving personal interactions and shared experiences. “These are real friendships. We don’t just make music together; we talk to each other on the regular. They come over for dinner, and we just chill. Some of us even go on vacation together, but not everyone sees it, because it isn’t all on social media,” he added.

Khaled also places immense importance on his immediate family, spending quality time with his wife, Nicole Tuck, and their sons, Asahd, 5, and Aalam, 2. “Sometimes, you need to sit back, look at life, and reflect. I’m watching my boys grow, and when I look at them, I see me. When I look at them, I see my queen. … And to be able to sit here, on my couch, with my son right across from me, watching TV, is a blessing, and I don’t take that for granted. Blessings don’t have to be big things — they can be the simplest thing ever, like sitting with my son, watching movies, having popcorn. But it’s those small moments that make me want to go harder, and continue to build the empire even bigger,” Khaled shared.

Despite his demanding career, Khaled ensures his family is always close. He even had his sons featured on his latest album as executive producers. “I want to be there when my kids come home from school. I want to be woken up in the place where my queen is getting my boys dressed for school. … I’ve been blessed to have this life, and the love of my family, so I made a promise to myself, and that was to create an environment where I could have my family with me every step of the way. That’s the love I want to be around, non-stop,” Khaled explained.

In every aspect of his life, DJ Khaled prioritizes family and genuine friendships, reflecting his commitment to nurturing both his personal and professional relationships.