Wed, Oct 14, 2020
Lil Wayne opens up to Khaled about growing up in the public eye as one of the youngest rappers with a record deal in music history. The iconic MC's life and career trajectory is traced back to the breakout records that changed Wayne's life: "Block Burner" and the platinum breakout single, "Tha Block is Hot." The founding member of The Hot Boys takes us on a career journey spanning his prolific run as a feature artist, stamping himself "The Best Rapper Alive" and living up to it, building the Young Money empire alongside Drake and Nicki Minaj, as well as the intertwined legacies of Wayne and Khaled on records like "We Takin' Over," "Brown Paper Bag," and many more.
Wed, Oct 21, 2020
DJ Khaled sits down with international pop sensation, J Balvin. Balvin opens up to Khaled about what life was like growing up with an eclectic musical taste that helped shape his well-versed style of creating songs as well as the fashion sense that he's become synonymous with worldwide. The Colombian megastar also speaks about the making of his breakout singles, "Tranquila" and "Sola" as well as the smash hit and subsequent remix for "Mi Gente" featuring Beyoncé. That first mega-hit, "Mi Gente", changed everything. Balvin also reveals his intense battle with COVID-19, as well as his latest album Colores and his ability to remain positive in dark times.
Wed, Oct 28, 2020
DJ Khaled welcomes Kelly Rowland of the iconic Destiny's Child. Rowland talks about the beginning of her singing career in the R&B group "Girl's Tyme" alongside LaTavia Roberson, LeToya Luckett and Beyoncé Knowles. She speaks about how an unsuccessful appearance on Star Search, getting booed at the NBA Finals and at Hot 97 Summer Jam ultimately set the quartet up for unprecedented success. Kelly shares more about the songs that dramatically changed her life, the widespread popularity of "Say My Name" and how the massive success of "Dilemma" with Nelly happened almost by accident. Kelly also speaks to Khaled about success as a group and as a solo artist, the importance of family and parenthood, as well as the iconic artists who helped shape her career.
Wed, Nov 4, 2020
DJ Khaled welcomes his long-time friend and associate, Big Sean, on this week's episode of "The First One." Fresh off of the release of his latest album, Detroit 2, Big Sean talks to Khaled about the long road back to finding himself in an industry that he felt lost in. Sean and Khaled speak at length about Khaled's role in the rapper's career, which took off after he released the lead single off of Finally Famous called "My Last" featuring Chris Brown. The two also share stories about Khaled's days as an A&R for Def Jam, being in the studio with Kanye West during the making of albums like Graduation, as well as the evolution Sean went through during his self-imposed hiatus from releasing music and being on social media. Sean also tells Khaled what life was like for him back when he was still dropping mixtapes for free while still living at his parents' house.
Wed, Nov 11, 2020
DJ Khaled welcomes incomparable rock and roll legend Jon Bon Jovi. In this revealing sit-down, Khaled takes a trip down memory lane with the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer about his career journey, dating back to his days growing up in New Jersey. Bon Jovi details his rise from performing in small clubs to stadiums, his songwriting process as well as how he handled nearly limitless fame at a young age. Khaled and Bon Jovi talk about the breakout success of his debut single "Runaway," the controversy of Slippery When Wet, and the subsequent massive hits "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Living On A Prayer".
Wed, Nov 18, 2020
"The King of the South" T.I. documents his life story and career journey. As a dope boy from Bankhead, Clifford Harris' unique perspective in Atlanta led him to become one of rap's most defining artists. Songs like "24's," and "Rubber Band Man" redefined his region and gave way to a new genre of hip-hop known as Trap Muzik. Despite his much-publicized legal issues, Tip's resilience and ability to apply his Grand Hustle lifestyle to all of his interests has made him a financial success and a cultural icon.
Wed, Dec 2, 2020
DJ Khaled welcomes one of the most important people in his life, Fat Joe. As the founder of the Terror Squad, it was Fat Joe who first helped bring DJ Khaled to prominence. The two dig deep on their history together, which is forever tied to the iconic record "Lean Back," featuring Remy Ma. Joe and Khaled speak on how that record was created out of a necessity for a new publishing deal, how the video helped launch Kevin Hart's career, how Joe's upbringing was surrounded by Hip-Hop history and much more. The two also speak about the making of "All The Way Up," the hit record in which Joe and Remy reconnect after a much publicized falling out. This conversation spans through the long and storied friendship of the two over decades of Hip-Hop history.
Wed, Dec 9, 2020
DJ Khaled and the iconic Sean Combs talks about his legendary career. Combs speaks candidly about his nearly four-decade long career that includes his rise as a hungry paperboy, intern and party promoter to label-owner, artist, fashion designer, and businessman. For the first time ever, Combs details how artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e, Jadakiss and more helped craft some of his most iconic songs. Diddy also speaks on his work behind the boards and crafting classic albums from Mary J. Blige and Jodeci to Burna Boy and Nipsey Hussle. Combs also explains his entrepreneurial spirit and how he went from a busboy working at a Mexican restaurant to a billionaire, all through the power of Hip-Hop.
Wed, Dec 16, 2020
DJ Khaled welcomes the legendary Nas, Khaled receives gems from the golden era of Hip-Hop from one of the greatest rappers of all time. The two discuss the first time we ever saw young Nas (a cameo alongside Roxanne Shante), the incredible anticipation of his debut album Illmatic, and the untold stories of his time with the late Notorious B.I.G. Nas also reveals his artistic mindset and his unique ability of lyrical creativity, what makes an album stand out to him, his relationship with the producer Hit-Boy, and why he believes his latest Grammy-nominated album King's Disease is among his best.
Wed, Jan 6, 2021
DJ Khaled takes a look back on the first half of the season, highlighting the best moments of 2020 on "The First One." Relives his favorite conversations and revealing moments with guests like Diddy, Big Sean, Lil Wayne, Kelly Rowland, J. Balvin, Fat Joe, T.I., Jon Bon Jovi, and Nas.
Sat, Nov 13, 2021
DJ Khaled sits down with Kentucky-bred R&B singer, Bryson Tiller. Tiller breaks down the unexpected, viral moment that led to the success of his breakout single "Don't" and his debut album TrapSoul. Tiller speaks about almost signing to Drake's October's Very Own imprint, meeting Timbaland and almost quitting music when things didn't pan out at first. Tiller and Khaled also discuss the making of their mega-hit "Wild Thoughts" featuring Rihanna and Tiller's return to music during 2020's global pandemic.
Wed, Feb 3, 2021
DJ Khaled sits down with soulful songstress Jhene Aiko. The Cali-born singer talks about her early days, signed to a label as a teenager, as well as what she did with her life when she stepped away from the spotlight. She speaks on the time before fame when she served as a waitress at a vegan restaurant, the close relationship with her late brother, the making of her breakthrough mixtapes, going on tour with Lauryn HIll, Nas and Drake, and her 2021 Grammy-nominated projects. Jhene also speaks on Twenty88 and her relationship with Big Sean, the power of sound healing and so much more.
Wed, Feb 10, 2021
DJ Khaled sits down with an artist who has been tied to Khaled for most of his career: Rick Ross. From flea markets to football, the Miami natives talk about their collective rise together and what coming up in Vice City meant to the two hip-hop stars. Ross speaks at length about the making of his breakout record "Hustlin" as well as his status as one of hip-hop's most consistent MC's. "Rozay" also delves into the making of his favorite albums like Deeper Than Rap and Teflon Don, as well as why he feels he has a fantastic ear when it comes to collaborating with Jay-Z. Khaled also speaks with Ross on what the world can expect from his latest body of work and his entrepreneurial pursuits.
Wed, Feb 17, 2021
DJ Khaled welcomes the legendary Wyclef Jean. The multi-platinum artist and songwriter, Wyclef details his humble beginnings living in a hut in Haiti to becoming one of the most influential musicians in history. Clef speaks about learning his musical talents at an early age while in the church as well as appearing on some Hip-Hop classics before he made it big. The two also discuss the formation of The Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Pras as well as the solo success Jean found by blending music from all corners of the world.
Wed, Feb 24, 2021
Iconic rapper, actor, filmmaker and producer Ice Cube discusses his legendary career with DJ Khaled. He's one of the most gifted pens in all of hip-hop and an accomplished actor in the "Friday" franchise, the "Barbershop" series, "Ride Along," and more. Cube goes deep on his meteoric rise, his early days with Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, going solo after NWA, and what keeps him inspired creatively.
Wed, Mar 3, 2021
The legendary queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, sits down with DJ Khaled. Mary J. talks about the earlier days of her career, which involved the legendary Sean "Diddy" Combs and Andre Harrell at Uptown Records. Blige also details some of the best stories of her rise as a leading lady in the world of Hip-Hop as well as the making of iconic albums such as What's The 411 and My Life. The seminal songstress of Hip-Hop explains to DJ Khaled where her unique style of dance, fashion and music originated from as well as her evolution as an actress, producer and business woman.
Wed, Mar 10, 2021
The incomparable and iconic LL Cool J is this week's guest on "The First One" with DJ Khaled. The G.O.A.T. speaks to Khaled about his humble beginnings in Queens, learning how to DJ and eventually evolving into one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time. LL talks about being the first ever artist signed to Def Jam records, creating timeless records with Rick Rubin, his breakthrough albums Radio and Bigger and Deffer, as well as the making of his classic songs "I Need A Beat," "Rock The Bells," "I'm Bad," "I Need Love" and many more. LL also elaborates on his unexpected career in movies and television, and the doors he's opened for other rappers to lean into Hollywood.
Tue, Mar 16, 2021
Legendary pop songstress Gwen Stefani joins DJ Khaled, the No Doubt lead singer reflects on the many influences that came into her life and led to fronting one of the most successful bands of all-time. Gwen also speaks at length about what it was like to go solo and work with people like Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, Eve, and The Neptunes, as well as chance meetings with legends like Mary J. Blige. Stefani goes on to talk about the making of her Christmas album, creating music with fiance, Blake Shelton, how 'The Voice' helped the way she saw music and much more including writing her new songs "Let Me Reintroduce Myself" and "Slow Clap" through Zoom.
Tue, Mar 23, 2021
Justin Bieber joins host DJ Khaled. Fresh off of the release of his sixth studio album, Bieber and Khaled discuss the pop legend's run as the definitive male star of his generation over the last decade. Bieber speaks at length about his early days as an artist discovered off of YouTube as a shy but talented youngster from Canada as well as the making of his debut single "Baby" featuring Ludacris. Bieber also talks to Khaled about his growth as an artist over the years while living under a microscope since his teenage years and what led to his latest project, Justice. Bieber discusses the influences he's had in his life musically, especially when it comes to the world of Hip-Hop and takes an honest look at his career thus far and what he would change if he had the chance to.
Tue, Mar 30, 2021
DJ Khaled calls the R&B artist Kehlani 'an icon in the making. The Oakland native goes deep on working with H.E.R and Zendaya as teenagers, her time on America's Got Talent, her friendship with Nick Cannon, and the blessing of motherhood. Plus, Kehlani tells the stories behind hustling to make her Cloud 19 mixtape, her history as a ghostwriter, her breakout single with Chance The Rapper, and how Drake named her latest album, "It Was Good Until It Wasn't."
Tue, Apr 6, 2021
Legendary producer and composer, Timbaland, joins host DJ Khaled. Mr. Timothy Mosley details his rise as a DJ from Virginia with Magoo and Missy Elliott to the entrepreneurial and technological innovator as the co-creator of Verzuz. Timbo details his working relationship with legendary icons like Jay-Z, Aaliyah, Justin Timberlake, and a countless amount of bigtime Artists. Khaled and Timbaland also dive into the events during quarantine that eventually led to the Instagram Live battle that birthed Verzuz, and the future of the culture-setting platform.