DJ Khaled’s ‘Father of Asahd’ Packs Enough Hits For Two Summers [Album Review]

After taking over summer of 2018 with smash hits like “Top Off” featuring Jay Z and Beyonce and “No Brainer” ft. Justin Bieber, Chance The Rapper and Quavo, DJ Khaled releases his eleventh studio album Father of Asahd – a continuation of his 2017 album Grateful. The album which seamlessly picked up where last summer’s “keys” left off finds Khaled assembling the biggest names in hip-hop for powerful collaborations like “Celebrate” featuring Post Malone and Travi$ Scott and “You Stay” featuring Meek Mill, J Balvin and Lil Baby. With 29 guest performances from today’s biggest artists, the We The Best frontman provides enough vibes to last all summer.  However, although the project packs enough hits to last numerous summers, we’re left questioning Khaled’s brand with a project so similar to his last.

Major Key: DJ Khaled – “For Free” ft. Drake 

Father of Asahd opens with a chilling collaboration between Buju Banton, Sizzla, Movado and 070 Shake titled “Holy Mountain” setting the pace for this early-summer release. The following tracks “Wish, Wish” featuring Cardi B and 21 Savage and “Jealous” ft. Chris Brown, Lil Wayne are both notable moments that will make an impact following similar tracks like 2016’s “Wild Thoughts” featuring Rihanna and Bryson and the powerful collaboration “I’m The One”. In addition to showcasing his tune with the current sounds of hip-hop, Khaled also works in impressive samples including Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson” on his collaboration with SZA on “Just Us” featuring SZA and Jodeci’s “Freak’N You” on “Freakin You” featuring Lil Wayne and Gunna. One of the most notable moments on the project includes a collaboration with John Legend the late Nipsey Hussle on “Higher”. “Police hit the lights, that’s a car chase / Lookin’ back at my life make my heart race / Dance with the devil and test our faith / I was thinkin’ chess moves but it was God’s grace,” Nipsey spits over a triumphant production. Before closing the album with “Holy Ground” featuring Buju Banton, Big Sean drops some keys on “Thank You”.

“Who would’ve thought that DJ that was on 6 to 10
Right there on 99 Jamz, screamin’, “We the best” – Big Sean on “Thank You”

While Father of Asahd packs enough club hitters to prove successful this summer, after 11 years and 13 albums, Khaled’s brand is becoming saturated within the high demand of hip-hop. Whereas back in 2007 assembling Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Birdman, and Lil Wayne for “We’re Taking Over” proved genius, the approach has become way too familiar in 2019. In DJ Khaled’s words, Father of Asahd is just “another one”. While each song provides an individual moment in its space, the project as an entirety seems uneventful with a lack of intention. According to Pitchfork, Khaled’s goal is to break boundaries by “forcing multiple current singles into rotation”. However, if Khaled wants to remain on the charts that are impacting his influence, I think he should take another approach by challenging himself and showcasing his skill as a producer. What do you think? Listen to Father of Asahd and sound off in the comments below!

Favorite Tracks: “Wish, Wish,” “Jealous,” “You Stay,” & “Thank You”

DJ Khaled – Father of Asahd

DJ Khaled – “Wish, Wish” featuring Cardi B & 21 Savage

DJ Khaled – “Higher” ft. John Legend & Nipsey Hussle