DJ Khaled’s rise to superstardom in the music industry didn’t happen overnight, and behind his incredible success is an unshakable bond with Rick Ross, the man who played a pivotal role in helping him make his first million.
In a revealing interview, Khaled looked back at the early hustle when he was still trying to cement his place in the highly competitive world of hip-hop. “I had the passion and vision, but I needed that major break, that extra push to really level up,” Khaled reflected. That break came when Rick Ross, founder of Maybach Music Group, took notice of his potential.
“From the moment I met Khaled, I saw the hunger in his eyes, the drive,” Ross said. “I knew that with a little help, he was going to blow up and change the game.” Ross didn’t hesitate, bringing Khaled into the Maybach Music family in 2008. That partnership proved to be a defining moment in Khaled’s career.
But it wasn’t just a professional relationship — Ross saw the bigger picture. “One day, Rick told me, ‘Khaled, I’m gonna help you make your first million,’ and I didn’t even know how to react,” Khaled recalled. “I was just grateful to be part of the team, but Rick believed in me more than anyone.”
True to his word, Rick Ross used his industry connections to secure big deals and collaborations for Khaled, opening doors that had previously been closed. It wasn’t long before Khaled’s name was on everyone’s radar, working with the biggest artists and landing major production contracts. His rise was meteoric, and soon, that first million came — thanks in no small part to Ross’s influence.
“Rick Ross changed my life,” Khaled admits. “He’s not just a mentor, he’s a brother. Without him, I wouldn’t be here. That first million? That was only the beginning.”
Today, DJ Khaled is a global powerhouse, with hit after hit and a multi-million dollar empire, but he’s never forgotten the man who helped kickstart it all. The bond between Rick Ross and DJ Khaled continues to be a testament to loyalty, mentorship, and the importance of recognizing potential
