It’s been over a year since DJ Khaled announced his 11th studio album, Father of Asahd. Since then, fans have received very little details about what the project had to offer, as Khaled has remained unusually tight-lipped about the tracklist, guest appearances, and overall vibe of the album.
Well, we finally got some answers this week. Khaled recently unveiled the project’s May 17 release date as well as its official cover art, which featured the DJ/producer posing alongside his 2-year-old son, Asahd.
who’s on my album? ALL YOUR FAVORITES! #FATHEROFASAHD 🤲🏽 MIDNIGHT! pic.twitter.com/SxBpuGyJtt
Khaled also confirmed that his Nipsey Hussle collaboration “Higher” would appear on the album.
“Thank God for me to be able to work with a king like Nipsey Hussle. You know?” Khaled said during a recent interview with Zane Lowe. “When we made the record it was special because we had real conversation before we made the record. […] I was like, man, I was still amazed at the beautiful things he was telling me. I was like, ‘Man, one day, you should put that in a song.’ You know what I'm saying? I wasn't even thinking about song we're about to record. I was just thinking as a hip-hop fan.”
He continued: “[…] So, we got in the studio, and I played him my album. I had 90 percent done of the album. So, he was like, man he was loving the album, loving the visual. So, we was all excited. So, I play him the record I want him on. So, I play him the beat, and we just vibe. He's like this. I'm vibing, and I see him thinking, right? I'm like, ‘Yo, this special. This that big boy rap, this special.’ I told him I want to put a big boy singer on the hook. So, I gave him his space, walked out. Came back in, he's writing, boom! Make a long story short, he was like, ‘The verse was done.’”
“Higher” also features vocals by John Legend. Khaled announced that the proceeds from the song would go to Nipsey’s children, Emani and Kross.
Father of Asahd is available now on Apple Music/iTunes and via Spotify.
#FATHEROFASAHD available now.
My greatest body of work!
This one is for @asahdkhaled Mama Asahd and #FANLUV!
Thank you god🤲🏽 I love you.
God is the greatest!
Love,
Khaled Khaled @wethebestmusic @rocnation @epicrecords https://t.co/oGWE6SqzFU pic.twitter.com/wUs4xCqnED
On Wednesday, Khaled stopped by Brooklyn's High School for Public Service to celebrate the students' newly installed DJ Lab. Khaled's We the Best Foundation teamed up with VH1's Save the Music to donate equipment for the space, where kids can learn various recording and production skills.
You can check out Khaled's surprise visit, which included a special Q&A session, below.
