We Global. It’s a lofty statement for any artist to make, but for Miami’s DJ Khaled it is a just one of many. The radio personality has taken himself as well as his state of Florida onto the charts with a force. He has had a hand in the careers of Florida rappers Plies and Rick Ross and still remains the South’s biggest tastemaker. For this, his influence and grind have earned him an imprint deal with Def Jam. He has one last album on Koch, and with We Global (KOCH) he keeps that same momentum going.
Thankfully Khaled has learned to minimize his time on the microphone. He doesn’t speak as much outside of the intro on “Standing On The Mountain Top” where he introduces the album and his young protégé, Ace Hood. Hood proceeds to go in, and for a short forty-five seconds as he devours the beat at a rapid fire pace.
For those expecting to hear more of the sound that has surrounded the previous projects done by Khaled and friends, you get what you came for. The lead single, “Out Here Grindin’” is soaked in that synthesizer sound synonymous with his biggest hits. Lyrically you get no surprises, but that isn’t a bad thing. Boosie steals the show, as his now trademark spelling, which can annoy at first, has the tendency to have you sing along. For those looking for something a bit grittier, they may have their appetites whetted by “F*** The Other Side” as Trick Daddy stands out with his verse and catchy hook.
Oddly enough, some of the bigger stars disappoint on this album. T. Pain helps but can’t save “Go Hard” as Kanye once again proves that his use of the vocoder is a hate it or love it affair. T-Pain simply manipulates both the vocoder and the beat to his liking, while Kanye seems to just fade off. The Game doesn’t hit hard as expected with “Red Light” either. Instead of the street or introspective Jayceon, the listener is treated to more Jay-Z baiting than anything else. Nas’ “I’m On” isn’t a bad track, but blends in with the disc; something that seems unthinkable since the release of Untitled.
It is clear Khaled’s ear is still to the street and We Global keeps to that. While it may not blow you away, We Global gives you music that doesn’t mire you too much in technique, but comes off naturally and is just as enjoyable. If you find yourself enjoying the M.I. Yayo sound or his previous work in general, this is one you may want to pick up.
DJ Khaled Featuring Akon, Rick Ross, Boosie, Plies, Ace Hood & Trick Daddy
“Out Here Grindin'”