40. DJ Khaled, Grateful
DJ Khaled has had a career in Hip-Hop for decades. Blending reggae/ dance hall with his love for pop-hitting rap has not only made him a bonafide hitmaker but an iconic personality that represents all things fly, luxurious and successful. But he also represents fatherhood. This is why having his firstborn son Ashad on the cover of his Grateful album, the first project after the child’s birth, was epic. One sleeve features an infant Ashad sitting in the corner of the Jacuzzi. Perfectly shot, it states what the “We the Best” mogul has expressed from the start of his career. As a man of color, Middle-Eastern in heritage deserves to live in America lavishly, basking in the fruits of his labor.
The other sleeve speaks more to empire than luxury. The producer is standing in a baby blue silk suit, sharply groomed and slimmer than ever, next to his young prince, who is matching in wardrobe and is mounted on his mini-throne. To the side of Ashad is a baby lion, so symbolic of the greatest that his dad forecasts for his future. Helping with his “blessed” future and sure a key to this theme of gratitude is the executive producer credit that Papa Khalid gave to the most celebrated baby in rap music.