When I sat down with DJ Khaled for Scoop B Radio back in October 2017, he was already the “Snapchat King” and a walking masterclass in branding. But beyond the catchphrases and the “Major Keys,” Khaled shared something profound: a deep-seated gratitude for the simple act of waking up.
Revisiting this conversation in December 2025, it’s clear that Khaled wasn’t just riding a trend. He was pioneering a lifestyle of “Radical Gratitude” that has become the essential survival kit for the modern era. In a world of high-speed AI and constant noise, Khaled’s 2017 message—“Life every day inspires me”—is the anchor we all need.
The Source of the Strength
In 2017, Khaled was at a career high, but his focus was entirely internal and familial. “God gave us life and we should never take that for granted,” he told me. He spoke about the weight of responsibility—not just for his chart-topping hits, but for his parents and his then-infant son, Asahd.
By 2025, we’ve seen this “zeroed-in perspective” manifest in every move he makes. Whether he’s executive producing a global anthem or launching a new business venture, Khaled’s fuel remains the same: the blessing of another 24 hours.
2025 Vision: The Anatomy of a Mogul’s Mindset
Looking at Khaled’s impact through a 2025 lens, his “keys to success” function like a championship-level organization. It’s not just about being “loud”; it’s about the talent density of his approach to life:
- The MVPs (The Spiritual Core): Khaled’s unshakable faith is his primary engine. In our talk, he called God “the inspiration” that provides the strength to embrace daily blessings.
- The Snipers (The Family Focus): He targets his success toward his legacy. In 2025, his sons Asahd and Aalam aren’t just names on a jacket; they are the motivation behind his “never surrender” attitude.
- The Defensive Anchors (Resilience): Khaled’s history of “sleeping in his car” and “weathering the storm” serves as a shield. He uses his past struggles to protect his current joy, reminding us that “they” can only win if you play yourself.
“Another One”: The Power of Persistence
What I love about Khaled’s 2017 insight is his refusal to get comfortable. “I’m not going to take it for granted,” he told me. “I’m going to just keep going hard.”
In 2025, that “going hard” has evolved. He’s no longer just a DJ; he’s a global bridge-builder. He’s shown us that being observant of your audience and empathizing with their emotions—key traits of a great DJ—are also the keys to being a great human.
The Final Scoop: Don’t Play Yourself
Revisiting this interview today is a reminder that while the tech changes and the memes evolve, the core principles of success remain constant. DJ Khaled told us in 2017 that life itself is the ultimate major key.
As we navigate the complexities of 2025, the lesson is simple: Give thanks, stay focused, and never take the sunrise for granted. Because as Khaled would say, “We the Best” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mindset for anyone who is grateful to be here.
