Major Key cover

Released 10 years ago

Major Key

DJ Khaled · 2016

57 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

An exuberant blend of hip-hop bravado and melodic hooks, driven by star-studded collaborations and anthemic production.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Got the Keys Start here — This track serves as an anthem for success, featuring standout verses from Jay-Z and Future that encapsulate the album's themes of ambition and triumph.
  • →
    For Free — With its catchy hook and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies Khaled’s knack for creating radio-friendly hits while featuring a memorable performance from Drake.
  • →
    Holy Key — Combining gospel influences with hip-hop elements, this song features powerful contributions from Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar, highlighting Khaled's ability to blend genres effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Major Key showcases strong collaborations and energetic production but lacks depth in songwriting.

What we noticed

  • The album features a total of 14 tracks, with the first three songs establishing a high-energy tone that is maintained through various collaborations.
  • Several tracks utilize a call-and-response structure, particularly in the choruses, which encourages listener participation.
  • The production is characterized by heavy use of bass and layered synths, creating an anthemic sound that supports the vocal performances.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • motivational anthems for celebration
  • steady pacing for workout sessions
  • party-ready tracks with energy
  • uplifting vibes for group gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep introspective moments
  • prefering slow, soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established DJ Khaled's reputation with major hits and a number one debut.
Career context
When Major Key was released in January 2016, DJ Khaled was experiencing a resurgence in popularity following the viral success of his previous album, I Changed A Lot. This record marked a significant moment as it was his first release under the Epic Records label after signing from We the Best Music Group, showcasing his evolving role as a mainstream music mogul.
Stylistic neighbors
Metro Boomin· Mustard· T-Pain

Tracklist

  • 1 I Got the Keys Start here 3:39
  • 2 For Free 3:03
  • 3 Nas Album Done 3:16
  • 4 Holy Key 4:41
  • 5 Jermaine's Interlude 3:03
  • 6 Ima Be Alright 4:06
  • 7 Do You Mind 5:25
  • 8 Pick These Hoes Apart 4:51
  • 9 Fuck Up the Club 3:51
  • 10 Work for It 4:50
  • 11 Don’t Ever Play Yourself 5:31
  • 12 Tourist 4:33
  • 13 Forgive Me Father 4:06
  • 14 Progress 2:58

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata