When you combine the talents of individuals such as Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar (who both have been simply murdering any and every track they’ve put their mouths to), you should already expect nothing less than greatness; add Betty Wright’s fiery, powerful, chorus into the mix and now you’ve created a true work of art! On Friday, DJ Khaled did just that when he enlisted in the trio for his latest single, “Holy Key!”
Friday (Jul. 22), DJ Khaled premiered the hot new single on his “We the Best Music” radio show, on Beats 1 radio. The epic track was produced by Cool & Dre and is the follow up to Khaled’s previous explosive summer jams, “For Free,” featuring Drake and “I Got the Keys,” featuring Jay Z and Future. This marks the third single from DJ Khaled’s approaching Major Key album.
As the song’s dramatic beat begins, along with Khaled’s ad-libs and usual “We the Best” chant, Big Sean’s voice is instantly heard as he says, “Doing what I gotta do.” From that moment you already know Sean is about to go off and rip the song beyond means. The beauty that comes in Big Sean’s verse is the versatility that it possesses. Sean raps on various topics ranging from dealing with fake people, eating healthy, and other rappers biting his style, to police brutality and the chaos we have witnessed these past few weeks!
Sean truly sums up the essence of what we have seen, witnessed, and experienced these past weeks stating:
“Father help us, police doing target practice with real bodies
Mommas in the streets, crying, standing over a still body
N*ggas over stressing, we under investigation
Every day off to the races, can’t f*ck with you if you racist
Beat your a** until you purple, they can’t even tell what your race is”
While Big Sean’s verse was the appetizer (a very appealing one at that), keep in mind we still not have not yet received our main course, Kendrick. The moment Kendrick arrives on the track, the atmosphere shifts yet again and it’s go time! K Dot’s verse contains deep spiritual lines and much realism. In one part of the song he raps:
“I don’t wear crosses no more, Yeshua’s coming back
I ain’t scared of losses no more, I see life in that
I don’t resonate with the concept of love and hate
Cause your perspective is less effective and rather fake
The universe and the heavens work in my DNA
Kendrick said “F*ck Mother Earth,” that’s PSA
The land of the wicked, the foundation of Lucifer’s spirit
Walking zombies and spell catchers, I pray for forgiveness”
Kendrick literally bodied every part of the track (as expected) and truly delivered such lyrics that no artist is really touching currently. It seems like just as he did on Big Sean’s “Control,” Lamar may have overshadowed Big Sean again. While both verses were beautiful, delivered striking word play, and exhibited that authentic hip-hop that many badly desire, Kendrick’s verse was simply untouched.
And of course you cannot forget the beauty that is Betty Wright. With her soulful, moving voice, Wright creates a chorus that takes listeners to 9:00 am church service as she bellows in the chorus. She passionately chants, “And I’ma celebrate it for a long time / The drama couldn’t break me, now it’s all mine / Surrounded by my angels and we all shine / Holy, holy, holy, holy key”
Releasing the song was not the only matter on Khaled’s agenda; he also revealed the entire track list for Major Key and stated that the album will release exclusively on Apple Music. Khaled placed the track list on his Instagram handle as well. He also threw out that the entire album would be played on Thursday, on Beats 1 Radio! The album enlists the likes of Chris Brown, Future, Bryson Tiller, Gucci Mane, J. Cole, Nas, Nicki Minaj and more!
Overall, the song is great. It not only gets you hype, but it’s also relevant! DJ Khaled, you did a great job with this one and the album is looking to be the best work yet! Music lovers and Khaled fans can expect Major Key this Friday (Jul. 29). “Holy Key” is now available on Apple Music! Until this week’s release check out Dj Khaled’s “Holy Key” here!
