Buffalo, NY – Fans of DJ Khaled will want to tune in on Thursday, November 19 at 3:30 p.m. when the renowned songwriter, producer and media personality speaks (virtually) at Canisius University. In his talk, titled “How I Came Up,” Khaled will share his personal story of success and impart on students how they too can make successes of themselves.
DJ Khaled’s visit is made possible by Canisius’ Opportunity Programs for Education (COPE) and its Office of Academic Talent Search. His talk will be made available to students and faculty via a private Zoom connection. The event will also be livestreamed for the public on the Academic Talent Search Facebook Page (CC Academic Talent Search).
For more than two decades, the very mention of DJ Khaled has implied an elevated level of musical greatness, entrepreneurial excellence and cultural impact. Fans have heard him across a GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum catalog, seen him in blockbusters such as “Bad Boys For Life,” caught him on the cover of Rolling Stone, watched him on numerous television programs, and felt his presence from the streets all the way up to the Barack Obama White House. Khaled has achieved dozens of multiplatinum and gold certifications, including the sextuple-platinum Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “I’m The One,” featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne; quadruple-platinum “Wild Thoughts,” featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller; and double-platinum “No Brainer,” featuring Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper and Quavo. The latter propelled Khaled’s 2019 album, “Father of Asahd” to the top of the charts. The album garnered a platinum certification and became Khaled’s third consecutive Top 2 debut on the Billboard Top 200. It also emerged as the “No. 1 Most-Streamed Record” upon release. To date, Khaled has moved 20 million singles and six million albums in addition to gathering four billion-plus streams.
Now, the power of DJ Khaled’s legacy defines his 13th full-length album, which bears his birth name - Khaled Khaled. Preceded by two chart-busting bangers alongside frequent collaborator Drake, “POPSTAR” and “GREECE” both debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and are certified Platinum and Gold, respectively.
DJ Khaled is behind the launch of We The Best Music Group, a record label, management, publishing and production company, and in-demand studio. A committed philanthropist, he also founded the 501(c)3 organization The We The Best Foundation, which works to uplift individuals throughout underserved communities across the United States and supports various non-profits.
Khaled’s philanthropic support has helped in the fight against Covid-19. He collaborated with U2 front man Bono to become the first social media ambassador for Project Red. Khaled is also the national spokesperson for Get Schooled.
The Canisius Talent Search Program identifies qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encourages them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education. The program also encourages people who have not completed education programs at the secondary or post-secondary level but have the ability to do so, to re-enter these programs.
The Office of Canisius’ Opportunity Programs for Education (COPE) offers two programs: The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and Martin Luther King Scholarship/Grant (MLK). Both provide educational opportunities, and academic and financial support. COPE extends educational opportunities and provides supportive services to assist students with achieving their fullest academic potential.
One of 27 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York. Canisius celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary during the 2019-20 academic year, marking 150 years of Jesuit education and leadership in the city of Buffalo and Western New York.
