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Listennn... the Album (2006)

Where the lyrics of Listennn... the Album take you, and where it was really made.

The debut album by DJ Khaled was recorded at studios in North Miami, Dade City, Carol City and Atlanta, and it was built almost entirely from guest appearances by other artists.

Key places

Recording at North Miami (2006)

Recording site North Miami, Florida — The album's recording location is listed as North Miami, Florida, among the studios used for the record. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recording at Dade City (2006)

Recording site Dade City, Florida — Dade City, Florida is listed among the recording studios for the album, alongside North Miami, Carol City and Atlanta. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recording at Carol City (2006)

Recording site Carol City, Florida — Carol City, Florida is one of the recording studio locations listed for the album. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Recording in Atlanta (2006)

Recording site DARP Studios (Atlanta) — Atlanta is listed as one of the recording studio locations for the album, outside the Florida sessions. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• Listennn... the Album is the debut studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled
• Released on June 6, 2006 by Terror Squad Entertainment and Koch Records
• Guest appearances from Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Bun B, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Juelz Santana, T.I., John Legend, Akon and many others
• The album works as a showcase for Khaled's connections across the rap scene rather than as a solo statement

Background

• Three singles were released: "Holla at Me", "Grammy Family" and "Born-N-Raised"
• "Holla at Me" was released on February 28, 2006, with production by Cool & Dre, and peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100
• "Grammy Family" was released on July 1, 2006, featuring Kanye West, Consequence and John Legend
• Kanye West produced "Grammy Family" alongside Jon Brion
• "Born-N-Raised" was released on September 24, 2006, with production by The Runners and featuring Pitbull, Trick Daddy and Rick Ross
• "Born-N-Raised" was also included on Pitbull's second studio album, El Mariel (2006)

Recording

• Studios are listed in North Miami, Florida; Dade City, Florida; Carol City, Florida; and Atlanta
• The recording sessions were spread across Florida and Georgia rather than tied to a single studio

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Early life

• Born Khaled Mohammed Khaled on November 26, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Palestinian immigrant parents.
• Parents were musicians who played Arabic music; he developed an early interest in rap and soul.
• Worked at a local Merry-Go-Round record store.

Career

• Started DJing in reggae sound clashes in New Orleans and later co-hosted The Luke Show on WEDR 99 Jamz in Miami from 1998.
• Worked with Fat Joe's Terror Squad as a DJ and producer.
• Debut album Listennn... the Album (2006) debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200.
• Breakthrough with "I'm So Hood" (We the Best, 2007) and "All I Do Is Win" (Victory, 2010, triple platinum).
• Major label debut We the Best Forever (2011) produced his first Billboard Hot 100 top ten single, "I'm on One".
• Albums Major Key (2016), Grateful (2017), and Khaled Khaled (2021) reached number one on the Billboard 200.
• Won his first Grammy for "Higher" at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
• Known for maximalist production, motivational catchphrases, and a strong social media presence.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Reception

At release

• Reviews were generally positive, but critics were divided over the production, the lyrical content and Khaled as an artist
• AllMusic's David Jeffries praised Khaled for crafting an album that is diverse in its production geography-wise and for bringing out great performances from his artists
• A.L. Friedman of PopMatters also praised Khaled for bringing in an all-star cast of artists and producers, singling out "Born-N-Raised" and "Gangsta Shit" as highlights
• Vibe contributor Damien Scott felt that Khaled balances hometown pride with outer regional influences, highlighting "Holla at Me", "Problem" and "Candy Paint"
• Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews gave a mixed review, saying the record was competent with a few standout tracks but revealed little about Khaled beyond his many connections and pride in representing Miami
• Andres Tardio of HipHopDX credited the catchy production but felt it was let down by weak lyricism from almost every artist on the record

Records

• Debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200, selling 44,000 copies in its first week in the United States
• Sold 230,000 copies in the United States to date

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• The lead single "Holla at Me" was released on February 28, 2006, four months before the album came out.
• "Born-N-Raised" was also included on Pitbull's second studio album, El Mariel (2006).
• Kanye West produced "Grammy Family" with Jon Brion, while the single's guests included Consequence and John Legend.
• Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross and Pitbull all appeared on "Holla at Me", which made the song a showcase for the album's guest list.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

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