Maps of Music

We the Best (2007)

Where the lyrics of We the Best take you, and where it was really made.

The album debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, but a Portuguese article says it leaked online on June 5 and sales fell sharply.

Key places

Recorded at Terror Squad Studios (2007)

Recording site Record Plant Studios — The album's recording place is listed as Terror Squad Studios, and the map point is set at New York City's city-center level rather than at the studio building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• We the Best: second studio album by DJ Khaled, an American disc jockey and record producer
• Released June 12, 2007 by Terror Squad Entertainment and Koch Records
• Khaled and Fat Joe served as executive producers
• Produced by The Runners, Drumma Boy, Cool & Dre, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Diaz Brothers, and Jim Jonsin
• Guest artists include T-Pain, Akon, Rick Ross, Brisco, Flo Rida, Fat Joe, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Plies, Birdman, Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Game, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, Trina, Paul Wall, Bun B, T.I., and Young Jeezy

Background

• Released as Khaled's second studio album
• Lead single "We Takin' Over" featured T.I., Akon, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Birdman, and Lil Wayne
• Second single "I'm So Hood" featured T-Pain, Trick Daddy, Plies, and Rick Ross

Recording

• Recording location is listed as Terror Squad Studios
• The map point uses New York City's city-center coordinates, not the studio building

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

• Critics gave the album a mixed reception
• Critics found some tracks enjoyable and engaging
• Critics felt the album was bloated with lesser tracks and Khaled's persistent ad-libbing

Reappraisal

• RapReviews' Steve 'Flash' Juon praised the lyricism and production from top rappers and producers but found Khaled's repeated trademark phrases annoying
• Rolling Stone's Christian Hoard said Khaled's beats were not innovative but were used well thanks to many guest artists
• AllMusic's David Jeffries praised the guest artists but found some catchphrases and geographical jumping frustrating
• Pitchfork's Tom Breihan said the album sounds rote and generic after the first single

Records

• Debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, selling 79,000 copies in its first week
• Sold 440,000 copies in the United States as of January 2008

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · pt.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• A Portuguese article says the album leaked online on June 5, which sharply cut sales
• The second single, I'm So Hood, was released on August 28, 2007
• Tracks 13 to 15 are exclusive to the Best Buy version

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · pt.wikipedia.org · www.discogs.com

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