Hubbry Logo
Listennn... the AlbumListennn... the AlbumMain
Open search
Listennn... the Album
Community hub
Listennn... the Album
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Listennn... the Album
Listennn... the Album
from Wikipedia

Listennn... the Album
A man wearing a black t-shirt saying "Dade County" while holding a platinum "Terror Squad" necklace, points at the viewer while a fire happens behind him.
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 6, 2006 (2006-06-06)
RecordedMay 2005 – May 2006
StudioNorth Miami, Florida, Dade, Carol City, Atlanta
GenreHip-hop
Length66:31
Label
Producer
DJ Khaled chronology
Listennn... the Album
(2006)
We the Best
(2007)
Singles from Listennn... The Album
  1. "Holla at Me"
    Released: February 28, 2006
  2. "Grammy Family"
    Released: July 1, 2006
  3. "Born-N-Raised"
    Released: September 24, 2006

Listennn... the Album is the debut studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on June 6, 2006, by Terror Squad Entertainment and Koch Records. The album also features guest appearances from Fat Joe, Young Jeezy, Kanye West, Bun B, Trick Daddy, Brisco, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Birdman, Juelz Santana, Slim Thug, Krayzie Bone, Chamillionaire, Trina, Twista, Freeway, T.I., John Legend, Akon, Jadakiss, Beanie Sigel, Styles P, Cool & Dre, Paul Wall, Pitbull, and Lil Scrappy, among others. Reviews for the record were generally positive, but divided over the production, lyrical content and Khaled as an artist. Listennn... the Album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling 44,000 copies in its first week in the United States. The album was supported by three singles: "Holla at Me" (featuring Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull), "Grammy Family" (featuring Kanye West, John Legend, and Consequence), and "Born-N-Raised" (featuring Pitbull, Trick Daddy, and Rick Ross).

Singles

[edit]

The album's lead single, called "Holla at Me" was released on February 28, 2006. The song features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull, with the production by Cool & Dre. The song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[1]

The album's second single, "Grammy Family" was released on July 1, 2006. The song features guest appearances from both American rappers Kanye West and Consequence, alongside American singer-songwriter John Legend, while West himself also produced the track as well, alongside Jon Brion.

The album's third single, "Born-N-Raised" was released on September 24, 2006. The song features guest appearances from Pitbull and Rick Ross (whom both previously featured on "Holla at Me"), alongside fellow American rapper Trick Daddy, with the production by The Runners. The song also included on Pitbull's second studio album, El Mariel (2006).

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStar[2]
HipHopDXStarStarHalf star[3]
PopMattersStarStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[4]
RapReviews6/10[5]
VibeStarStarStarHalf star[6]
XXLStarStarStar[7]

Upon its release, the album received a generally positive reception from music critics. AllMusic's David Jeffries praised Khaled for crafting an album that's diverse in its production geography-wise and for bringing out great performances from his artists.[2] A.L. Friedman of PopMatters also praised Khaled for bringing in an all-star cast of artists and producers, signaling out "Born-N-Raised" and "Gangsta Shit" as the album's highlights.[4] Vibe contributor Damien Scott felt that Khaled "masterfully balances hometown pride with outer regional influences", highlighting "Holla at Me", "Problem" and "Candy Paint" for their production and lyricism, concluding that "[T]his compilation makes a solid sonic case for why it deserves to be heard."[6] Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews gave a mixed review of the record, saying it was competent and has a few standout tracks but that it didn't reveal much about Khaled besides the fact that he has many connections and shows pride in representing Miami.[5] Andres Tardio of HipHopDX gave credit to the catchy production, but felt it was let down by the weak lyricism delivered by almost every artist throughout the record, concluding that "If nothing else, this album shows off Khaled's connections, but it does little justice to Khaled's talent."[3]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200, selling 44,000 copies in its first week.[8] To date, the album has since sold 230,000 copies in the United States.[9]

Track listing

[edit]

Credits adapted from BMI and ASCAP.[10][11]

No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
1."Intro"Khaled1:59
2."Born-N-Raised" (featuring Pitbull, Trick Daddy, and Rick Ross)4:16
3."Gangsta Shit" (featuring Young Jeezy, Bun B, Slick Pulla, and Bloodraw)
  • Nasty Beatmakers
  • Khaled
4:59
4."Grammy Family" (featuring Kanye West, Consequence, and John Legend)3:24
5."Problem" (featuring Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss)Khaled3:36
6."Holla at Me" (featuring Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull)
4:27
7."Addicted" (featuring Juelz Santana)
  • STREETRUNNER
  • Khaled
3:45
8."Watch Out" (featuring Akon, Styles P, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross)
  • Cool & Dre
  • Khaled
3:45
9."Destroy You" (featuring Twista and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony)
  • Cool & Dre
  • Khaled
4:27
10."Never Be Nothing Like Me" (featurting Lil Scrappy and Homeboy)4:22
11."Candy Paint" (featuring Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, and Trina)
  • Cool & Dre
  • Khaled
4:10
12."MIA" (featuring Lil Wayne)DVLP3:45
13."Where You At" (featuring Freeway and Clipse)Khaled3:52
14."Still Fly" (featuring Birdman and CHOPS)
  • T-Mix
  • Khaled
5:10
15."Dip Slide Ride Out" (featuring T.I., Young Dro, and Big Kuntry)KhaledKeith McMasters5:00
16."Movement" (featuring Dre)
  • Khaled
  • Lyon
  • Cool & Dre
  • Khaled
3:42
17."The Future of Dade" (featuring Brisco, Dirt E Red, Dela, Lunch Money, Co, Hennessy, and P.M.)
  • Diaz Brothers
  • Khaled
5:37
Total length:66:31

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2006) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[12] 12
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[13] 3

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Listennn... the Album is the debut studio album by American disc jockey and , released on June 6, 2006, through and Koch Records. The project showcases Khaled's role as a of Southern hip-hop talent, featuring high-profile guest appearances from artists such as , , Pitbull, , , , , Young Jeezy, and others across 17 tracks. Produced by a team including The Runners, , , and Streetrunner, the album blends , , and elements, reflecting Miami's hip-hop scene and Khaled's roots. The album debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 44,000 copies in its first week, and reached number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Standout tracks include the posse cut "Holla at Me" featuring , , , , and Pitbull, which highlights Khaled's ability to assemble star-studded collaborations, as well as "Grammy Family" produced by and featuring alongside John Legend and Consequence. Other notable singles like "Born N Raised" with Pitbull, , and underscore the album's regional flavor, drawing from and Houston screw influences. Critically, Listennn... the Album was praised for its consistency and energetic posse tracks, earning a 7.2 out of 10 from , which noted its transcendence beyond typical DJ fare through a cohesive aesthetic blending diverse rap styles. While some reviewers critiqued the reliance on guest verses that occasionally felt like outtakes, the project solidified Khaled's reputation as a hitmaker and connector in the mid-2000s hip-hop landscape.

Background

Development

Listennn... the Album marked DJ Khaled's transition from mixtape curator to full-length studio artist, conceived in the wake of his rising profile through early 2000s mixtape projects that showcased Southern hip-hop talent. Building on his work as a DJ and producer, including the 2005 collaborative mixtape The Suffix with , Khaled envisioned the project as a platform to elevate his role beyond radio and live sets, uniting Miami-based artists under a cohesive sonic banner. Khaled signed with , the imprint founded by in 1997, where he served as the group's official DJ, securing distribution through Koch Records for wider reach. This affiliation underscored his position as a connector in the hip-hop ecosystem, emphasizing curation of regional voices from the rather than solo performance. The deal positioned the as a debut that highlighted Khaled's production oversight and networking prowess within Miami's vibrant scene. Development commenced in early , driven by Khaled's ambition to capture the energy of his radio gigs on 99 JAMZ, where he honed his ear for hits and built industry ties. Influenced by his longstanding DJ background at the station since the late 1990s and emerging affiliations with what would become the "" collective, the album's planning focused on assembling a roster of collaborators to reflect Miami's hip-hop momentum, including brief nods to talents like and .

Recording

The recording of Listennn... the Album took place primarily in studios across and Georgia, reflecting DJ Khaled's roots and connections in the Southern hip-hop scene. Key locations included Alburna Studios and Circle House Studios in , , as well as PS West Studios in , Georgia. These venues facilitated a collaborative environment suited to the album's emphasis on posse cuts and ensemble features. DJ Khaled served as executive producer, overseeing the project with a roster of prominent beatmakers who shaped its sound. handled multiple tracks, including the lead single "Holla at Me Baby," which incorporates a sample from & the Soulsonic Force's 1983 track "Looking for the Perfect Beat." Other notable producers included The Runners on the intro and "Born-N-Raised," DJ Nasty and L.V.M. on "Florida," on "Problems," Streetrunner on "," Mr. Collipark on "By My Side," and on "Addicted to Dope." This diverse production team contributed to the album's blend of hip-hop beats infused with Southern trap elements, such as heavy basslines and rhythmic percussion. A major aspect of the recording process involved coordinating an extensive array of guest appearances from high-profile artists, resulting in a posse-cut-heavy album with 17 tracks. Standout examples include "Holla at Me Baby," featuring , , , , and Pitbull, and "," with , , , and Plies. This approach demanded meticulous scheduling across sessions, leveraging Khaled's industry relationships to capture the collaborative energy central to the project's vision.

Music and lyrics

Musical style

Listennn... the Album is primarily a hip-hop record rooted in Southern rap, with prominent , gangsta, and styles that reflect DJ Khaled's origins. The album draws heavily from the scene, incorporating Florida's bass-heavy heritage alongside influences from , freestyle, electro, and even Italo-disco elements, creating a versatile sound centered in the Southern hip-hop landscape. Production features contributions from Florida-based teams like and The Runners, resulting in a consistent aesthetic that blends upbeat anthems with melodic hooks, often evoking the high-energy club-rap vibe of the mid-2000s. The sonic palette emphasizes heavy bass lines designed for trunk-rattling impact, paired with buzzing synths, horror-movie pianos, and streaky keyboards reminiscent of . Tracks frequently nod to 1980s hip-hop through samples, such as the slowed-down use of Afrika Bambaataataa's "Looking for the Perfect Beat" in "Holla at Me," which drives über-propulsive beats with oscillating beeps. Production diversity shines in elements like giant organ swells and rowdy piano licks in "Gangsta Shit," dissonant builds in "The Future of Dade," and smooth, electro-infused backdrops in "Watch Out," all contributing to an epic, synthpop-tinged hip-hop framework. Khaled's background as a DJ is evident in seamless transitions and a mixtape-like flow, enhancing the album's cohesive yet dynamic energy. Standout elements include posse cuts built around rapid-fire delivery over hard-plastic post-bounce rhythms, with beats ranging from crunk-infused anthems to R&B-flavored melodic interludes. The album comprises 17 tracks with an average length of approximately 3:55, yielding a total runtime of 66:31, allowing space for layered instrumentation without filler. Influences from New York hardcore rap, tied to Khaled's Terror Squad connections, appear in the gritty, gangsta-leaning production, while Southern dominance is amplified through bass-forward tracks like "Candy Paint" that echo Miami's Slip-N-Slide sound.

Themes and content

Listennn... the Album explores themes central to Southern hip-hop culture, including street life, the pursuit of success, loyalty within hip-hop crews, and the relentless hustle. The frequently boast about newfound wealth, such as expensive cars and , while addressing rivalries, including subtle shots at competing DJs and artists. These narratives reflect the competitive environment of the music industry and the grind of urban survival, with Khaled's "We the Best" mantra underscoring a sense of triumphant resilience. Specific tracks highlight these motifs through collaborative storytelling. "Holla at Me," featuring , , , , and Pitbull, serves as a unity for Southern rappers, celebrating regional and shared over a sampled beat. In contrast, "Grammy Family," with , , and Consequence, focuses on aspirations for major awards and the power of , emphasizing ambition and industry recognition as pathways to lasting . Guest features amplify the album's regional pride and narrative depth. contributes verses on luxury and extravagance, evoking Miami's opulent lifestyle, while delivers intricate wordplay that adds layers of clever rivalry and bravado. Other contributors, like and on "Problem," reinforce themes of street credibility and interpersonal conflicts. The overall tone is celebratory yet aggressive, prioritizing collective hype and bravado over personal introspection from Khaled himself.

Promotion

Singles

The from Listennn... the Album, "Holla at Me", was released on February 28, 2006, and featured verses from , , , , and Pitbull. Produced by , the track sampled "Looking for the Perfect Beat" (1983) by and the , incorporating its iconic electronic beats into a Southern hip-hop framework. It debuted at number 59 on the chart on June 24, 2006, marking DJ Khaled's first entry on the ranking, and reached number 15 on the chart, driven by strong urban radio airplay. The second single, "Grammy Family", followed on July 1, 2006, featuring Kanye West, Consequence, and John Legend, with lyrics celebrating hip-hop achievements and Grammy aspirations. Produced by Kanye West, the song emphasized Khaled's connections within the industry but achieved modest chart success, peaking at number 24 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. Its music video, directed by Chris Robinson, highlighted the artists' camaraderie and contributed to building anticipation for the album through MTV rotations. "Born-N-Raised", released as the third single on September 24, 2006, spotlighted Khaled's heritage with appearances by Pitbull, , and . Produced by The Runners, the track's regional flavor and boastful bars about roots resonated locally, peaking at number 83 on the chart. Collectively, these singles generated buzz via heavy radio promotion and videos on platforms like and , establishing Khaled's signature approach of assembling high-profile collaborations to amplify his debut project's visibility.

Release and marketing

Listennn... the Album was released on June 6, 2006, through in partnership with Koch Records. The album was distributed in physical CD format, including an explicit version to align with its street-oriented hip-hop content, and later made available digitally via platforms like . Marketing efforts emphasized Khaled's established role as a prominent DJ on Miami's 99 Jamz, leveraging heavy radio airplay in the region to build local buzz. Promotion included a nationwide multi-million dollar campaign and a cover feature on the March 2006 issue of magazine, highlighting the album's Southern hip-hop influences. The strategy tied into Khaled's prior promotional titled Listennn, which served as an teaser to generate industry anticipation ahead of the full release. Additional tactics focused on video production featuring high-profile guest artists such as , , and , prioritizing visual content to capitalize on their star power within budget constraints. Television exposure supported the rollout, with the lead single's video premiering on MTV2's Making the Video on April 11, 2006, and Khaled appearing on MTV's DFX earlier that month. Radio promotion extended nationally, with the single "Holla at Me" approaching 1,000 spins on urban stations by the release date. As an independent label venture, Koch Records' approach relied on and regional efforts rather than large-scale major-label , reflecting the financial limitations typical of indie urban music distributors at the time. Following the release, Khaled maintained momentum through his ongoing DJ residency at clubs and radio interviews, positioning the album as a key moment in the Southern hip-hop movement without undertaking a formal tour. These performances and media spots underscored his role in elevating 's presence in the genre.

Reception

Critical reception

Upon release, Listennn... the Album received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its energetic production and high-profile collaborations but often critiqued DJ Khaled's limited personal involvement. Critics frequently praised the album's star-studded guest appearances and vibrant, Miami-infused production, which blended Southern rap elements with sleek beats from producers like and The Runners. highlighted the record's "consistent aesthetic," noting how it incorporated influences from screw to Italo-disco, resulting in versatile tracks that transcended typical fare. called it a "collaborative triumph," emphasizing standout posse cuts like "Gangsta Shit" featuring Young Jeezy and , which showcased giant organ swells and strong regional representation. RapReviews commended the all-star lineup—including , , , and —for delivering over solid beats, particularly on infectious anthems like "Holla at Me." However, several reviewers pointed to shortcomings, including an over-reliance on guest artists that overshadowed Khaled's own voice and led to filler material. RapReviews noted that while the features were impressive, Khaled "reveals nothing about himself or his personality," making his presence feel peripheral on many tracks. Pitchfork criticized the guests for often appearing "on autopilot," delivering subpar verses, and described Khaled's frequent vocal interjections as "obnoxious." HipHopDX echoed this, arguing the album fell short of expectations due to uninspired performances from major names like T.I. and Lil Wayne, resembling a half-hearted mixtape rather than a cohesive debut. Overall, the earned a mixed-positive consensus as a solid introduction to Khaled's curatorial brand in hip-hop, with an aggregated critic score of 68/100 across eight reviews. specifically lauded "Holla at Me" as a " masterpiece," crediting its sample from Afrika Bambaataataa's "Looking for the Perfect Beat" for elevating the collaborative energy. XXL acknowledged the formulaic elements but valued the cohesive sound driven by Cool & Dre's Latin-infused drums on multiple cuts.

Commercial performance

Upon its release in June 2006, Listennn... the Album debuted at number 12 on the US chart. It also reached number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 1 on the Independent Albums chart. The album sold 44,000 copies in its first week in the United States, marking a solid debut for an independent release on Koch Records. Internationally, the album received limited distribution and did not achieve prominent positions. Its performance outside the was minimal, reflecting the challenges of independent promotion in global markets. The album did not receive any certifications from the (RIAA), as its sales fell short of the 500,000 units required for status. This underperformance was largely attributed to its independent label backing, which limited mainstream retail and radio exposure compared to major-label efforts. Despite these modest commercial results, Listennn... the Album established as a rising figure in hip-hop, building momentum for his subsequent releases that achieved greater success on the charts. The lead singles, including "Holla at Me," played a key role in increasing visibility and laying the groundwork for his collaborative style.

Credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Listennn... the Album, released on June 6, 2006, by and Koch Records, contains 17 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 70 minutes (1:10:17) and is available in both explicit and edited versions, though the track order and content remain consistent across editions.
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)DurationProducer(s)
1"Intro"1:58
2"Born-N-Raised"Pitbull, , 4:15The Runners
3"Gangsta Shit"Young Jeezy, , Slick Pulla, 4:58DJ Nasty & L.V.M.
4"Grammy Family", Consequence, 3:24
5"Problem", 3:36
6"Holla at Me", , , , Pitbull4:27
7"Addicted"3:44Streetrunner
8"Watch Out", , , 3:45
9"Destroy You", 4:27
10"Never Be Nothing Like Me", Homebwoi4:21
11"Candy Paint", , 4:10
12"M.I.A."3:45DVLP
13"Where You At"Freeway, 3:52
14"Still Fly"Birdman, Chop5:10T-Mix
15"Dip, Slide, Ride Out"T.I., , 5:00Keith Mack
16"The Movement"Dre3:42
17"The Future of Dade County"Brisco, Dirty Red, Dela, Lunch Money, Co, Hennessy, P.M.5:37The Diaz Brothers
All tracks were co-written by alongside the respective featured artists and additional contributors, reflecting the album's collaborative Southern hip-hop style.

Personnel

The album Listennn... the Album boasts an extensive roster of contributors, reflecting 's role as the central curator and , with over 30 guest artists spanning Southern, East Coast, and Midwest rap scenes. Khaled served as on all tracks, A&R director, and primary arranger, assembling a collaborative effort under . The project includes high-profile guest vocalists such as Akon, Beanie Sigel, Birdman, Blood Raw, Big Kuntry King, Brisco, Bun B, Chamillionaire, Clipse, Co, Consequence, Dela, Dirty Red, Dre, Fat Joe, Freeway, Hennessy, Jadakiss, John Legend, Juelz Santana, Kanye West, Krayzie Bone, Lil Wayne, Lunch Money, Paul Wall, P.M., Pitbull, Rick Ross, Slick Pulla, Slim Thug, Styles P, T.I., Trina, Trick Daddy, Twista, Young Dro, and Young Jeezy, among others appearing across various tracks, including a star-studded intro roll call. Notable track-specific appearances include Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull on "Holla at Me"; Kanye West, John Legend, and Consequence on "Grammy Family"; and Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss on "Problem." Additional guests like Big Kuntry King and Young Dro feature on "Dip, Slide, Ride Out," while Twista and Krayzie Bone (of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony) contribute to "Destroy You."

Producers

Production duties were handled by a mix of established teams and individual beatmakers, with Khaled overseeing the overall sound. Key contributors include , who produced multiple tracks such as "Holla at Me" (track 6), "Watch Out" (track 8), "Destroy You" (track 9), "Candy Paint" (track 11), and "The Movement" (track 16); The Runners on "Born N Raised" (track 2); DJ Nasty and L.V.M. on "Gangsta Shit" (track 3); on "Grammy Family" (track 4); Streetrunner on "Addicted" (track 7); on "Never Be Nothing Like Me" (track 10); (Develop) on "M.I.A." (track 12); T-Mix on "Still Fly" (track 14); Keith McMasters (Keith Mack) on "Dip, Slide, Ride Out" (track 15); on "Problem" (track 5), "Where You At" (track 13), and the intro; and The Diaz Brothers on "The Future of Dade County" (track 17). Khaled himself receives production credits on several cuts, including the intro.

Technical and Additional Roles

Technical contributions include recording engineers such as Ben Diehl (tracks 1 and 11), Tony Rey (track 3), Young Hollywood (track 10), (guitar and recording on track 14), Elliot Carter (track 15), and James Roach (assistant on track 14). Mixing was led by professionals including Leslie Brathwaite (track 15), Brian Stanley, Andrew Dawson, Lu Diaz, and Ray Seay across various tracks. Mastering engineers Dave Kutch and Tom Coyne finalized the album's sound. Art direction and design were managed by Miami Kaos and Michelle Lukianovich, with as additional executive producers.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.