2016 single by DJ Khaled featuring Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean and Betty Wright
"Holy Key" is a song by American musician DJ Khaled featuring American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean and American singer Betty Wright. It was released on July 22, 2016, by We the Best Music Group and Epic Records as the third single of DJ Khaled's ninth studio album, Major Key.[1] The song was produced by Cool & Dre.[2]
Whilst in the process of recording "Holy Key", Khaled told Sean; "Yo. This record? I don't want no rules, no regulations, I don't want no regular song structure. I want you to just go bad. Catch the Holy Ghost and just… This is your chance to spit them bars. Even though you spit them all the time. Big this is a special one we gonna do it on." Khaled approached Kendrick Lamar about doing a feature on the song at a basketball game in LA they were both attending. Lamar responded to the idea of a possible collaboration; "No doubt, Khaled. I love what you're doing right now. I love how you're inspiring the world and the kids with your music. Send it through." Khaled was hesitant to send the song immediately as he "wanted to make sure it was the right record", and with Lamar's schedule being busy, Khaled feared the record not being done on time. Lamar's verse was sent two days after Khaled spoke to him.
In the days leading up to the release of "Holy Key", DJ Khaled went on Snapchat and teased by yelling "Ay Juan, did the Kendrick vocals get here yet?" and that Kendrick would have the most talked about the verse on his album.[3] Khaled would then proceed to comment on the single: "Man, we did our damn thing. Those are two different rappers and guess what? They both great. That's how you make records. I'm not here just to make a record. That's not what Khaled does. I'ma try to bring the best out of everybody!".[4]
"Holy Key" debuted at number 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the chart dated August 20, 2016.[5]
- ^ McCluskey, Megan (January 8, 2016). "Understanding the Key Emoji and DJ Khaled's 'Major Keys to Success'". Time. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ a b "DJ Khaled - Holy Key Feat. Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean & Betty Wright (Prod. By Cool n Dre) [New song]". hotnewhiphop.com. 23 July 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- ^ "Genius on Twitter". Twitter.
- ^ "DJ Khaled – Holy Key Lyrics - Genius Lyrics". Retrieved August 19, 2016.
- ^ "Billboard - August 20, 2016". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
- ^ "CHART WATCH #380". auspOp. August 6, 2016. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled feat. Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar and Betty Wright – Holy Key" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved August 6, 2016.
- ^ "NZ Heatseekers Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ "DJ Khaled Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 10, 2016.
- ^ "American single certifications – DJ Khaled – Holy Key". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
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