Major Key
by DJ Khaled
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Jul 29, 2016
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 2, 2016
    83
    His bottomless stock of anthemic crowd-pleasers may not be game-changing, but few albums this year have come preloaded with this many obvious singles.
  2. AllMusic
    Dec 12, 2016
    70
    The contrast between Khaled's all-positive demeanor and his facilitation of buccaneering misogyny is stark as ever here, most evident in tracks like "Work It" and "Pick These Hoes Apart."
  3. RapReviews.com
    Aug 9, 2016
    70
    If you're not expecting an hour of profound wisdom from start to finish this is an ideal late summer mixtape to ride around to.
  5. Pitchfork
    Aug 5, 2016
    69
    Like all of his albums, Major Key is a mixed bag, fitting for a maestro who traffics in a blend of chest-thumping and humility that’s both as comical as it is prophetic.
  6. Consequence
    Aug 2, 2016
    67
    As might be expected from a record this big with a rolodex this wide-ranging, Major Key is an absolutely mixed bag. Khaled utilizes full-speed-ahead intensity, big room trap, and syrupy R&B, all without leaving room to breathe. But then again, Khaled’s presence unifies Major Key.
  7. HipHopDX
    Aug 4, 2016
    64
    There are instances on this album that do prove Khaled’s worth as a Hip Hop orchestrator in terms of matching high profile rappers with quality beats but unfortunately, they come too few and far between.
  8. PopMatters
    Aug 29, 2016
    60
    While Major Key proves that DJ Khaled is not simply a meme, Khaled swings too hard and misses too often with each attempt at a radio hit.
  9. Spin
    Aug 4, 2016
    60
    The problem with the fantasy of a major Khaled Album though, is that, like a summer blockbuster, Major Key is too front-loaded.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Aug 2, 2016
    60
    As with every Khaled LP, the end result is a blast in small doses but a little bludgeoning taken as a whole.
  11. No Ripcord
    Aug 12, 2016
    50
    The production on this album is bearable and more or less gets the job done, but is mostly composed of bothersome loops. This leaves the bulk of the work to the emcees. And quite frankly, some show up, and some most certainly do not.
  12. Exclaim
    Aug 5, 2016
    40
    It starts off deceptively strong, with standouts like "I Got the Keys," "Nas Album Done" and "For Free" all loaded near the beginning. But once the album advances past this bit of clever sequencing, it barely strikes a chord.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 53
  3. Negative: 7 out of 53
  1. israelvg49
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    Considering DJ Khaled as a snapchat superstar/icon, he arrives with a massive, undisputed, and solid album that shuts hip-hop heads up. KhaledConsidering DJ Khaled as a snapchat superstar/icon, he arrives with a massive, undisputed, and solid album that shuts hip-hop heads up. Khaled brings in modern artist that are popping, and succeeds on sending a message of the Major Key. Just like Gucci Mane, Khaled has never sound this crispy ever before, Proud of his hard work, this what the key is about!… Full Review »
  2. mc_ryn
    Aug 3, 2016
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS 100% BANGERS GOOD TIME AND VIBES. LOVE LOVETHIS ALBUM IS 100% BANGERS GOOD TIME AND VIBES. LOVE LOVE LOVE!........................................................................................… Full Review »
  3. musikman91307
    Aug 2, 2016
    7
    Dj Khaled's albums are like large beautiful bombastic cakes with a mixture of different flavors. You end up with more than your fill, and ifDj Khaled's albums are like large beautiful bombastic cakes with a mixture of different flavors. You end up with more than your fill, and if you don't appreciate the various tastes you'll stop eating. Fortunately for me this is the first time I had a Khaled cake and enjoyed it (for the most part, I left a 3/4 aside). Nas, Big Sean and Kent Jones were the big surprises for me. It's 2016 and Nas is actually spitting harder than he was in the 90s on the track "Nas Album Done." I never thought I'd be excited for a Nas album this year. Big Sean holds up on all his features even against Kendrick Lamar who snaps in his appearance (particularly in his 2nd verse) but doesn't outshine Big Sean on the track "Holy Keys" either. Kent Jones is a young upcoming artist who has BARS and flow for days, I'm definitely keeping an eye on him after I heard him spit after Busta Rhymes (still doing his thing but not as clever as he once was with his bars) on "Dont Ever Play Yourself." I found myself going back to "Tourist" by Travis Scott and featuring Wayne who still kills his guest appearances even though he should have had a longer verse on it. I'm really hoping him and Travis collaborate on a tape with Metro Boomin soon. Drake is in his prime right now so no doubt he made his track on the album "For Free" a major summer hit in itself although I wish he would go back to his roots more and not do as many commercial sounding songs. J.Cole has enormous potential and shows it again with his profound appearance on "Jermaine's Interlude" (don't retire!). Future is doing Future I just hope he doesn't get too comfortable and tries newer ideas. All in all if you appreciate old and new sounding hip hop this will be your record for at least the summer. A few of the tracks are timeless in my opinion and a few that are throwaways as well (maybe I'm being too harsh, they're inconsistent or incohesive tracks) "Do you Mind" and "Pick These Hoes Apart" come to mind. There are also a couple questionable guest appearances that don't seem to fit but they don't take away much from the album either. For me this is the best Dj Khaled record solely because of the hit appearances from practically every artist and the solid production choices. 7/10… Full Review »
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