DJ Khaled Is Upset With Billboard For Costing Him #1 Spot: Report

BY Erika Marie 12.7K Views
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DJ Khaled
Billboard allegedly axed 100,000 sales from DJ Khaled's numbers.

On Thursday, reports surfaced that DJ Khaled was a tad hot under his collar because his star-studded, heavily-promoted release Father of Asahd didn't make it to the number one spot on the charts. Instead, Tyler The Creator's multi-dimensional album IGOR snagged the top spot while Khaled's record followed at number 2. Rumors spread that the super-producer stormed into Epic Records offices and had a "temper tantrum,"  as he spewed hate for Tyler's hit record.

According to The Blast,  Khaled never had a problem with Tyler, contrary to reports that he's been shading the artist; it was Billboard who made him upset. They claim that Billboard "disqualified" 100,000 downloads because they weren't approved, something that Khaled wasn't told until after chart week. Initially, they reportedly were approved, but when he was alerted of the change, it was too late.

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A bundle deal was offered with the downloads in an effort to drive sales. Father of Asahd was bundled with nutritional supplements, a promotion that Billboard approved. With each purchase, customers were able to receive a digital download of the record. Although it's unorthodox, the download still counted as a record sale...until Billboard said no.

Khaled wasn't the only one bundling his way to the top, as Tyler used the method for IGOR, as well. He offered digital downloads of the album with purchases of shirts and posters. The Blast reports that issues arose when Billboard stated they didn't "approve the copy" of Khaled's promotion. So, while they did approve that he could use supplements to bundle, they weren't made aware of the final offer. If Khaled's bundles would have been counted, he reportedly would have had a number one record on his hands.

It's also reported that while Khaled did have an impassioned conversation with record executives, there was no temper tantrum thrown. 

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.