The last few years have been ground breaking for him as a producer. Placements with multi-platinum artist, The Game “Da Shit” (Doctor’s Advocate), Jay Z “I Made It” (Kingdom Come), and Talib Kweli “Oh My Stars” Feat. Musiq Soulchild & “Hostile Gospel Pt. 2” Feat. Sizzla (Ear Drum).
Most recently he delivered 50 Cent’s latest commercial smash hit “I’ll Still Kill” Feat AKON on the multi-platinum selling Curtis LP.
In 2008 he picked up right were he left off with his production for Jim Jones commercial single “Love Me No More” Feat Cobe (Harlem’s American Gangster) and a musical score of the horror film titled “The Portal”. He also created tracks for an upcoming animated feature film, “The Blockheads”
Early production is already in the mix with Dr. Dre’s highly anticipated “Detox”, NAS, Kelis, and Busta Rhymes among several others.
These recent accomplishments have catapulted his name as one of the music industry hottest new producers.
Rewind to his early days, Khalil’s passion for music began as a youth growing up in Los Angeles listening to everything from “NWA” to “A Tribe Called Quest” exposing him to the best of what hip hop music was delivering from both coasts during a time which is now remembered as “The Glory Years” in hip hop.
It was during this time that a young DJ Khalil was heavily influenced and knew he wanted to be a part of the rapidly growing hip hop movement that influenced many kids during this era.
After purchasing his first pair of technique turntables and years of perfecting his skills as a DJ, Khalil would be influenced by the likes of DJ Premiere, Pete Rock, & Ali Shaheed. These incredible individuals would eventually spark the passion he had in him to produce his own music.
This led to the purchase of his first beat machine, the ASR10 made by Ensoniq. Making his transition from DJ to producer and giving birth to his official production/artist name, DJ Khalil.
He developed his passion for music from his father who to this day possesses an incredible jazz collection. This not only inspired the young producer but it exposed him to thousands of famous Jazz musicians, which helped develop and mold his sound to what you hear today.
While still in High School he shared a bond with another talented up and coming artist from Los Angeles by the name of Chace Infinite. The two met mutually through the friendship their parents shared and the love for their first passion as youth, Basketball.
It was during this time that Khalil finally had someone he could bounce and share ideas with musically and begin his long journey through the winding roads of the music industry.
Upon graduation from North Hollywood High, he enrolled in the Historically Black University, Moorehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. The move would prove to be beneficial for him. At Moorehouse College he shared the same hallways with the likes of many striving young artist and soon to be executives who are currently major players in the music business today. It would also prove to be a time where the majority of his growth and experimentation as a Producer would play a significant role in what is now known as his unique signature sound.
He continued to develop as an artist eventually forming a group called “Self Scientific” in the early 90’s exposing the Hip Hop community to a series of underground produced classics. However, it wasn’t until 1993 when Khalil produced the underground hit “Return” that they made their official introduction and solidified him as one of the newest producers to keep an ear open for.
After the success of ‘Return” and a series of 12’ vinyl singles his group eventually landed a development deal with Loud Records in1995. Although things didn’t pan out like he expected, the knowledge he gained would give him the inspiration to produce two classic Self Scientific albums. “The Self Science” in 2000 and “Change” in 2006.
In 2003 while continuing to establish himself as a young producer on the rise, Khalil caught the attention of west coast Legend and co- founder of NWA, Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre saw great potential in Khalil as a producer and felt with his guidance he could help develop his sound to great heights.
“I want to sign you as a staff producer” Dre told Khalil, “I want you as a part of the family”
Persistence and countless hours perfecting his sound paid off landing him a slot on Dr. Dre’s production staff at Aftermath Records.
“I grew up listening to Dre, so to be working with him and the fact that he really like my music is dope”, explains Khalil.
His new affiliation would allow him to produce for the likes of major artist like Keith Murray “Candi Bar”, Cypress Hill “The Only Way”, XZIBIT “Beware Of Us”, Raekwon “Ice Cream Part 2”, and G-Unit’s 50 Cent “Lay You Down”.
Even though he was beginning to receive early success with mainstream artist he still continued to inject underground artists with his infectious sound.
Ras Kass “Kiss Of Death”, Sway & King Tech “Better Days”, Planet Asia “It’s On”, Strong Arm Steady (Blacksmith/Warner Bros.), Evidence (“All Said & Done”/The Weatherman LP) and newly acquired Aftermath Recording Artist Bishop Lamont have and are still benefiting from this musical talent.
Khalil’s never ending appetite for challenging himself musically has brought him to his most recent personal venture, “The New Royales”.
This hybrid group made up of himself and a group of very talented songwriters / musicians based out of Canada have combined his distinct sound with the “Royales” alternative rock melodies making the match a perfect alliance.
Elevate
DJ Khalil Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I had to get out all alone (alone)
And figure it out on my own (my own)
And I know what I really want now
Can't stop me, can't break me (can't break)
What don't kill me, gon' make me (gon' make)
Shoot for the stars, no safety (no safety)
And now I see clear in HD
Gotta go hard (gotta go hard)
I ain't got time to waste (I ain't got time)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
They wanna fight (they wanna fight)
I'm just gon' let 'em hate (I'm just gon' let 'em hate)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
You better choose a side, you gotta choose a side
You gotta pick
You better do what's right or you gonna lose the fight
You gotta (Gotta go hard)
You better choose a side, you gotta choose a side (I'm just 'gon let 'em hate)
You gotta pick (Gotta go hard)
You better do what's right or you gonna lose the fight (I gotta elevate)
I'm a web-slinger to a gunslinger
No millimeter, this is my arena
I'm the black widow with a bad stinger
And I'll make you scream like a bad singer
I'm everything that you wanna be plus more
Since there's no heroes anymore
Jump out the window, then put the mask on
Who the bad man that a man gotta bash on?
Hope we'll never link up
Blink and you will see us
Thumbprints 'bout to ink up
See me in the NYC
You can never swing by me
Hope we'll never link up
Blink and you will see us
Thumbprints 'bout to ink up
See me in the NYC
Home of the B.I.G, look
They will slander me, I just plan to be
Somethin' powerful for my family
Tried to balance life and my sanity
Show a different side of humanity
So amazin', keep appraisin'
Save you from a home invasion
Chasin' robbers from the bank
You facin' friendly neighborhood Spider-Man
Gotta go hard (gotta go hard)
I ain't got time to waste (I ain't got time)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
They wanna fight (they wanna fight)
I'm just gon' let 'em hate (I'm just gon' let 'em hate)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
Okay, I fight crime through the nighttime
When the light shine, I go python
I've fallen, on my last lifeline
There's no way in my right mind
My city up on my back tight
How can I possibly act right?
I'm Robin Hood, I'm the Black Knight
I know you heard 'bout my last fight
'Cause I win, over and over again
Battlin' evil, I'm hopin' to win
Fightin' my demons, I'm nice for a reason
Enticed with the bleedin', I'm showin' my sins
How can you expect me to stay sane? Protect me
My technique go X speed on high waves and jet skis
I jump off this building to save these civilians
My strength and my honor is trusted by children
I'm ready and willing to fight all these villains
No chaos or killings, my style is so brilliant
Gotta go hard (gotta go hard)
I ain't got time to waste (I ain't got time)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
They wanna fight (they wanna fight)
I'm just gon' let 'em hate (I'm just gon' let 'em hate)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
You gotta choose a side, you gotta choose a side
You gotta pick
You gotta do what's right or you gonna lose the fight (I gotta elevate)
Look, I ain't got no time to be hangin' around
Nobody tryna figure out if they good or evil
I'm fightin' the crimes, savin' your lives
One at a time, I'm killin' the rhymes, I do it for the people
I'm Peter Parker running through the 6 with a bag full of tricks
My boy, you better choose a side
I may have lost the battle but I will not lose the war
I can promise you I will not lose this time
And I did it all independent, no really, all independent
Now we winnin', I got my homies cookin' up in the kitchen
Intuition, so we gon' have to win and come for some business
The world is mine and you gon' have to pay me attention
And I did everything that I did on my own
I'm a one-to-one for real, there can never be a clone
Better talk to me nice, better watch your tone
And I'm puttin' on for my home zone so I gotta go hard
Gotta go hard (gotta go hard)
I ain't got time to waste (I ain't got time)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
They wanna fight (they wanna fight)
I'm just gon' let 'em hate (I'm just gon' let 'em hate)
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
The lyrics of DJ Khalil's song "Elevate" explore the theme of pursuing one's goals against all odds. The singer steps out of their comfort zone and navigates through challenges and obstacles to achieve what they truly want in life. The repeated phrases of "gotta go hard" and "gotta elevate" emphasize the need to work tirelessly and reach for the highest heights to succeed.
The song also contains references to the superhero Spider-Man, with the singer likening themselves to the character as they fight for justice and protect their city. They mention battling evil, fighting their demons, and showing their vulnerabilities, all while striving to do the right thing. The lyrics also touch on the idea of choosing a side and doing what is right, which further emphasizes the idea of being true to oneself and working towards one's goals with determination.
Overall, "Elevate" is an inspiring song that encourages listeners to chase their dreams and never give up, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Stepped out of my zone (my zone)
I ventured out of my familiar surroundings.
I had to get out all alone (alone)
I needed to find my own way without any help.
And figure it out on my own (my own)
I had to discover the solution on my own.
And I know what I really want now
I have clarity about my desires and goals.
Can't stop me, can't break me (can't break)
Nobody can hinder or weaken me.
What don't kill me, gon' make me (gon' make)
Anything that does not destroy me will only make me stronger.
Shoot for the stars, no safety (no safety)
I am aiming high without any safety measures, risking everything.
And now I see clear in HD
I have gained a clear perspective in high definition.
Gotta go hard (gotta go hard)
I must put forth maximum effort and determination.
I ain't got time to waste (I ain't got time)
I do not have any time to waste.
I gotta go high (gotta go high)
I must aim for lofty heights.
I gotta elevate (I gotta elevate)
I must elevate to a higher level of success.
They wanna fight (they wanna fight)
They want to engage in conflict.
I'm just gon' let 'em hate (I'm just gon' let 'em hate)
I will ignore their hate and criticism.
You better choose a side, you gotta choose a side
You must decide which side to support or join.
You gotta pick
You must make a choice.
You better do what's right or you gonna lose the fight
You must choose the morally correct option or risk defeat.
I'm a web-slinger to a gunslinger
I am like Spiderman, transitioning from a web-slinging hero to a gunslinging vigilante.
No millimeter, this is my arena
I have no fear in my domain.
I'm the black widow with a bad stinger
I am a deadly seductress with a potent sting.
And I'll make you scream like a bad singer
I will cause you great pain and agony.
I'm everything that you wanna be plus more
I possess all the qualities and attributes that you desire and more.
Since there's no heroes anymore
In a world without heroes, I must become one.
Jump out the window, then put the mask on
I will take risks and disguise myself to perform heroic feats.
Who the bad man that a man gotta bash on?
Who is the wicked person that one must fight against?
Hope we'll never link up
I hope we never cross paths or collaborate.
Blink and you will see us
We are very quick and agile.
Thumbprints 'bout to ink up
I am about to leave my mark or legacy.
See me in the NYC
You can find me in New York City.
You can never swing by me
You can never match my style or abilities.
Home of the B.I.G, look
I represent Brooklyn, the hometown of Biggie Smalls.
They will slander me, I just plan to be
People will defame me, but I will remain focused on my goals.
Somethin' powerful for my family
I will achieve something significant for my loved ones.
Tried to balance life and my sanity
I have attempted to reconcile my obligations and my mental well-being.
Show a different side of humanity
I aim to exhibit a distinct aspect of human nature.
So amazin', keep appraisin'
I am impressive and worthy of admiration.
Save you from a home invasion
I will protect you from a burglary at your residence.
Chasin' robbers from the bank
I am pursuing thieves that robbed a financial institution.
You facin' friendly neighborhood Spider-Man
You are confronting a benevolent, local Spider-Man.
Okay, I fight crime through the nighttime
I battle wrongdoing during the nocturnal hours.
When the light shine, I go python
I cooperate with others when opportunity arises.
I've fallen, on my last lifeline
I have made errors and am running out of chances.
There's no way in my right mind
I cannot logically act or think in a particular manner.
My city up on my back tight
I carry the weight of my city on my shoulders with tenacity.
How can I possibly act right?
How can I display righteous conduct in these challenging circumstances?
I'm Robin Hood, I'm the Black Knight
I am a hero that steals from the rich and fights for justice like a medieval knight.
I know you heard 'bout my last fight
You are aware of my previous struggle or confrontation.
'Cause I win, over and over again
I am consistently victorious.
Battlin' evil, I'm hopin' to win
I am fighting against malevolence with the aim of emerging victorious.
Fightin' my demons, I'm nice for a reason
I am battling my inner turmoil for a worthwhile cause.
Enticed with the bleedin', I'm showin' my sins
Even though I suffer, I reveal my faults.
How can you expect me to stay sane? Protect me
You need to safeguard me since I cannot keep my sanity in trying times.
My technique go X speed on high waves and jet skis
My style is fast, effective, and adaptable in various settings.
I jump off this building to save these civilians
I take dangerous risks to rescue people in peril.
My strength and my honor is trusted by children
Kids have faith in my moral fortitude and respect me.
I'm ready and willing to fight all these villains
I am motivated and prepared to battle evil individuals.
No chaos or killings, my style is so brilliant
My style is without violence or brutality, and highly effective.
Look, I ain't got no time to be hangin' around
I have no leisure to idle or waste time.
Nobody tryna figure out if they good or evil
Nobody is attempting to discern if they are righteous or wicked.
I'm fightin' the crimes, savin' your lives
I am fighting against criminal acts and rescuing people.
One at a time, I'm killin' the rhymes, I do it for the people
I am accomplishing my goals one by one and making music for my supporters.
I'm Peter Parker running through the 6 with a bag full of tricks
I am like Peter Parker (Spider-Man) racing through Toronto with many surprises.
My boy, you better choose a side
My friend, you must pick a stance.
I may have lost the battle but I will not lose the war
I may have encountered defeat before, but I will eventually succeed.
I can promise you I will not lose this time
I assure you that I will achieve victory this time around.
And I did it all independent, no really, all independent
I accomplished everything by myself without any assistance.
Now we winnin', I got my homies cookin' up in the kitchen
Now we are succeeding, and my friends are creating great things.
Intuition, so we gon' have to win and come for some business
Our intuition will lead us to success, and we will thrive in the industry.
The world is mine and you gon' have to pay me attention
I control the globe, and people must acknowledge my power and influence.
And I did everything that I did on my own
I achieved all of my accomplishments independently.
I'm a one-to-one for real, there can never be a clone
I am unique, and nobody can replicate my style or achievements.
Better talk to me nice, better watch your tone
You must address me respectfully and with caution.
And I'm puttin' on for my home zone so I gotta go hard
I am representing my hometown, so I must give my maximum effort.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Andre Jones, Cordae Dunston, Daniel Seeff, Denzel Rae Don Curry, Didier Meyer Cohen, Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Trevor D. Rich, CORDAE, SPA, ANDRE N. JONES, KHALIL ABDUL RAHMAN, TREVOR D RICH, SAM BARSH, KHALIL RAHMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind