DJ Khaled Excluded Drake From Top Five Rappers List
The producer notably omitted Drake while listing his personal favorite artists during a recent encounter in Paris.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap
Live Poll
Should public figures let political disagreements dictate their professional associations and personal friendships?
DJ Khaled shared his list of top rappers while in Paris, selecting artists such as Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, 2Pac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and Rick Ross. The list notably excludes Drake, who earlier this year publicly criticized the producer in the song Make Them Pay.
Why it matters
The exclusion highlights an ongoing interpersonal rift between the two artists, which stemmed from Drake's public criticism regarding DJ Khaled's silence on the conflict in Palestine. The tension has persisted despite efforts by industry figures like Fat Joe to facilitate a reconciliation.
DJ Khaled named six artists—Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, 2Pac, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, and Rick Ross—when asked for his top five. This selection follows the 2026 release of Drake's track Make Them Pay, which directly addressed their relationship.
The players
DJ Khaled
He is a prominent record producer, radio personality, and DJ known for collaborating with major artists across the music industry.
Drake
He is a highly successful Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter who has dominated global music charts for over a decade.
Fat Joe
He is a veteran rapper and hip-hop entrepreneur who has acted as a public mediator in various disputes within the music industry.
The details
The list was shared during a public interaction in Paris, marking a notable moment in the ongoing professional and personal friction between the two stars. Drake previously used his song lyrics to voice his disappointment with DJ Khaled, specifically citing a perceived lack of advocacy regarding the situation in Palestine.
Timeline
Drake released the song Make Them Pay earlier in 2026.
Fat Joe discussed his mediation efforts during an appearance on The Breakfast Club in August 2026.
DJ Khaled revealed his list of favorite rappers while in Paris in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This public snub reflects the growing trend of high-profile feuds playing out through social media and lyrical references rather than private resolution. It marks a departure from traditional industry diplomacy, as personal disagreements over political silence are increasingly becoming public points of contention.
Fans can monitor these interpersonal dynamics through the latest music releases and social media interactions of both artists. The ongoing tension serves as a reminder of how political and personal stances now directly influence the public personas and relationships of major pop culture icons.
The takeaway
Public disputes between major musical figures often evolve beyond the studio, impacting how artists are perceived by their peers and the public. Maintaining professional boundaries remains difficult when personal grievances are aired on global platforms.
Further reading
Explore more industry updates and artist disputes in our Hip-Hop and Rap section.
Live Poll
Should public figures let political disagreements dictate their professional associations and personal friendships?
