Image: DJ Khaled hosted a who's who of athletes, celebrities, and influencers during the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic.
DJ Khaled hosted a who's who of athletes, celebrities, and influencers during the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic.
We the Best Foundation photo
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DJ Khaled knows how to throw a party.
It's the Wednesday of Miami Art Week, and Casadonna, nestled in the historic Miami Women's Club, has been transformed into a tropical wonderland of indulgence for the welcome reception of the second annual We the Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic. The salty breeze off of Biscayne Bay drifts in as servers pass hors d' oeuvres while pyramid-shaped heaters keep guests warm on the rare chilly Miami night.
Olympic legend Michael Phelps, entrepreneur Russell Simmons, rapper-turned-podcast-host N.O.R.E., and model Winnie Harlow are in attendance. Michael Jordan's son, Marcus Jordan, and former Miami Heat player Hassan Whiteside also graced the step-and-repeat. Ice Spice was spotted posing for photos, while singer YG Marley enjoyed the night with his father, Rohan Marley, and his siblings, Selah and Nico Marley.
Michael Phelps and DJ Khaled at the the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic opening reception at Casadonna in Miami
Celebrities attended the opening reception for the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic at Casadonna, including Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.
We the Best Foundation photo
This is all a prelude to an event that will enrich the lives of the next generation. Founded in 2018 by Khaled and his wife, Nicole Tuck, We the Best Foundation aims to empower underserved youth and adults by collaborating with nonprofits and backing initiatives that foster growth and development.
The following morning, the event shifts to the Miami Beach Golf Club, where Khaled and his celebrity friends — NBA legend Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, hip-hop OG Uncle Luke, and others — are teeing off for a cause.
Before the first swing, Khaled takes to the mic, his energy as infectious as ever.
"We bringing more awareness to golf. We're going to uplift our communities. We gonna spread love to the young world. We gonna help all the families in need. We gonna support other charities," he declares, his voice booming across the fairway. "Shoutout to Alonzo Mourning's Overtown Youth Center, shoutout to Uncle Luke and his beautiful charity. We doin' everything."
DJ Khaled at the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic at the Miami Beach Golf Club
The We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic took place at the Miami Beach Golf Club.
We the Best Foundation photo
Khaled explains that while the event usually happens in summer, the date was changed due to this year's very active hurricane season. He gives a special thanks to Butler, who attempted to attend in June and returned this week.
"He came all the way out here, and he's still here today, and that means so much to me, brotha," says Khalid to Butler. "And you got that [BigFace Coffee](http:// https://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/miami-neighborhood-nets-jimmy-butlers-first-bigface-coffee-shop-21940754). You know, I drink that every day."
In return, Butler commends Khaled as well as today's attendees.
"Appreciate you. I got my babies with me, and I'm glad to be here and see everybody," Butler shares before voicing his gratitude toward Khaled. "This is a lot of love that you show the city, that you show these people. I appreciate you. I love you, and I'm glad I can call you my brother."
The speeches are followed by a soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by musician and saxophonist Mike Phillips, who has recorded and toured with the "Big Three" of American soul and pop music: Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder.
Before the tournament starts, New Times catches up with Khaled.
Jimmy Butler, DJ Khaled, and Dwyane Wade at the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic
Jimmy Butler, DJ Khaled, and Dwyane Wade at the We The Best Foundation x Jordan Golf Classic
We the Best Foundation photo
"Everything we're dealing with in the community is important. It's always a priority to We The Best Foundation and the Khaled family. And to join forces with Michael Jordan, it's just a beautiful thing," he tells New Times. "To rep our communities, to uplift our communities, to help our communities, but also, more importantly, to help the young world — kids, families in need — and bring awareness to golf. We want our kids to know that you can play golf. You could be out there and be great and be like a Michael Jordan, DJ Khalid, Tiger Woods, CC Sebastian, Alonzo Mourning — whatever you want to do in life, right? Golf is a beautiful thing."
The conversation takes an unexpected yet welcoming turn when Young Jeezy comes over to show some love.
"Young Jeezy in the building! Yooo! What's up, brotha? I appreciate you," Khaled says, greeting the "R.I.P." rapper with a dap. "Young Jeezy always show up in this. Always represent his foundation, he represent my foundation. I love you, brotha. I got you a cigar later."
"Yeah, we here," Jeezy responds as the two exchange warm words before ducking out to prep for the tournament.
DJ Khaled and his wife, Nicole Tuck, and their two sons
DJ Khaled and his wife, Nicole Tuck, and their two sons
Khaled returns to the interview, teasing the news of his upcoming album, which will be released sometime in 2025.
"I'm coming with the album — biggest album of my career. I'm working so hard on it. It's special. My album's about bringing great energy and bringing collaborations that are either impossible to make or just something that's just magical. I've been taking my time making this album," he confirms, his face lighting up. "This is my 14th album. When you have 13 albums in the can, a lot of people can't make it past one album. It's hard, but I love music. I would do this anytime. It's about inspiration and motivation. So, I'm gonna be making music the rest of my life. It's about feeling."
Khaled wants to make this 14th album memorable, especially coming off his 2022 album God Did. He memorably performed the album's title track with collaborators Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and John Legend at the 2023 Grammy Awards show, where the album was nominated in five categories.
"This album right here. I can't wait to give you the title. Not yet, but be ready," he teases.
The day wasn't just about golf and giving back. Khaled beamed with pride as he announced that his single "I'm the One," featuring Lil Wayne, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, and Justin Bieber, had officially gone diamond.
"It went diamond! I just found out today. It went dia-mond!" Khaled exclaims. "So, it's a celebration."