DJ Khaled has been honoured with a billboard-sized RIAA Lifetime Legacy Plaque in New York City, marking 20 years in the music industry and recognising a career that has generated more than 80 million records sold and over 20 billion streams worldwide.
The presentation took place at Rockefeller Plaza in Manhattan, where The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon unveiled the massive structure before a crowd of fans, family members and industry associates. The award commemorated Khaled’s achievements between 2006 and 2026 and highlighted the commercial success that has made him one of hip-hop’s most recognisable figures.
The custom-built plaque, which stretched across a large outdoor display area, featured artwork from all 13 of Khaled’s studio albums. It also included details of his platinum-certified singles and albums, as well as the career figures of 80 million records sold and 20 billion global streams.
Fallon said the unusual size of the plaque was necessary because Khaled’s catalogue could not be accommodated on a traditional award display.
“You have too many hit songs to fit on a regular-sized plaque,” Fallon said during the presentation, explaining why the award had to be unveiled outdoors rather than inside the studio.
The ceremony was designed as a surprise for Khaled. According to details shared during the event, his wife, Nicole Tuck, his sons Asahd and Aalam, and members of Roc Nation and We The Best Music Group coordinated plans to bring him to the show early under a different pretext before the plaque was revealed.
The surprise appeared to catch the music executive and producer off guard as he joined his family for the unveiling. Khaled was seated alongside his two sons as the giant plaque was presented to him before the gathered audience.
The award not only celebrated Khaled’s longevity in the industry but also showcased the scope of his discography. The display prominently featured all 13 studio albums released throughout his career, illustrating his evolution from a Miami-based DJ and radio personality to a globally recognised recording artist, producer and entrepreneur.
Some media reports and fan accounts have described the structure as the largest plaque ever presented to a music artist, reflecting the scale of the tribute and the achievements it was intended to commemorate.
Despite the event focusing on his past accomplishments, Khaled quickly turned attention to the future. After counting the 13 albums displayed on the plaque, he used the moment to reveal that another project was already underway.
“I’m already working on album number 14,” Khaled announced, signalling that he has no plans to slow down despite reaching the 20-year milestone.
The recognition adds another major accolade to Khaled’s career, which has been defined by chart-topping collaborations, platinum-selling releases and a prominent presence across music, media and popular culture.
Ademide Adebayo
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