DJ Khaled is too big for his own good. That’s the thrust of his 2013 epic, Suffering From Success (Deluxe Version), a sprawling rap collection featuring some of the greatest names in hip-hop. Shortly before beginning the recording process for the album, Khaled was involved with several projects, like Rick Ross’ God Forgives, I Don’t. Some ensuing sample issues, legal battles and contract negotiations slowed down Khaled; the stress was taking a toll on his health. Cue the title of his album Suffering From Success. The record became a rallying call for Khaled and his group of cohorts. Despite the pitfalls, drama and haters, all the problems are ultimately the result of unending success. The album’s defining statement is “No New Friends”, one of the biggest songs of 2010s rap, featuring Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. On the track, Khaled cues up a beat from Noah “40” Shebib and Boi-1da from Drake’s OVO SOUND RADIO, which makes sense considering the song began as a remix of “Started From the Bottom”, featured on the 6 God’s 2013 effort, Nothing Was the Same. It eventually evolved into the centrepiece of the album, a sprawling indictment of the snakes that come crawling into one’s circle as soon as fame is within reach. Keep the crew tight, and the process steady, and Khaled guarantees there will be more wins than losses—though the two are inherently linked. Suffering From Success is a reminder that Khaled can get any and everyone he wants on a record, and no one dares to request a solo joint or a special feature. The LP also won notice for its use of triplet-inspired hi-hat patterns and 808 drums, which would help define the next few years of rap’s sonic template. As always seems to be the case with Khaled, his big-league vision helps dictate where rap is headed.