DJ Khaled, Shining | Track Review 🎵

DJ Khaled returns with another ‘hot one,’ assisted by Beyoncé and hubby JAY-Z on flex-track “Shining.”

Following a big year in 2016, DJ Khaled has no plans to stop. NONE.  He returned with another “hot one” via “Shining.” What makes “Shining” so hot besides its radiant name? It features hip-hop royalty aka Beyoncé and JAY Z.  Only a couple of artists could land such talent on the same record.  That is DJ Khaled’s specialty. What’s great about “Shining” is that it’s not all hype. Sure, the minute that a record is star-studded like this one the hype machine is amped up to the nth degree.  Even so, there’s some punch behind the efforts of these three stars – mostly behind Beyoncé and JAY Z of course.

Following the signature Khaled shout outs, Beyoncé gets the shining started.  The best way to characterize the chorus is filled with attitude.  Mrs. Carter flexes hard.

“Shinin’, shinin’, shinin’, shinin’, yeah
All of this winnin’, I’ve been losin’ my mind...”

No, it’s not particularly poetic, but the attitude and energy are undeniable.  That same attitude continues onto two verses from the queen.  Again, those verses are flex-fests, filled with slang and repetition.  Both lack transcendence, but is depth what one expects from a DJ Khaled joint? No – dude makes bangers.

JAY Z gets on the banger late in the game.  Like his bae, he flexes:

“One ain’t enough, I need two
That night I mix the Ace with the D’US’
Hit a triple-double in the Garden
I don’t my left wrist like I’m Harden (swish).”

Again, there’s nothing game-changing lyrically like the triple-double JAY references, but at least he exudes confidence.  He even goes on to anticipate how he plans to pamper his forthcoming twins:

“Ran to the dealer, bought twin Mercedes
The European trucks for the twin babies
Don’t let me have a son, I’m a fool, haha
Send him to school in all my jewels, haha...”

Final Thoughts 

Ultimately, “Shining” is an enjoyable record.  It isn’t game changing, but it gives hip-hop fans another awesome turn-up record.  Turning up and hip-hop go hand in hand, right? Right.  Sigh, nothing wrong with flexing that wrist!

DJ Khaled • Grateful • Epic • Release: 6.23.17

Photo Credit: Epic