DJ Khaled’s New Single “Higher” Samples Malaco Music; All Revenue to Be Contributed to Nipsey Hussle’s Family

DJ Khaled’s album, Father of Asahdand, includes the new single, “Higher”, featuring John Legend and the late Nipsey Hussle. The single samples the Malaco/Savoy artist, Myrna Summers’ “Oh Give Thanks.”

Khaled made an announcement on Instagram days before the single’s release, announcing that all revenue from the single will go to Hussle’s children. Co-writers, producers and label partners have all agreed to donate the earnings from the track to Kross Ashghedom, Hussle’s son with girlfriend and actress Lauren London, and Emani Ashghedom, his daughter from a previous relationship. Malaco has been inspired by the generosity of the team that worked on the single and will also donate a percentage of revenue generated from the single to Hussle’s family.

The video for “Higher” includes footage on top of a parking structure in Inglewood, California, close to where Hussle grew up, just three days before Hussle was fatally shot outside of his Los Angeles clothing store, Marathon Clothing, in March. Hussle raps about his family’s struggles, temptations from growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood and his personal growth.

“Looking back at my life make my heart race/Dance with the devil and test our faith,” Hussle raps. “I was thinking chess moves/But it was God’s grace.”

DJ Khaled posted a note to his Twitter account explaining the influence working with Hussle has had on him. An excerpt from the message reads, “Just days prior [to Hussle’s murder], he shared his energy and positivity with me on a video set for a song called, “Higher.” After much prayer and reflection and with the full blessing of the Asghedom family, I am sharing that moment with the world.”